Tips to Consider Before a Basement Conversion

Image via: HGTV – Candace Olson

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Ask yourself:

Why do I want to convert my basement to living space?

Knowing exactly what is motivating you to convert your basement (which is a large undertaking) is very important. By having a clear understanding of what your goals are, you’ll be able to plan out the best way to utilize the space, whether you’ll need services like plumbing, appliances, lighting etc, and the general design scheme for the room. It’s probably a good idea to work with a designer to get a good idea of how things will work best, but this isn’t strictly necessary.

How much do I want to spend?

Knowing your budget up front is absolutely imperative. Basement conversions can be costly, and it’s easy to spend more money than you intended if you don’t have a budget in mind beforehand.

Are there any physical architectural or structural issues?

Converting a basement to living space isn’t just about decorating. Often, there are existing issues that need to be addressed before the décor part of the conversion can take place. One of these issues can be whether your basement needs to be waterproofed before construction begins. Particularly if you live in an older home, dampness and water can be a problem. Before you can drywall and start the construction process, it’s absolutely imperative that you address the issue of waterproofing. Don’t skip this step in the name of trying to save money! Affordable waterproofing services are available in most cities. It’s necessary to ensure your basement is properly waterproofed, as failing to do so can mean that all of your hard work to drywall, install flooring, paint, and decorate could be in vain.

Foundation issues and other architectural concerns should also be addressed at the outside. Be sure your basement (and any changes you plan to make) meet local building codes.

If you live in a condo, you may have to secure advance permission from your Homeowner’s Association before you proceed.

Image via: Architecture Art Designs

Am I ready for the disruption this will cause?

Construction causes disruption; there’s no real way around that. You may not have electricity for a time, your water may be shut off, you’ll have to deal with dust and noise, etc. If you have small children or elderly members in the family, this can be especially disruptive. Be sure you are aware of this and prepared for it before you start the renovation.

Converting your basement is a great way to gain more living space in your home. Before you start picking out paint colors, however, it’s important to keep these key questions in mind.

For more basement ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

How Safe is Your Older Home? The Dangers of Asbestos

Image via: This Old House

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How Safe is Your Home? The Dangers of Asbestos

I would like to introduce Heather Von St. James, an eight year mesothelioma survivor. Heather was exposed to asbestos when she was a little girl by wearing her father’s work jacket to do outside chores. Her father worked in construction and demolition, and he would come home covered head to toe in dust. Little did they know, that dust was a deadly substance, that would almost take Heather’s life down the road. Heather was diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma just months after the birth of her only child, Lily. She was given just 15 months to live, but after treatments and a surgery to remove her left lung, Heather is now one of the very few survivors of mesothelioma.

This week I had the chance to interview Heather, and I asked her some questions about asbestos, and how we can keep our homes and families safe from it.

What is asbestos?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that is mined from deposits in the earth. It was used heavily in the mid century for strengthening and fireproofing things like cement, and construction materials.

How do you become exposed to asbestos?

Exposure from asbestos happens when the mineral is mined, or when products containing asbestos are disturbed or disrupted. Many homes and businesses built before 1980 most likely contain asbestos somewhere, whether it be in insulation around pipes or in attics, or in ceiling or floor tiles. These building products are only harmful if they are disturbed, as in during renovation or remodeling. Asbestos is only dangerous when it is friable, meaning  when the asbestos fibers are airborne. It is breathing in or swallowing the fibers that causes the cancer 20-50 years after the exposure.

Image via: Home Design

What are the health problems associated to asbestos exposure?

Asbestosis, or thickening of the pleura, and mesothelioma are the two most serious problems. It has also been associated with renal cancer, lung cancer, uterine and testicular cancers.

What are some symptoms of mesothelioma to look out for?

About 60% of patients diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma experience lower back pain or side chest pain, and there are frequent reports of shortness of breath. Some people may experience difficulty swallowing, or have a persistent cough, fever, weight loss or fatigue. Additional symptoms that some patients experience are muscle weakness, loss of sensory capability, coughing up blood, facial and arm swelling, and hoarseness.

Peritoneal mesothelioma originates in the abdomen and as a result, symptoms often include abdominal pain, weight loss, nausea, and vomiting. Fluid buildup may occur in the abdomen as well as a result of the cancer.

Image via: Mesothelioma.com

What should I do if I have asbestos in my home?

Leave it alone first and foremost. If you suspect asbestos is present call a certified professional to come and test the item. If you do discover asbestos, have it abated by a professional company. You can find them by contacting your state environmental agency.  Do NOT attempt to remove it yourself.  Professional abatement companies have been trained with the correct procedure to remove it from your home in the safest way possible. For more information regarding asbestos in the home, please visit Mesothelioma.com

For more wellness home tips on Stagetecture click here.

So you want to embark on a self-build project? The best thing you can do is to know exactly what steps you will need to take in order to get the build going on time and under budget.

Follow these tips in order to have your self-build project go smoothly.

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Budget

First things first, you must have your budget sorted before you can proceed. You will need to have an approximate estimation of things such as: land costs, design costs, material costs, labour costs, and insurance costs to start.

Land

If you’ve not already purchased a plot of land on which to build, this certainly will be the next step. Check with local agents to find available land for purchase which will allow for a self-build house to be constructed upon. It is also a good idea to consult a local solicitor to ensure that all the paper work associated with the land is devoid of any surprises or errors.

Design and Labour

There are a few avenues on which to proceed here, you could hire an architect and tradesmen to build the home, you could build and design it yourself, or you can utilise a combination. If you plan to bring in outside labour, ensure that they are exactly on board with your goals and operate on schedule. It is also a good idea to work with those who have excellent reviews and experience.

Schedule

One of the most important things to keep track of, beyond the budget, is the schedule. An errant mistake here or there can end up costing both time and money over the long run. In this area, it pays to be quite thorough in scheduling work to be done and goals to be met at specific time periods.

Once you have these basics covered, it can be ensured that your self-build project will run so much more smoothly, and in no time you will be enjoying your new home on time, and on budget!

This article has been provided by Flat Pack Houses, one of the UK’s leading providers of flat pack homes. To find out more about the company, please visit the flat pack homes website.

Images via: 1, 2

For more home organization ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

Pool envy is worst in summer. While you pack up the kids, their toys and towels to make the hot trek in the car to your community pool, you can hear laughter and the sounds of splashing over at the neighbor’s house. Lucky neighbors. But are they really the lucky ones? Is having a pool worth the cost and time required to maintain it?

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The Pros and Cons of Adding a Pool

The answer depends on a number of factors. The cost of building a pool averages around $20,000 in the U.S., but that price goes up in certain regions. In Austin, TX, for example, where the hills are solid limestone, the price tag goes up to over $50K when you include the cost of stone excavation. Monthly electric bills for a heating system or cleaning pump will vary according to how many trees you have, local average temperatures and what type of system you install. A salt water pool will save you money in chemicals every month but may ultimately damage your pool’s concrete. And if you live in a drought-prone or desert region where water is more expensive, the cost to your top off your pool can exceed $100 a month. Add to all of that the fact that a pool may increase your homeowners insurance premiums, and a pool starts to look like a big, wet money pit.

Return on your investment?

While all these factors can be measured in dollar amounts, the benefit of a pool is harder to quantify. General consensus is that there is no dollar-for-dollar return on investment for building a pool–it may add a few thousand dollars to your home’s value, but not the $20K plus that you spent to build and maintain it. A pool is all about intangible benefits, first of which is the happiness it can bring you. If you live in a hot climate, there is nothing better than a dip in the pool after a run or a marathon gardening session or even just record temperatures. And yours can be the party house, where your kids and their friends spend all their time splashing and laughing (despite the neighbors’ envy). You don’t have to worry about keeping someone else’s hours or even covering up: it’s your pool, so go ahead and skinny dip at midnight if it makes you happy.

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There are other, more cost-effective alternatives to building a full, inground pool. If your family wants the water but not the cost, consider the following:

• Hot Tubs  Hot tubs are larger now than ever before. And they can be left cool in summer and heated in winter for year-round enjoyment.

• Above-ground Pool  While the tacky plastic above-ground pools of your childhood still exist, modern versions are more attractive and better constructed. Plus they can be bought at most big box stores for less than $300.

• Join a Club  For the cost of maintaining your own pool, your family could join your local tennis or golf club. These facilities have larger pools, offer a variety of social opportunities, have a lifeguard, and, most importantly, do not have to be maintained by you. And you can pay to be a member only during the months your family wants to swim.

Pool ownership is a personal decision. For some, owning a pool is a dream worth having at any price. For others, the costs outweigh the benefits. If you’re a landlord be sure to get buy to let advice both from a mortgage and insurance perspective as having a pool could increase your risk of liability. If you can’t get past your pool envy and aren’t yet ready to build a pool of your own, invest a little time instead and make the neighbors your new best friends.

Anne Clarke-Westbrook is a freelance author from North Carolina. She had been lucky enough to always rent appartments with a private pool and when she finally owned a house she couldn’t do without one so she got building. You could do the same.

For more outdoor home ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

Whilst having a staircase in your home is extremely practical, not to mention essential in most cases, it can also be a potentially dangerous place, especially for children and seniors. It is therefore extremely important to ensure that your stairs are as safe as possible for anyone who will be using them.

Image via: Desire to Inspire

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A well designed staircase…

When a staircase has been well designed, it is obvious, because there is always enough headroom to ensure that no one will be at risk of bumping their head on the way up or the way down. They are also wide enough so that the majority of people can use them in comfort, without feeling a sense of confinement when too narrow, or feeling unsteady if the staircase is too wide.  It is generally the case that they are at least 90cm wide and this is after balustrades have been added.

Designing your own stairs…

If you are lucky enough to be able to design your own home, or able to refit your stair banisters then you can take all of the above into account and ensure that your stairs are as safe as possible. However, many of us will not get the chance to design our very own staircase, so we have to be content with making minor adaptations which will help to improve stair safety. Of the utmost importance is, of course having something to hold on to as you ascend or descend the stairs, so there must be a handrail of sorts. These are also vital as they help prevent people from falling off or down stairs. In addition to ensuring you have this, it is also a good idea to check the material that covers your stairs.

For instance, if your staircase is wooden, it can be especially hard to grip onto and knowing how children rush and run about, a wooden staircase can quickly become a hazard. Likewise with the elderly, who may not be as steady on their feet as they used to be; they may easily slip on such a surface. Therefore, it is a good idea to use non-slip grips on the edges of each stair ledge.

Alternatively, you could always choose to cover your stairs in carpet, which guarantees the stairs will be a lot safer, not to mention more comfortable should someone fall on them. It is also a good idea to make sure that the lighting in and around your staircase is well lit, as dim lighting can make it easy for anyone at all to have an accident.

Image via: Tracy Adams.Pinterest

Safety first…

For added safety if you have children, you can also add safety gates at the top and bottom of the staircase and a child height guardrail which fits the entire length of the stairs [underneath the banisters]. It is crucial that you take on these points if you currently feel that your stairs are not as safe as they could be, after all safety is definitely not something we should ever take for granted.

James Wittering is a Worcester SEO guy who also writes for Seagull Balustrades. When he isn’t blogging he’s either  playing his ukulele or trying to surf and keep up with his two sons.

For more home ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

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Protecting yourself when renovating

The problem with having a contractor and his crew doing renovations in your home is that these people are considered home workers (rather than, say, guests). They are not technically employees in your home, like a nanny, for example, so you don’t have to arrange for workers compensation coverage. And most contractors carry their own liability insurance to cover themselves and any crew they bring with them. Does that mean you’re off the hook? No. There are two reasons why you may still want to look into additional liability coverage when you have contractors working in your home.

First, the policy your contractor has may be bare bones, meaning a worker who is injured on your property could still come after you for any medical costs (or even punitive damages) not covered under his employer’s policy. Second, some independent contractors have no insurance to begin with. If you fail to ask you could be on the hook for accident and injury costs. In truth you should request a printed copy of your contractor’s policy before any work begins so that you have legal grounds for a grievance should an injured employee come after you rather than seeking coverage under his employer’s plan.

So why is liability insurance important?

Well, for the reasons listed above, for starters. If anyone is injured on your property the insurance will cover part or all of the associated medical costs. However, a good policy will also cover your court costs should you be sued. In short, it will protect you financially in the event that a contract worker on your property suffers from an injury. So now that you’re convinced, how do you go about getting this coverage?

Again, you should ascertain whether or not your contractor already has coverage. If he doesn’t, you should probably go with another vendor. But even if he does and you still want some extra protection, start by talking to your current insurance provider to find out what your homeowner’s policy covers, if you can tack on additional liability (and if there are any restrictions on removing it once the work is complete), and whether or not a beefier umbrella policy is necessary. Then seek out liability insurance quotes from other providers to see if you can get more coverage at a better price or use lower numbers as leverage to secure a discounted rate with your provider of choice. Liability coverage is a good idea any time you have workers in your home, but it’s especially essential when they’re doing a dangerous job.

For more home improvement ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

If you’re in the process of building a home, have you considered whether you will build with traditional wood framing or use metal studs? Today, my Guest Blogger gives tips for selecting framing for your home and weighs the pros and cons of metal versus wood studs.

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Although hard-core, residential builders swear by wood studs when framing a stick-built home, is this really the best choice?  The typical contractor tends to stick with their old, trusted habits instead of seeking out different materials or techniques that might offer additional value to the final owner.  That is, of course, until building codes or a picky client changes their mind.  On the other hand, many potential buyers consider a homemade of organic materials to be of the highest quality; they picture metal studs as something only used in cheap, manufactured homes.  To find out which material really is the biggest stud, take a closer look at both as well as their benefits:

Wood Studs: The Old Standby

Wood studs are used to construct the vertical framework of most buildings, especially older homes.  Usually, a combination of 2X4 and/or 2X6 planks is placed between 12- and 24-inches apart, depending on the building codes, to create both the interior and exterior walls of the structure. Because studs must support the vertical load, or downward weight, of the entire building, lumber designated as a stud is graded to reflect the amount of weight it can hold as well as for visual defects and knot size.

Metal Studs: Time-tested Newcomer or Expensive Joke?

Commercial construction and the manufactured-home industry have used metal studs for years with success.  Most metal studs are made by combining thin sheets of galvanized steel into a plank-like shape that closely resembles a wooden stud.  Aluminum is sometimes used, but this type of metal stud is generally more expensive and heavier that its steel counterpart.  Metal-stud advocates point to the fact that they can be used in exactly the same way that wooden studs are used, but they’re not prone to damage from termites, fire, or rot.  Most expert builders don’t use metal studs for the exterior, load-bearing walls although newer product lines are advertising load-bearing products and charging premium prices for the stronger item.

Which One is the Biggest Stud?

This might just be one of those “chicken or egg” questions.  Both wood and metal studs have significant benefits and some definite drawbacks. Use this list of important features to make the final choice:

• Cost – Prices vary depending on market conditions and current demand, but metal construction is usually more expensive and always requires a higher grade of electrical outlets and junction boxes.
• Durability – Although galvanized-steel studs are coated to prevent rust, most products are only guaranteed against this corrosive condition for about 10 years.  On the other hand, metal studs won’t burn, rot, or become infested with termites.
• Strength – Wood is still considered the clear winner in this category.  Compared to the stiffness of wood, metal studs may feel flimsy until sheetrock is attached to firm up the wall.  Even then, some homeowners find that hanging cabinets or shelving on a wall supported by metal studs is far from trouble free.
• Ease of Installation – Wood studs are easier to cut to size, but metal studs are simple to adjust after they are installed.  Because a metal stud is screwed into a modular grid, it can be easily removed by simply unbolting the item.
• Heating Concerns – This is an important, but often ignored, concern.  Metal, unlike wood, transfers the cold from the outside into the home. In addition to increasing the cost to heat the building, this temperature transfer can cause condensation to build up on the inside of the walls.  If metal studs are used on exterior walls, extra attention should be paid to the insulation needs of the structure.

Like most things, there is no clear winner in the stud competition.  The final choice should be made based on the pros and cons of each type of material and the desires of the final owner.

This guest post is brought to you by DIY Home Center, an online retailer specializing in Deckorators and FastenMaster home building products and accessories.

For more architecture ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

In today’s homes the quest to build a more sustainable home is on the minds of most homeowners. Whether it means using eco-conscious building materials, to being cognizant of local geographic conditions and adapting your number of window openings and the position of your home, all these factors play a role.

Today, my Guest Blogger gives tips for building and planning a greener home.  After all, if you can build greener from the beginning as opposed to adapting it afterward, you and the Earth will reap the rewards.

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A big part of a country’s total carbon emission comes from the home. So it makes sense that one of the best ways to curb the growing emissions problem is to build better homes, more energy efficient ones to be exact. And with the advancement in technology and creative designs available right now, the idea of a green home is very much plausible.

Some cities are requiring new houses to have a minimum number of energy efficient stars and promote the long term benefits in terms of money saving and lesser carbon footprints for the residents. Living in an eco-friendly house should be the norm as it is not only economical but helps maintain the environment in good condition for the future generation.

So if you are keen on building a house soon, consider the following and let your builder know that you want your house to be green as it can be.

Water

You have heard a lot about how important it is to save water but you can do more than just turning off the tap while brushing your teeth. Consider water recycling. You can opt to install rain tanks at your backyard to catch water from the roof and use it for toilets and watering your plants. This smart idea not only provides you gallons of rainwater to dispose wisely but also maintains the condition of your gutters as overflowing is prevented. Also, many suburbs are now offering recycled water so ask around so you can take advantage of this water re-using facility.

Also make sure you choose dual flush toilets so you can choose to use lesser water and only more when necessary.

Energy

Invest on proper insulation for your house to keep the right temperature inside, avoiding the need to use the cooler or heater too much. Use natural or polyester batts and make sure to weather seal all opening including doors and windows.

Install solar energy panels for the hot water system to save energy. Install skylights in dark areas in the house to lessen the need for lights in the day. Do your research and choose energy efficient wit 5 star rating appliances including central air conditioning. Find one that you can set the temperature in.

Recycled Materials

You can also shop around for recycled timber and other building materials that you may use to decorate your home and your garden. Spend a day or two doing the rounds at your local retailer or recycling facilities or op shops, as you may find yourself a bargain. Many people are also giving used windows and doors a second life with a few hours of work and fresh coat of paint.

Of course, check that the paint used is low emission. These “old” materials will definitely add more character to your house and give you a sense of pride that you are doing good for the planet. Besides, they make great conversation pieces and may inspire your family and friends to start being more aware and conscious of the environment and be more green themselves.

Jessy is a stay at home mompreneur and creative blogger for for Dobovo, the free utility to find Kiev apartments and plan a business trip to Europe

For more green living ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

At the beginning of the summer I had a blog post on how to enjoy porches to gain inspiration for relaxing and entertaining.  Today, my guest blogger shows us how to gain square footage in our home and save more money than the conventional addition.  Of course, adding a room or a wing on to the home isn’t always an economical option for everyone.  See how a sunroom may be the answer to your longing for a porch that you can use year around!

Rob Stone from Simply Conservatories, explains how adding a sunroom can be a great alternative to a brick extension, and it can be used throughout the winter months as well.  If you are considering a renovation and/or addition to your home – think of adding a sunroom/conservatory.

Many of us would ideally like some added space in our home, be it for a growing family or additional space to entertain friends. With the price of housing being affected by the credit crunch, many people cannot afford to move to a large home so instead look to expand the space they already have. The first thought from many of us would be to build an extension to our home but there is an alternative which is the conservatory, also known as a sunroom.

When it comes to brick built extensions, they are a very practical way to extend the room indoors but with the drop in conservatory prices, they have become a very good alternative. A conservatory or sunroom usually consists of a material called uPVC which you also find on standard double glazed doors and windows. The double glazing which consists in a conservatory has come a long way over recent years and now very good at keeping heat in during winter months whereas older conservatories could easily become bitter cold for several months of the year.

The uPVC material has a very good reputation of being very low in the need of maintenance compared to older timber frames found on some sunroom designs. Once your new added space has been completed, it can easily allow for a full dining table and chairs if you wish to use as an entertaining area. If relaxation is on the agenda then the added space can easily fit a range of very comfortable furniture to make the most of the extra light and warmth coming through the double glazed windows.

Small additions to your new space can make a new structure come a very warm and comfortable living area. This includes small plants or even an indoor waterfall which added together can be a very relaxing oasis for both family and friends to enjoy.

The overall price for your the new addition to your home can usually be found to be much lower than a brick extension. Adding to this, you can easily find the resell price of your home can easily rise to which may not be something you are looking for right now, but can be very beneficial in the future

Rob Stone writes many articles on conservatories such as the latest uPVC Conservatory Prices that can be found online.

For more porch decorative ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

Here we are, already at D.I.Y. Saturday #6 and next weekend is the 4th of July holiday.  Are you planning on having guests over? Even if it’s just going to be you and the family watching fireworks from the backyard, how does the backyard look?  For most of us, by time we get to July the outdoors are looking hot and sticky and we want to cool down!

I was watching DIY Network’s – Yard Crashers last weekend and saw an amazing outdoor water feature installed in the backyard. Water features and waterfalls are naturally soothing to listen to, watch and occasionally dip our fingers into. Have you ever thought of installing one yourself? Here’s some inspirational outdoor water features, plus a YouTube video clip from Yard Crashers.

By the way – I’m still waiting to see Ahmed Hassan (Host of the Yard Crashers) in my local home improvement store. Instead of looking like those homeowners who have no idea who he is, I’m going to already have my landscaping plan in my car!  When I see him ‘wandering’ around my Lowe’s store, I’m going to casually say, ‘Man I  could really use some help at my house!” I’ll let you know when DIY is coming to my backyard…. until then Outdoor Water Feature inspiration.

Water features can be large or small, loud or soothing. Look at this serene one from B. Bissell Landscapes.

Incorporate your water feature into your pool. Photo courtesy of Spaced.

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I would literally live outside all day with this wall water feature. Photo courtesy of In Harmony

So how do you get started?  A few weekends is recommended for these projects.

Click on the links below to see how to do each step:

• Create a Layout
• Create a Pond Shape
• Place the Filters
• Dig the Pond
• Level the Filter
• Install the Underlayment
• Place the Stones
• Arrange the Stones

Take a look at this Yard Crashers episode when they transform a homeowner’s backyard with a waterfall feature.

Watch Stagetecture’s You Tube Channel for more DIY ideas