Trusted Basement & Foundation How To's, Hiring Advice

Excavation

Acton, Mass. man smells success with septic tanks

Septic tank pumping turns a dirty job into a prosperous family business.

Indianapolis homeowners embrace geothermal

The cost of installing this HVAC system is considerably higher, but several tax incentives and savings over time help defray cost.

Exterior waterproofing keeps Cleveland basement dry

After a homeowner's basement floods, N B Enterprises excavates and replaces the broken pipes near the house and driveway.

Indianapolis accelerates Septic Tank Elimination Program

Workers backill a new sanitary sewer line during STEP construction near 42nd and Sherman Drive. (Photo courtesy of Indianapolis DPW)

Citing propblems like leaking sewage, the Indianapolis Department of Public Works launched the Septic Tank Elimination Program to convert Indianapolis homes with a septic tank to city sewer.

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Basement Waterproofing

Basement waterproofing

This Illinois basement, which was first waterproofed in the 1950, was given a fresh seal. (Photo courtesy of Jeanne Adams)

Water in the basement is no homeowner’s dream; in fact, a flooded basement is more of a nightmare. A waterlogged basement can wreak all kinds of havoc, from property damage to health issues. Many problems can be avoided during the building of a home; nevertheless, even a properly constructed home can experience water problems that will need to be remedied.

Is it better to waterproof a crawl space on the inside or outside?

A company that offers both interior and exterior waterproofing services should be able to provide you with options to find the best solution to keep your crawl space dry. (Photo courtesy of Angie's List member Cathy A. of Arlington Heights, Ill.)

Angie Hicks responds to a member whose crawl space has pooling water. She wants to know if she should waterproof it on the inside or outside. After soliciting bids from four different basement waterproofing companies, she received conflicting solutions.

How much will it cost to install a French drain in my basement?

Once the French drain trench is excavated and a pipe leading to the sump pump installed, the trench is backfilled with gravel. (Photo courtesy of Angie's List member Ryan S. of Allentown, Penn.)

A highly rated basement waterproofing contractor outlines the process and typical costs for installing a French drain water mitigation system.

Prevent basement flooding by installing a water powered sump pump

Water-powered sump pumps can help during emergency situations when you lose power. (Photo courtesy of Angie's List member C.C. of Indianapolis)

A water-powered back-up sump pump can operate and remove more than 1,000 gallons per hour without an electrical or battery power source, making it an ideal back-up sump pump choice.

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Concrete Leveling (mudjacking)

Worst Philadelphia Contractors of 2010

Two contractors make the worst list for allegedly victimizing elderly customers and are joined by a concrete company who faces criminal charges.

Worst Seattle Contractors of 2009

A Renton plumbing company wracks up complaints and fines to earn a spot as one of Seattle's worst contractors. A Redmond remodeling company and Seattle paving company also make the worst list for their questionable business practices.

Tips to work well with Contractors | Angies List, Angie's List

Contractors say homeowners with this trait are the most satisfied with home improvment projects.

Salt Lake City homeowner not happy about sprinkler system

A Provo homeowner says the landscape contractor did poor work, including installing a high-tech sprinkler system that doesn't work. A Salt Lake City concrete contractor ignores complaints about shoddy patio and porch work.

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Foundation Contractor

Glossary: Basements and Foundations

A collection of terms related to basements, crawlspaces and foundations and their maintenance and repair needs.

Crawl spaces

This contractor cleans a crawl space after sealing it with heavy-duty vinyl. (Photo courtesy of Jim O'Brien)

Homes that aren't built on a slab foundation or basement feature crawl spaces to allow for the necessary access to plumbing, electrical and other home systems.

Foundations

All of your home's structural elements rely on the foundation upon which it rests. Cracked, deteriorating or crumbling foundations can cause significant damage to other portions of your home and easily cost thousands to repair.

Foundation problems can cause roof damage

Extensive roof damage caused by foundation problems. (Photo courtesy of Mark Nosrati of Final Cut Roofing)

If your foundation moves, so does your roof! So recognize that foundation problems can cause rainwater to penetrate your roof and cause serious damage. Know what to look for and what to do to prevent this from happening to your home.

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Basement Remodeling

Glossary: Basements and Foundations

A collection of terms related to basements, crawlspaces and foundations and their maintenance and repair needs.

Basement remodeling

Refinishing a basement not only adds value to your home. It also provides additional living space. (Photo courtesy of William Gilmyers)

If your basement is limited to storing the artificial tree from the 1995 holiday season, riding toys the kids have outgrown and several pieces of discarded furniture, you could be neglecting your home’s potential for additional living space.

Learn about your homeowner's association before you buy

If you drive through a development and don't see any RVs or basketball hoops, odds are they're not allowed by the homeowner's association, and judges aren't sympathetic.

10 good reasons to finish a basement

A finished basement can add space for entertaining, storage or living. (Photo courtesy of Innovative Basement Systems)

Check out these 10 reasons why finishing a basement can add utility and value to your home from a highly rated Fargo, N.D., basement remodeling contractor.

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