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Benefits and Advantages of a Basement Remodel

By on June 23, 2023 in Basement Remodel
Partially,Completed,Interior,Remodel,Of,Home.

Benefits and Advantages of a Basement Remodel

As homeowners, one of our ultimate dreams is to have a house that’s beautiful, functional, and meets our family’s needs. One part of the house that can be transformed to meet these requirements is the basement. If you’re planning to remodel your basement, you’re in the right place. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the benefits and advantages of this important home improvement project, what to expect during your basement remodel, and the components of the job.

What Are the Benefits and Advantages of a Basement Remodel?

Create More Living Space Without an Addition

Remodeling your basement is a great way to create additional living space without the need for an expensive home addition. You can use this space as a family room, home theater, exercise room, guest suite, or even a home office.

Increase Your Home’s Value

A finished basement can significantly increase your home’s value. It’s one of the home improvement projects that have the best return on investment (ROI). According to Remodeling magazine’s 2021 Cost vs. Value Report, a basement remodel can recoup up to 72.1% of the cost.

Better Insulation and Energy Savings

When you remodel your basement, you have the opportunity to improve the insulation and air sealing, which will boost the energy efficiency of your home. By upgrading the building envelope, you can reduce air leakage and heat loss, which translates into lower utility bills.

Keep Your Family Safe

A damp or moldy basement can be hazardous to your family’s health. By remodeling your basement, you can address any moisture and ventilation issues, which will improve the indoor air quality and eliminate any potential hazards. You’ll also gain peace of mind knowing that you’re living in a safe and healthy environment.

What Can I Expect During My Basement Remodel?

At Bragg Construction and Remodeling, we follow a systematic approach to ensure that your basement remodel is as smooth, stress-free, and efficient as possible. Here are the steps you can expect during your basement remodel:

Step 1: Removing Dry Rot & Removing Carpenter Ants – Removing Framing

Before we can start the remodel, we need to identify any structural issues that need to be addressed. One of the common problems in basements is dry rot or carpenter ants, which can compromise the integrity of the framing and cause damage to the wood. We’ll inspect the basement for any such issues and take steps to remedy the problem. This may involve removing and replacing framing, repairing or replacing the concrete floor, and waterproofing the walls.

The wood framing And insulation had to be removed due to dry rot, bug damage and mold.
The wall was cleaned and sanitized.
We ran our hepa filtration system while we worked in order to keep the air clean for the workers and customers.
Debris was removed through the basement window so we wouldn’t track junk through the upstairs.

Step 2: Wall Framing, Add Windows and Doors, Install DryWall, Interior Painting

Once we’ve addressed any structural issues in the basement, we move on to framing the walls and adding any windows and doors needed for access and egress. Next, we’ll install the drywall and add interior painting to bring some color and personality to space.

Components of the Job

Our team is highly skilled and experienced in all aspects of a basement remodel project. Here are some of the services we offer:

Carpentry

We’ll be working on framing and finishing carpentry during the remodel. This means that we’ll be constructing the walls, ceilings, and floors using quality materials and precise measurements. We can also add custom woodwork, such as built-in bookcases, cabinetry, and wainscoting.

Wall Removal and Framing

If you want to open up your basement for a more spacious feel, we can help you with wall removal and framing. We’ll remove any walls that need to come down, and build new ones to create the layout and design you desire.

Dry Rot Repair

As mentioned, dry rot can be a significant problem in basements. We have the experience and tools to diagnose and repair any dry rot issues that we find.

Interior Painting

Our team will help you choose the perfect colors and finishes for your new basement. We’ll handle all interior painting jobs with precision and care.

Trim

Finally, we’ll finish off the space with trim or molding, giving it an elegant, finished look.

Working With Bragg Construction and Remodeling

At Bragg Construction and Remodeling, we’re passionate about helping homeowners turn their basements into beautiful, functional, and safe living spaces. We’re a team of experts who pride ourselves on quality workmanship, customer satisfaction, and attention to detail. Whether you need carpentry, wall framing, dry rot repair, interior painting, or trim work, we’re ready to help. Contact us today for a free consultation!

Dry Rot FAQs

By on May 9, 2023 in Dry Rot Repair
Dry Rot

Dry rot is a serious problem that can affect wood in any building. If left untreated, it can cause significant structural damage and even affect the health of residents. Unfortunately, dry rot is quite common, so it’s essential to be aware of it, how to prevent it and what to do if you suspect it’s present in your home.

In this post, we’ll cover some frequently asked questions about dry rot to help homeowners better understand this issue.

What is Dry Rot?

Dry Rot is a type of fungus that typically affects wood. It thrives in warm, damp conditions where wood can retain moisture for extended periods. As the name suggests, the fungus dries the wood out, making it brittle, cracked and weaker.

Dry rot can also spread to other types of building materials, including bricks and plaster. When left untreated, it can cause significant structural damage and even affect the health of residents, as the fungus can release toxic spores into the air.

How Can I Tell if I Have Dry Rot in my Home?

Spotting dry rot is usually relatively easy, thanks to the tell-tale signs of its presence. The following symptoms can be an indication of dry rot:

1) A musty, damp smell in the affected area

2) Wood that looks darker or has a reddish-brown tint

3) Cracked or brittle wood

4) Wood that crumbles when pressure is applied

5) White, cotton-like strands on wood or in cavities

6) Skirting boards or wood-based finishes that have become detached from the walls or floors.

If you see any of these signs, it’s a good idea to get a professional to inspect your home thoroughly. Early intervention can prevent significant damage and save you money in the long run.

Do All Homes Get Dry Rot?

Any building that is made of wood is susceptible to dry rot, regardless of its age or condition. However, some homes are more prone to dry rot than others. Homes with inadequate ventilation, high levels of moisture in the air or an existing damp problem are more likely to develop dry rot.

What Causes Dry Rot?

Dry rot is caused by a fungal spore known as Serpula Lacrymans. The fungus requires certain conditions to thrive and grow, including a source of food (wood), moisture and warm temperatures. Any damp areas in your home can provide the perfect habitat for dry rot to take hold. This could be caused by poor ventilation or a water leak, for example.

How Can Dry Rot Be Prevented?

Prevention is always the best course of action when it comes to dry rot. Here are some tips on how to prevent dry rot in your home:

1) Keep your home dry and well-ventilated – Ensure that your home is adequately ventilated, particularly in areas such as bathrooms and kitchens that are prone to damp. Use dehumidifiers to maintain low humidity levels.

2) Fix any leaks or water damage – Any water damage in your home should be repaired promptly to prevent damp from developing.

3) Inspect your home regularly – Regular inspections can help you identify any damp problems before they become severe.

4) Remove any areas of damp – If you discover any areas of damp in your home, such as water-stained walls or black mould, take steps to rectify the problem.

5) Treat any wood that may be exposed to damp – Wood that is in frequent contact with moisture, such as timber decking, should be treated with a protective layer.

Can Dry Rot Be Treated?

Dry rot can only be treated by a professional. DIY solutions are unlikely to be effective, and it’s essential to get an expert opinion on the severity of the rot problem.

In most cases, the infected area will need to be removed, as well as the surrounding wood. Any plaster or masonry that has been affected may also need to be removed and replaced.

Once the area has been cleared of all infected materials, a treatment will be applied to kill any remaining spores.

Final Thoughts

Dry rot is a serious problem that can cause significant structural damage if left untreated. While all homes are susceptible to dry rot, there are steps you can take to prevent it from developing and to mitigate damage if it does occur. Regular inspections and swift action at the first sign of damp problems can go a long way towards preventing dry rot in your home. If you suspect that you may have dry rot in your home, it’s essential to contact a professional for advice and treatment.

How To Find A Good Home Repair Contractor

By on April 5, 2023 in Home Repair Contractor, Uncategorized

How To Find A Good Home Repair Contractor

Hiring a home repair contractor is an important part of any renovation project. It’s essential to find someone you can trust and communicate with well. To start, gather price quotes from a few good contractors. Next, meet with them in person to get a feel for their “chemistry” or rapport.

Check Online Reviews

Online reviews are a huge part of the home repair industry, and can be used to help you find the right contractor. Whether you’re looking for a kitchen remodeler, a roofer or someone to perform plumbing work, reviews are an excellent tool in your search. To start, look for the big three review sites: Yelp, Facebook and Google. These are general review sites where businesses of all types have pages. You can also check niche review sites like Angie’s List and Houzz. They’re specifically designed to give you a better idea of how reputable the contractors you’re considering are, and can be a great resource for finding someone who does a good job in your area.

Check With The Better Business Bureau

Before you sign a contract with a potential home repair contractor, check with the Better Business Bureau. The BBB is a free resource that you can use to find local and reputable businesses. A good way to begin your search is by calling each potential contractor’s references and asking them about their experiences with them. This will help you determine whether or not they are a good fit for your project. You should also ask each potential home repair contractor if they are licensed to do work in your area. You can check with your state licensing agency for information on licenses and certificates of insurance. The BBB also maintains a database of complaints filed against companies, charities and other organizations. These complaints are compiled from consumer reports filed throughout the country.

Check With Your Insurance Company

When it comes to choosing a home repair contractor, it’s essential to start by checking with your insurance company. In many cases, a homeowner’s insurance policy will pay for repairs in either replacement cost or actual cash value. The insurance company will send you a check for this settlement amount. It will be made out to you and, if you have a mortgage, to your lender as well. Some lenders might put a portion of the settlement money into an escrow account to help cover the costs of repairs. Once the work is completed and the lender has inspected it, they will release the remaining funds to you.

Check With The Contractor’s License

When hiring a contractor, it’s essential to ensure that they are licensed. This means that they have met certain qualifications, including training and passing tests. Licenses and certifications are typically regulated at the state and local level. They vary by city or county, but generally cover areas like electrical work, plumbing jobs and HVAC work. In addition, many states require contractors to be bonded. These bonds are a form of insurance that covers your home in case the contractor can’t complete their job properly.