Basement Category
One of the best ways to utilize an unused basement is to add a toilet to it. It may seem to be a lot of hard work, but while you may need to spend quite an amount for the project, it is nonetheless a very doable task. The time needed for to complete the task would depend on the size of the toilet you desire to build, and even though it is a project that should be left to professionals, you can surely do it yourself as long as you have the right equipments and basic skills needed for the job. Proper planning is also imperative if you wish everything to be a success. To make that possible, here are the steps to guide you.
Step 1. Ideally, your new toilet should be located in a space right beneath an already existing toilet or bathroom, so you could simply access the same water lines and drains. If this not possible, try to find the space as close to the existing water lines as possible. Not only will this make your job faster, it will also help you save on the cost of materials as well. When it comes to the electrical lines, though, you would want to install a circuit dedicated to your new toilet alone.
Step 2. Add the frames to the new toilet using either lumber or metal. Next, install the plumbing and electrical system. For your safety, always use Ground Fault Circuit Interruption or GFCI devices to protect you from electrical shock. Install a cold and hot water line to the sink and the shower and a cold line to the toilet. When all the utilities needed for the room have been installed, it’s time to install the wall. It’s up to you whether you’re going to use wood or concrete for your wall.
Step 3. Now it’s time to install the toilet. When installing the toilet, see to it that you provide ample space for leg movement. Plumb the water line next and set your toilet in place. Connect the water line and tighten the fittings. Once the toilet has been completely installed, check it for any water leakage.
Step 4. Install the sink and connect it to the cold and hot water line you tapped into earlier, then check for leakage by running water down the drain. Install the shower next, connecting it to the cold and hot water line as well. Check for leakage as usual by turning the shower on.
Step 5. Once you’re done installing the toilet, sink, and shower, it is time to work on the walls and ceiling next. It’s up to you whether you want to cover the walls and the floor with tiles or not, but for better design and functionality, it would be best to do so.
Step 6. Add toilet and bath accessories such as a medicine cabinet, towel rods, etc. Once you’re done, your new toilet should be fully functional within the next 24 hours.
If you find that water seeps into your basement on a regular basis, it’s important to realize that this is a serious situation. A little water may seem relatively harmless, but overtime this moisture can wear down foundational elements of the home and also contribute to mildew in the home. So, as soon as you discover moisture in your basement, take measures to fix the situation.
Locate the source of the water
First, you’re going to need to find the source of the water. You can do this by observing when the leaks occur. If it typically happens soon after a rain storm, this means that roof water is not being diverted away from the house well enough. If it comes through in one spot, this is a good indication that you have either a problematic spot in the foundation or a roof gutter that isn’t working properly.
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If you have a lot of space in your basement that is being underused, then you might want to consider turning it into an extension of your living space. It’s nice to have that extra room down there for kids to play in or to use as a quiet place to get away from everything else. Plus, having a finished basement can really increase the value of your home. Of course, finishing a basement involves many small steps that each require detailed instruction, but you can refer to this guide as a general blueprint for the steps you’ll want to take as you finish your basement.
Step 1: Clear everything out of your basement. As your work will cover pretty much every wall, ceiling and floor space in the basement, it’s best to have no obstructions at all.
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If you live in a low-lying area or in an older home that doesn’t have an adequate basement waterproofing system, then you likely encounter problems with basement flooding from time to time. Fortunately, even if you live in an old home, you can eliminate all basement flooding problems by installing a sump well and a pump. For most homeowners, it’s probably a good idea to hire someone to do this job, but if you’re brave and have some experience with this type of work, you can do it yourself. Here’s what to do.
Step 1: Get your materials. You’ll need a jackhammer, a plastic sump liner, about 8 feet of coarse gravel, some concrete, a trowel, PVC piping, and a submersible sump pump.
Step 2: Choose a location. Your sump should be in the lowest part of your basement, and it’s a good idea to place it a foot or so away from a wall. If there’s a corner of your basement that seems to be on a slight downslope from the rest, then that’s probably the best spot.
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If you’re a wine connoisseur and you plan to stay in your home for a long time, building a wine cellar is a fun and rewarding way to enjoy your hobby while improving the value of your home. Wine cellars can be as big or as small as you want them to be. Most people who build them choose to set aside a single dark room in the basement, but it can also be a small specially built container. Of course, the exact steps for building your wine cellar will be different depending on the size you’re going for, but here are some general things to keep in mind.
Cost
A deluxe wine cellar built with the help of a contractor can get up to
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If you’ve lived in your house for years and your basement has never flooded, this doesn’t mean that you’re in the clear. The elements that keep water from seeping through foundations wear down over time, and many homeowners find themselves suddenly deluged, usually in spring. If you’re not prepared for this, it can mean huge costs. You’ll have to have the water pumped out, which can be expensive, and then you’ll have to pay for repairs.
Avoid this situation by making your basement flood-proof now. It’s a relatively simple process that is much less costly than dealing with the problem after the fact.
Unless you have personal experience with construction and water management, you’re probably going to need to work with a professional on this. Check the phonebook or internet for “Basement waterproofing” specialists, and look for someone who places a lifetime guarantee on their work.
