When you need more living space, finishing a basement is the low cost option because you use space that already exists. A finished basement is like found money.

To build a home addition, the costs are much higher.

So – one good reason to finish a basement is the low cost for additional living space.

Four More Good Reasons

Compared to upstairs rooms, basement rooms are (1) secluded, (2) quiet, (3) dark, and (4) cool. For some rooms, these features are just what you want.

For a home workout gym, a bedroom, or a wine cellar, cool is much better than warm.

When a home theater room is secluded in the basement, the people upstairs won’t disturb you and you won’t disturb them when you play your favorite movies.

Workshops, hobby rooms, and children’s play areas also work well in basements. You and the kids get to spend more time having fun and less time cleaning up.

And if you work from home, the basement is a great place to set up a home office.

Basements – One Serious Disadvantage

Basements, though, do have one serious disadvantage – possible problems with moisture and ventilation.

When water enters a basement, it causes damage. And water can enter a basement through many paths:

• surface water from rains and flooding

• sub-surface ground water

• water vapor

• humidity

For each of these points of water entry, you need a solution.

To Keep Surface Water Away From The Foundation

To keep surface water away from the foundation, the soil surface around your house should slope away from the foundation. The roof, gutters, downspouts, and downspout extenders should capture rain and move it away from the house. Avoid allowing water to accumulate within 15 feet of the foundation.

To Prevent Entry Of Sub-surface Ground Water

To prevent sub-surface ground water from entering the basement, you need to repair any concrete cracks in your foundation. You also need a drainage system that manages the moisture that’s next to your basement walls. And, last, you need a system that manages water that’s being pressed by hydrostatic pressure against the basement floor. This system should include a pressure relief sump pump that operates even when electricity is out.

To Prevent Entry Of Water Vapor

Research has documented that as much as 15 gallons per day of water vapor can enter a basement space via transmission through unsealed walls and floors. To prevent water vapor from getting through concrete, vapor barriers are needed.

To Control Basement Humidity

Humidity is simply water vapor in the air. Water used in the home’s interior (for bathing, washing clothes and dishes, cooking, etc.) contributes to humidity.

And basements, because they tend to be cooler than above ground floors, naturally have higher humidity. This humidity encourages the growth of molds and mildews.

Mold and mildew make your basement smell bad. Even worse, mold can create serious health problems.

Solutions

For each way that unwanted water enters your concrete basement and damages your home, EverDry has a solution.

The Modern Drainage System takes care of surface and subsurface water that tries to enter the house through the foundation walls.

The Pressure Relief System handles water pressed against the basement floors by hydrostatic pressure.

The EZBreathe ventilation system eliminates ventilation and humidity problems. The air in your basement will feel clean, crisp, and fresh.

If you own a home in Cincinnati, Ohio, and want to make sure your basement stays dry, you can get expert advice and a free estimate at http://www.EverDryCincy.com. They can help you with basement waterproofing, foundation waterproofing, concrete foundation repair, and concrete basement repair.

EverDry can help you claim your basement so that you have the living space you want.