This page is dedicated to a basement remodeling project completed by Ohio Home Doctor in Dayton, Ohio during the winter of 2013.

This project began with local homeowners Mr. and Mrs. Carter needing more space for their growing family. The answer was for the Carter family to expand downward making use of previously untapped space in their basement. Their wish list inlcuded a study, a library, a media/entertainment hub, and lots of open space for the childeren. We also included a highly functional pantry for those over flow kitchen items.

This project posed a few challanging circumstances for our talented carpenters. First the builder positioned a main drain stack two foot in front one of the few basement windows. This quandry left two local contractors without a solution and the Carter family wondering if finishing their basement  was even feasible. The drain in question contained a hub of main fittings which carried ALL of the waste for the first floor. moving this would mean re-plumbing most of the home and adding needless thousands to a already tight budget.

Mr. Carter was searching online and found one of our videos depicting a similar situation. He followed the link to our website and filled out on of the simple to use contact forms. With in one week of the intial meeting we had a final design, budget, the project permits issued, and work under way. Our solution to the design stumping misplaced drain was to incorporate it into a closet wall which flanked the bathroom proving both much needed storage and natural light and fresh air. This project took just under 5 weeks started to finish and I think their youngs kids enjoy the space most since they are able to run around safely playing without obstruction.

Not only did the Carter family get the extra space they needed but having a finished basement allowed them to re-purpose a good portion of the main living level making their entire home more functional for their busy family. This entire project was completed for under $20,000 including, 2×4 walls, 1/2 moisture resistent drywall, flush mount and can lighting, painting, a new bathroom, and frize high quality MoHawk carpet.

UPDATE! The Carters had us back to remodel their two other bathrooms. We will post progress and finished pics of this project soon so please follow us!

The post Carter Basement Finishing Project appeared first on Ohio Home Doctor.

As drop ceiling designs see more and more popularity in recent years, they’ve proven themselves to be a stylish and practical choice for basement remodeling.  Here are some important that you should consider considered  when considering a ceiling for your basement.   You will need  access the ceiling when ever you want to add new wires, lighting etc. Which is not like your other floors that may have been drywalled or covered in some other fashion.

We will now give you the positives and negatives that we see everyday dealing with basement suspened ceiling tiles and try to point out some of the different options you may want to consider.

Suspended Ceilings Dropped Ceilings or Drop Ceilings:

If there is enough head room clearance in your basement one of the easiest ways that you can  cover the ceiling is installing a drop ceiling also known as a suspended ceiling.  Suspended ceilings are made up of consist metal bars forming a grid pattern and form a letter T which are hung from wires that are attached to the joists above them.

These metal channels are snapped  together and form either a 2×2 ora 2×4 square. At this point these squares are inserted with the acoustical ceiling tiles or ceiling panels that you have chosen.  There are many advantages to this type of ceiling such as, the ceiling tile panels can be accessed for wiring, any  plumbing work or duct work.

Rewiring, from a basement to another floor is no problem now, for the running of  telephone or cable or TV, stereo wires and speakers or security systems or a doorbell or even  Ethernet wires.  Additionally, adding  insulation to the top of these panels is now a easy project.. The acoustic properties which are inherent in the panels also help decrease noise levels to help keep your basement and the above rooms a little quieter.

Acoustical tiles have made great advances over the last 10yrs.

There is now a  variety of acoustical tile styles, colors and grids from which you can choose. There are artistic tiles, vintage tin, wood planks, copper,  faux metal, faux wood, and custom painted ceiling  tiles. available from which you can choose from.  Using a sponge that is lightly dampened, your can wash the tiles.

What Suspended or Dropped Ceilings Can Offer You:

• Installs quickly, with no mess.
• Compatible with recessed and suspended lighting.
•  Helps muffle basement sounds from the floor above.
• Convenient access to cables, pipes, ducts, and electrical wires.
• Damaged tiles are easily and inexpensively replaced.
• Easy, inexpensive repair should a tile be damaged.
• An attractive, cost-effective solution.

However, here are some disadvantages to suspended or dropped ceilings.

Count on losing about four inches of head-space. But that same space is invaluable when used for the purposes listed above.

Drywalling the ceiling:

If you are looking for a professional appearance then finishing the ceiling with drywall will provide a warmer look than the commercial looking appearance of a suspended ceiling.  It will also help to match the other ceilings in your home.

The process of sheet rocking your ceiling involves installing  framing for the backing. Any duct work must be boxed  in and the service panels will need accounting for to access the plumbing valves, tub or shower J-traps, or any other areas for mechanical service.  Drywalling  a ceiling in your basement is work intensive besides being  expensive. Also running of any wires or cables to the floors above can be time consuming, quite often difficult and may be expensive.

Even though your drywall ceilings may  have a finished look your ceiling panels can be replaced and, when any  plumbing problems do arise,  any ceiling panels can  be taken out and popped back in, whereas  any drywall replacement will involve cutting out a portion, repeated patching, additional sanding and the refinishing of the drywall area  and repainting.

Drywall ceilings can be textured, stippled or painted. Although most people seem to apply a stippled finish, you have many more choices regarding the finish that you apply to your drywall ceiling. Suspended ceilings come in a number of varieties of finish and colors, however you generally do not have the same flexibility with suspended ceilings that you have with drywall.

Installation time and difficulty are about the same, although they each will need different tools and skill sets.  If you are having a difficult time choosing which way to go, then you might consider going for both. It is possible to dry wall areas where you will not need any to access wiring or plumbing and such, and install suspended ceilings throughout the remaining basement areas.

Finished basements in high demand in the housing markets of today throughout the U.S.  For a home’s equity in the long term, the finished basement proves to be a great asset.  But for this to occur  the remodeling and finishing of a basement must have a professional look to it will take not only careful planning but considerable forethought.

To ensure that your investment will not be compromised, taking care to address each step in the process is critical for success.

So to wrap up, if flexibility to add something in the future is important for you then maybe you want to consider a suspended ceiling. On the other hand if you prefer finished look and are not concerned about future modifications, then drywall is probably the best for you.

Call Ohio Home Doctor for a free suspended or dropped ceiling estimate for your basement or any other project for your home at… (937) 605-6882

The post All About Acoustical Suspended/Drop Ceiling Design and Installation appeared first on Ohio Home Doctor.

Even the nicest finished basements always lack one very important thing, natural light.  Natural light livens up a room, allows for natural plants to flourish, and generally just makes people happier. Imagine sitting in your basement office or basement bedroom and being able to gaze out and see the sunny day around you.

This ability will undoubtedly make you smile and is just one advantage of having Ohio Home Doctor install an egress window for you.  Choosing an egress window contractor  in Dayton Ohio and the greater Miami Valley is a decision that must be made with care.  Do not be fooled by do-it-yourself blogs which can make it sound easy.  Installing an egress window is an involved and very technical task.

In order to install one, your foundation must be cut, yes the foundation which holds your house up.  Also the drainage system must be properly tied into your home’s existing drainage system.

Be sure to ask potential egress window contractors how they intend to do this, and pay attention.  If you feel like they don’t know the answer, be concerned.  Improper installation can be disastrous and turn your potential gem into a never ending nightmare.

Also ask how they intend to cut the foundation.  If they say anything other than a track mounted hydraulic wet saw tell them, “ Thanks, but no thanks!”  Installing an egress window is not a job for a handyman or weekend warrior.

Be sure to select an insured, bonded member of the Better Business Bureau.  Ohio Home Doctor is proud to be Dayton Ohio’s premier egress window installer. We have installed every style of egress window well and have weeded out the low quality and over priced options for you.

According to Webster’s dictionary,  the term “Egress” is defined as, “to emerge” or “a path out”.  The literal definition is very appropriate since egress windows provide just that, “a path out” through your typically impenetrable basement walls.

In the greater Dayton Ohio and Miami Valley area, the building codes dictate that any basement containing a bedroom or sleeping room must contain an egress window and approved egress window well system to facilitate occupants’ escape in case of fire or other natural disaster.

Adding an egress window not only provides priceless peace of mind, but also adds value to your home, and increases your quality of life while spending time in your finished basement.  In Ohio, without a properly installed egress window, you as a homeowner cannot claim the finished square footage in your basement even if there is no bedroom.

When you list your home, the MLS listing will ignore all finished footage in your finished basement possibly causing potential buyers to pass over your listing, not knowing your home meets their square footage requirements.  This being said, installing an egress window and egress window well, yields incomparable returns on your investment.

The square footage of a typical basement has an equal amount of square footage as each floor above.  Imagine what adding a couple of bedrooms, a bathroom, and multiplying the total square feet in your home will do for its value.  In this housing market every seller needs every advantage he or she can get to stand out from the house down the street. Adding an egress window and egress window well in Dayton Ohio will do just that for you.

Ohio Home Doctor can install an egress window while we finish your basement, or in your already finished basement.

Installing egress windows while basement remodeling can maximize the cost effectiveness of both projects.  Cutting the foundation allows us to bring drywall, and other building materials, easily into the basement, an advantage which has obvious benefits if you have ever had to carry anything into yours.

Also doing both projects simultaneously eliminates interior finishing costs.

Egress window installation codes in Dayton Ohio mirror those of national standards.  The window sill may be no more than 44 inches from the finished floor with a minimum net clear opening of 5.7 square feet.  This means when the window is in open position the accessible opening must be equal to or greater than 5.7 square feet.

The best type of window for achieving this requirement and minimizing the penetration through your home’s basement foundation walls are casement, or “crank out” windows.  When open, these windows provide nearly 100% of the window’s rough opening size as an escape opening.  Code also has requirements for the type of window well and amenities the egress window well you select provides. Call today and we can schedule a time to discuss which options are best for you and your needs.

There is one last misconception I would like to clarify.

I have heard people argue, “ The only window I will put in my basement is glass block” because of security concerns.  I am here to tell you, a properly installed egress window can provide even more security than glass block windows.  This is because of the several security covers offered by various manufacturers, and the additional barrier when a potential thief must penetrate two obstacles instead of one.

Ohio Home Doctor also installs full egress walkout doors regardless of your home’s dirt grade.  We have several relatively inexpensive options to install a door entering and exiting your basement.  The possibilities this remodeling option will provide for you are endless.

We have installed many types of full egress walk out door and stair systems and have received positive feedback from other industry professionals on our innovative ideas, and cost effective techniques for achieving functional basement doors where people thought they could never exist.

Ohio Home Doctor will be happy to provide you with the egress window installation you deserve.

Let us show you how easy it can be!

Call Ohio Home Doctor today at (937) 605-6882 and schedule a time to discuss the different options we have available and to receive a free estimate that meets your requirements and budget.

Thank you for your time and I look forward to hearing from you.

Matt Geddis
Ohio Home Doctor Inc.

While your here on this page, why not take a minute to quick jump over to our egress window suppliers and take a look at all the options there are to choose from.

Take a look here:  http://www.WellCraftWells.com

And Here:  http://www.redi-exit.com

We hope this information about what you should know about walk out basement and egress window construction has helped you understand the conditions required for your walk out and egress window needs.

The post What You Should Know About Walk Out Basement and Egress Window Construction appeared first on Ohio Home Doctor.

Basement Ceiling systems: Drywall: Drywall ceilings provide a clean fluent finish ad are available in many different finishes and textures.

While beautiful and clean they do prohibit running new wires and working on above mechanicals. If drywall is your material of choice make sure you include the plenty of lightning and design the rooms to accommodate changing lifestyles (play room to pool hall) so that the finished rooms in your basement will be multifunctional and suit your diverse needs.

Acoustical Ceilings: Acoustical ceilings are know under several names such as: drop ceilings, suspended ceilings, and panel and frame ceilings.

In the last 15 years companies have developed numerous different styles of these ceilings offering choices that vary significantly from the one you probably have in your office. Acoustical ceilings provide excellent sound retention and make running new wires or addressing above mechanical issues in the future simple.

Lightning, outlets, and mechanicals can be added, altered, or removed with comparably little effort and absolutely no painting or drywall mess.

OHD Healthy Living Basement Finishing Techniques: Over the Years Ohio Home Doctor has perfected a proprietary technique for maximizing the quality of your basement finishing or remodeling project. We have combined innovative moisture extraction methods, foundation treatments and top coats, and the latest in micro-ban materials and techniques specifically designed to provide you with the healthiest finished basement on the market.

One deep breath of our finished product and you will feel the Ohio Home Doctor difference. Not all basement finishing contractors in Dayton Ohio are created equally.

Call Ohio Home Doctor Inc. today at (937) 605-6882 and talk to the best acoustical ceiling contractor in the Dayton, Ohio area.

to find out which basement ceiling system would be best for you situation.

The post Basement Ceiling Systems appeared first on Ohio Home Doctor.

Drywall:

Wood stud framed walls covered with ½ drywall a time tested and cost effective method for finishing basement walls. A wood framed wall with a pressure treated bottom plate offers great strength and long lasting durability while providing a finely finished wall system that maintains wall fluency throughout all the levels of your home.

Fiberglass Drywall:

Fiberglass drywall is a relatively new product and boast extreme resistance to mold growth. Mold spores, when provided the atmosphere and opportunity will typically grow only on the paper face of the drywall board not on the substrate. Thus by removing the paper and facing the panels will fiberglass laced with Microban the mold growth potential is greatly reduced.

Wood vs. Metal studs: 

When considering your options for remodeling or finishing your basement one must consider whether they want to frame the walls out of wood or metal studs. Both have their advantages and disadvantages. Wood provides a sturdy wall system and is a great material for hanging cabinetry and doors.

However mold will grow on wood if provided the proper conditions and opportunity. Where as a metal wall will prohibit mold growth more so than wood wall but lacks in strength and ability to freely hang items from it. Some applications are best when a combination of wood and metal framing is utilized.

Call (937) 605-6882 today to schedule a time to discuss which basement finishing system would be best for your specific situation and conditions.

Back To Dayton Basement Remodeling

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For instance if your basement includes a wet bar then a good flooring choice would be one that holds up well to wet conditions including water and beverage spilling.

If your room will be used for a media area then consider items such as sound absorbency, comfort, and flexibility to accommodate changing designs. Each different type of flooring has inherit advantages and disadvantages.

The following paragraphs help you analyze the pros and cons of some popular flooring choices.

Carpet:

Carpeting comes in several materials and styles.  From water and stain resistant to durable commercial styles, carpeting can be a good choice for basement flooring if your basement conditions are always dry and clean.  Carpeting offers a cozy atmosphere and a soft surface under your feet.  But carpet can grow mold, trap dust, and stains easily.

Wood: 

Wood flooring should ONLY be installed in a basement if proper waterproofing steps including exterior foundation waterproofing membrane application and back up generators are installed.  Wood will be ruined by one flood.  There are also waterproofing and moisture membranes materials that can be rolled onto your slab to extend the life of wood flooring installed in below grade applications.

These precautions are invaluable because of the investment to risk ratio installing wood in your basement provides.  Installing wood flooring can be a beautiful basement flooring option if installed and maintained properly.

Vinyl: 

Over the years vinyl flooring has made strides in advancing the quality and beauty its products provide.

New rubbers and flexible composites have replaced the previously dull and brittle vinyl’s of the past.  New products are able to be printed and embossed with rich natural stone impressions and colors.  Custom tile designs and wood looks are also available.

Vinyl flooring comes in two types including monolithic sheets and tile or plank forms.  Both are durable and extremely resistant to staining and water infiltration. Vinyl can be an excellent choice for basement flooring if it fits into your basement’s finished design.

Tile: 

Tile flooring can include; porcelain, ceramic, travertine, slate, marble, granite, and other natural stones.  Properly installed tile flooring can be both beautiful and durable.  Tile is hands down the best basement flooring choice.

It is almost impenetrable by water and very rigid holding up to the harsh conditions basement living often provides. Make sure your installer tests the concrete since some polished concrete surfaces require additional bonding primers prior to tile installation.  Special setting materials are available for below grade applications.

Any of these basement flooring options can make and your new remodeled basement something you and your family will enjoy every day and for the years to come.

The post Your Guide To Basement Flooring Options appeared first on Ohio Home Doctor.

For many people their basement is the biggest untapped investment.  While basements often times appear gloomy, and or have water infiltration, know that the potential exists to transform it from gloom to dreamy.

Basements are great spaces for entertaining, an additional bath, a kitchenette, a media room, a play area, a wet bar, an office, or additional bedrooms.  The options to finish a basement are endless.  There are countless contractors selling even more different systems all claiming to be, and have the best.

This being said, I thought this article could help inform you on the different techniques and options available for you.  Before we start with our basement remodeling and basement wall, egress window and basement ceiling options such as a suspended ceiling or drop ceiling, lets start with your existing space and conditions.

Do you currently have water leaking in or puddling in your basement?

If so, then the first step will be eradicating the conditions causing the problems.  Typical areas of concern are basement windows, foundation penetrations, foundation cracks, and the seam between your foundation and your slab floor.

To thoroughly inspect your basement, clean everything out from the perimeter so that all of the exterior basement walls can be easily seen and inspected.  If lighting is poor, run temporary lighting to allow easy viewing.  Now look to the problem areas listed above.  It helps to do this during extreme rains for obvious reasons.

If the water is coming in through a window, then installing a new window well outside with a drain line which connects to the home’s drainage system will be the first step.  Once the well is properly installed, the window itself can be inspected and replaced if necessary.

If the water is entering through a foundation penetration such as drain lines, waterlines, or vents then fixing the problem should be easy.  Dig outside to where the penetration enters your home.  Clean the area free of dirt and debris, then seal the crack between the pipe and foundation with the proper ASTM sealant.  Note that the appropriate material depends on the condition of your foundation and what is penetrating it.  Back fill with gravel then dirt, caulk interior with same sealant, and problem solved.

If the water is intruding through cracks in your foundation and basement walls, then epoxy injections are the only sure bet other than digging around your entire house and applying foundation waterproofing.  Epoxy injection is effective and relatively cheap compared to the benefits achieved by utilizing them.  Holes are drilled and spaced evenly according to the width and length of the crack.  Two part expanding epoxy is injected into the wholes thus filling the entire crack from the inside out creating a strong water proof patch which will last for 20 years or better.  Upon full expansion of the epoxy, the excess material is toweled off creating a smooth effective water barrier.

The most serious kind off water leak is when, the water is entering through the seam between your foundation and concrete slab flooring.  If you have a operating sump pump pit adjust it to a lower level.  If not, one will need to be installed in order to relieve some of the underground water pressure.  Next, the slab must be cut at least 12 inches from the foundation all the way around your basement.  The dirt, hopefully gravel, must then be dug out to accommodate your new drainage system.  There are several products available for these drainage systems but, all work in the same manner.

The first piece has a vertical lip which catches water from above.  The next piece looks and acts very similar to the gutters on your houses eves.  The gutter is installed around the perimeter and is tied into either your existing drain system or the sump pit depending on scope and severity of your job.  The whole is then filled with gravel around the “gutter” then, patched with concrete.

This method can be costly but, it is the only sure bet for waterproofing this type of leak.

If you have a dry basement or have just finished waterproofing your basement, then the next thing to do is to begin planning the design and layout of your new proposed space.

When designing this space take into consideration how you and your family will be able to use it, then plan the amenities accordingly.  Talking to a professional during the planning stage can help because the existing plumbing and mechanical can dictate where items can be placed to maintain cost efficiency.

As for basement wall systems, there are several.

The most popular is standard drywall and wood stud construction.  People who sell expensive wall systems try to scare potential customers with exaggerated mold stories and worse case scenarios but at the end of the day, it is a proven technique that  when properly installed can be as healthy and beautiful as any other on the market while keeping cost minimal.

Another popular technique we have seen grow in popularity over past five years is, metal studs and fiberglass faced drywall.

The benefit to this technique is that mold, when given the opportunity will grow first on the paper face of the drywall, then on the bottom plate of the wood stud wall.  Utilizing metal studs eliminates bottom plate mold growth and likewise for fiberglass drywall.  Having no paper or wood in the wall gives the mold less places to develop into maturity.

This technique is on average 10% to 15% percent more costly, and has a few other drawbacks as well such as, it is hard to hang cabinets on metal studs, the finished wall contains less rigidity than a wood wall, and has less soundproofing capabilities than its wooden counterpart.

Other options include “Owens Corning” wall panels.

I used Owens Corning as an example but, there are several different manufactures of similar systems all with their own proprietary advantages and disadvantages.  These systems are typically very expensive and come with high pressure sales and ascetic disadvantages.  The panels come in various sizes and seams can be seen in between each.

Some times battens or strips are installed over the seams giving a look not much different from smooth plywood with 1×4’s nailed over them.  Other disadvantages are, this systems inability to be modified.

For instance maybe you have another kid or need an in home office.  With these wall panel systems modifying the space and maintaining fluency in your basement means shelling out big dollars.  Also hanging pictures and shelving is very difficult, so much so the manufacturer sells wall mounting kits utilizing special hardware.

Therefore if you choose this system and want to hang some of your kids artwork in their basement play room, plan on getting your credit card out, and waiting on hold.  Those are the most popular three.  There are many more and I would be happy to discuss others with you, just contact me at (937) 605-6882 and we can set up a time.

Once you have decided what walls system is best for you and your budget, the next item is ceiling options.  The first and most popular is of course drywall.  You most likely have a drywall ceiling in the room you are reading this article in right now and, it is the best material in order to maintain fluency with the rest of your house.

Drywall is relatively cheap and offers a clean finish with very little maintenance.  Drywall can also be textured to match an existing or create an entirely new look.  Some drawbacks of dry walling a basement ceiling can be;  Often times a basement has an abundance of mechanicals running through it and items such as electrical lines, plumbing lines, and HVAC ductwork pose an obstacle for achieving a consistent and un obtruded ceiling.

Others include extended accessibility. It can be very hard to run new wiring, lighting, and other items through a dry walled basement ceiling. This being said it is crucial to plan your space properly the first time and make the spaces multi functional to accommodate changing lifestyles.

Another popular ceiling option is suspended or drop ceilings.  You probably have them at work. They are 2×4 or 2×2 panels laid into a steel frame.  Drop ceilings are clean, able to be painted, and make running addition wires, and addressing above mechanical issues in the future a breeze.  Standard drop ceilings run close to the same cost as a dry walled ceiling but, can get wildly expensive according to the style of pad you choose.

Pads can be recessed for a dimensional look or flat for a standard look.  Many people enjoy the luxury of being able to work on mechanicals in the ceiling, without calling a drywall guy and painting, an option only drop ceilings provide.

There are also various basement flooring options available to todays consumer for finishing off your basement  remodeling project or renovation, here are some basement flooring options you can consider.

Read More About Basement Finishing Here!

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