Improve Your Home in 2018
We focus a lot on improvements in the beginning of the year. Lose weight, run a marathon, learn a skill - the possibilities are endless. But now that the hundreds of “New Year, New You” emails have died down, your friendly neighborhood basement blogger is here to remind you that your resolutions should also extend to your home.
Plans for your home should extend beyond “finally clean out that hall closet where we’ve just been jamming everything.” Whether you’ve been in your home for one year or fifty, there’s a lot you can do to make it safer and more comfortable, and to make it work for you and your family.
1. Commit to Fixing Problems
Spending time and money on a basement or crawl space isn’t fun - it’s basically the opposite of fun, since it doesn’t feel like you’re getting anything out of it. It’s not a new TV or sofa or even a fresh coat of paint on the walls, so it can feel like a waste. But think of what you’re wasting by avoiding problems.
Time: You may be concerned that home repair takes a lot of time out of your schedule. But how much time do you spend rearranging boxes in your basement after every rain to make sure water isn’t getting to them? Or going over the floor with a shop vac to get rid of water? How much time do you spend staring at that crack by the ceiling, wondering if it’s gotten bigger, or running upstairs for thicker socks because your floors are freezing even though the heat is on?
Money: No one’s first choice for spending money is “encapsulating the crawl space” - that might be the only thing that sounds even less fun than basement waterproofing. Meanwhile, your energy bills are increasing each month even though the house is still uncomfortable. And if there’s mold down there (which there often is), what are you spending in doctor visit copays and decongestants as you try to figure out why your kid’s cold just won’t go away?
2. Think Bigger
Once your basement is dry, so much more is possible. As your family grows, your home may start to feel claustrophobic, and finishing your basement is a great way to add extra living space. A guest bedroom? Sure. Another TV/living area? Great. Trick out a game room for your teenagers and never roll your eyes at the whining “I’m booooorrrrrred” again. (Who are we kidding on that last one. They’ll always be bored.)
We offer a variety of products in multiple finishes for your walls and floor so you can get a finished look with added protection. Unlike traditional finishes, all of our products are waterproof and inorganic, which means they won’t grow mold. You won’t have to worry about what’s lurking behind your finishes, and can just enjoy the added space.
“But we’re going to sell the house this year,” you may be thinking. “The basement can be the next person’s problem.” Not so fast. Water and foundation issues are major red flags for buyers and can often delay or even destroy a sale. Getting the problem fixed ahead of listing eliminates uncomfortable and frustrating conversations and negotiations. Our warranties are transferable, which ensures the new owner gets the same protections and is an attractive selling point.
Whether or not you fix your basement, crawl space, or foundation, you’re going to pay for it. It’s your decision if you want to pay for it once or every day. Call us today to schedule a free inspection and commit to improving your home - and your life - in 2018.
