News

Finishing Your Ohio Basement

October 8, 2019 by who

For the average American household, the livable square footage available to them has increased by more than 1,000 square feet since 1973, according to the latest figures of the Census Bureau. Yet, American households are spending $424 billion in home improvement every year, using that money to finish their basements, improve their kitchen, replace windows and other home improvement projects that add livable space and other commodities to their home.

Finishing a basement is one of the home improvement projects that can take a lot of time, effort and money to have it done. Finishing a basement requires preparation.

You might not see the advantages of having a livable space that is “healthy” right away, but at the end of the project you are going to be happy you did it.

Before you begin planning and choosing the flooring and paint for the finished basement, there are a few steps you need to take to make sure you are ready to start this project.

Declutter the basement – We store things in the basement that we do not use but cannot bare to part with them. If you haven’t used those items in a while, and you have no sentimental value for them, donate them or throw them away.
Inspect the basement for any seepage, leaking, cracks or sediment left on the walls- Check for water where the wall meets the floor.
Inspect the pipes to make sure there are not leaks coming from the inside of the house.

Once you have made sure the basement is clean and free of leaks, mold, and mildew you need to start researching basement waterproofing companies for your project.

There are many waterproofing companies in the Northeast Ohio area. Choosing the right one can be a difficult task and you can be an easy target for dishonest contractors. Before you sign any papers or verbally commit to do a project with a company, do your homework first:

Ask for a free no obligation quote first
make sure you have at least three different quotes from three different companies before you decide.
Consult the Better Business Bureau to check the companies’ rating, any complains they have and whether or not those complains were resolved. Make sure the company you hire has a long history in the community and has a good reputation.
Check the company’s testimonials and ask for different people to check for inconsistencies or good experiences with the job they did.
Make sure the contract is clear and any questions you have need to be answered before the job starts.

Having a clean, dry basement is good for the family. The air in the basement will have the clean smell you were missing before. The clutter and musty smell that permeated the basement won’t be missed, and you can finally begin to enjoy that part of your home.

Fairlawn Ohio Basement Waterproofing Company

October 8, 2019 by who

Around Ohio, there are many older homes which, over time, will start to have foundation issues and leak. A damp basement will often appear during the wetter weather, but it is a important issue all year. A lot of family homes in Fairlawn, Ohio should have their basement and foundation carefully looked at and waterproofed because they are over fifteen years since last done. Also less old family homes unfortunately sometimes have foundation problems if the foundation was not done well or the house has shifted.

If you own a home in Fairlawn with basement problems, call Pioneer Basement Solutions by calling (888) 420-9900 while you are thinking about it and talk to an expert. Frequently, you can have your waterproofing completed or have the house foundation repaired quickly and your house will have more dry and usable storage.

BASEMENT PROBLEMS TO WATCH FOR

You can have increased mildew and mold that might degrade the health of your family. This will often make allergies more severe. The danger is sometimes as serious as black mold, or as simple as everyday mildew or mold, which is not good to breath and can damage things you keep in your basement storage area.

If you do not fix your leak, small basement leaks can turn into bigger leaks or even cause a bigger issue concerning the foundation of the home bowing or becoming a serious issue.

Surprise significant water in basement after there is a lof of rain could cause water damage to stored in your basement. Often it’s important things such as antiques, older pictures, kids projects or expensive furniture which are stored in your basement as you assumed the house didn’t have a any basement issues and you assumed the basement was the best place to put things out of the way. A small leak can become worse and you might not realize it until damage is done.

FAIRLAWN BASEMENTS OFTEN NEED A WATERPROOFING INSPECTION

Fairlawn basement waterproofing is an important thing to consider as Ohio residential homes throughout the state are frequently older and should request skilled basement waterproofing pros inspect your basement to verify there are no problems that will need to be repaired, and to tell you what can be done to repair any water problems or dampness.

Fairlawn, Ohio is in Summit County, Ohio and part of 4 zipcodes ( 44313, 44333, 44334, 44398.) It was founded in 1891, and there are many older houses in the area and there are certainly there are a number of basements that are wet. The city is around Medina and Akron and Pioneer provides Medina and Akron waterproofing repairs also. If you have a home with basement waterproofing issues in Fairlawn Ohio, contact us (888) 420-9900 and arrange an appointment for Pioneer Basement Solutions to come out and inspect your basement. Pioneer has over 40 years waterproofing experience in Ohio.

Wadsworth Ohio Basement Waterproofing Company

September 4, 2019 by who

Across the Midwest, including Ohio, there are a lot of old homes which, eventually, start to experience water leaks or foundation issues. A water issue in your basement is most noticeable at the beginning of the wetter weather, but it is a important worry at any time. A large number of homes around Wadsworth, Ohio need to have the foundation and basement carefully looked at and made waterproof when they are over twenty years since last done. Remember it does not have to be a home that is older either. At times, newer constructed buildings experience foundation issues that are serious.

If you have a Wadsworth home with basement problems, please call Pioneer Basement Solutions at (888) 420-9900 today and schedule an appointment. Usually, you can get your waterproofing completed or have the home foundation inspected quickly and your home will become more dry and usable space.

BASEMENT PROBLEMS YOU NEED TO KNOW

The basement will have an increase in mildew and mold that can impact the health of people in the home. This can often make allergies flair up. It is sometimes as serious as black mold, which is a serious danger, or something like normal damp mildew, that is not good to be around and will damage stuff you might have boxed up in your basement.

If you do not fix your issue, minor basement leaks will grow into bigger leaks or at some point become an issue concerning the foundation of the house bowing and ending up a bigger project.

Unexpected bigger leaks the next time there is a big rainfall could cause damage to important items in your basement. Often it’s items such as clothes, photo albums, school papers or expensive artwork which are kept in the basement without concern because yesterday there was not a leak in the basement and you believed the basement was safe. It can surprise anyone.. Even a minor leak can become worse and you might not realize it until it is too late.

OHIO HOMES EVENTUALLY NEED WATERPROOFING

Wadsworth basement waterproofing is an important improvement to look into considering Ohio homes throughout the state are often not new and should have professional basement waterproofing pros inspect your basement to verify there are not issues that might get worse, and to report on what should be done to repair your leaks or humidity.

Wadsworth, Ohio is in Medina County, Ohio. It was founded in 1814, so there are quit a few old houses in the area and there are certainly there are a number of basements leaking badly. The city is close to Akron and Barberton and Pioneer provides Akron and Barberton waterproofing repairs as well. If you have a home with basement waterproofing concerns in Wadsworth Ohio, give us a call at 1 (888) 420-9900 and schedule the best time and date for Pioneer Basement Solutions to visit and inspect your basement. Look at our testimonials on Angies List. We have the experience.

A Dry Basement For the New Year

January 15, 2019 by Staff Writer

The idea of having a wet, mold-infested basement is long gone. Families now expect to have a dry basement for extra livable space, a place where they can entertain, store personal items or as a playroom for their children.

Extra livable space or extra storage should not be the only factors when considering waterproofing the basement of your home. The health of your family should be the primary concern when considering this home project.

The Institute of Medicine’s research found the strong likelihood that mold is linked to serious respiratory system illnesses such as upper respiratory tract symptoms, cough, and wheeze in healthy people. These symptoms can be acerbated with people suffering from asthma or other respiratory illnesses as well. If you have small children or children that are susceptible to develop asthma, a wet and moldy basement cannot only accelerate but prolonged their illness and symptoms.

For many families with older homes, the tar around the foundation of their home might be gone or severely diminished. Water might be slowly, but surely seeping into the walls and foundation of your home causing damage or making the basement unlivable.

If the basement of your home is wet, has water sediments, or puddles on the basement of your floor, chances are you have mold as well. Mold typically grows in wet places or places with a lot of moisture. Mold can grow on the drywall, furniture, fabrics, carpet, and insulation. If you have water in the basement of your home, chances are the items you have stored there are moldy, rusty and need to be thrown away.

How can you prevent mold from growing in the basement of your home? The Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention (CDC) offers three very easy steps to follow for controlling the mold in your home.

Control the humidity levels in the home. Kitchen and bathroom fans should be used to help control humidity levels when cooking and showering.
Fixing leaky basements, roofs, windows, and pipes of your home can help you control the humidity in your home.
Cleaning and drying the basement after a flood is paramount to keep mold for growing unchecked in the basement of your home

Mold is dangerous if left unchecked. Preventing it from growing in the basement should be our first step in becoming healthy.

So, if you were thinking about a new bathroom or kitchen remodeling for a project this year, check the basement of your home and see if that is needed first and foremost. It is not sexy and perhaps not what you wanted, but if it is needed, you will be happy and healthy in the end.

Home Safety This Holiday Season

November 30, 2017 by Staff Writer

The National Safety Council has a list of the top causes of Unintentional injury and death at homes. Right now, in northeast Ohio, snow is not a problem at all. The weather has been unseasonably warm and the thought of snow has not entered our thoughts yet. But, snow will come and the many winter activities that snow brings along are some of the top unintentional injuries we have to be aware this winter.

Even if you are not thinking about sledding or skiing with your family, shoveling snow can be a strenuous exercise that you need to be aware of if you have heart problems or lead a sedentary life.

Fire-during this time of year, many families homes have an abundance of Christmas decorations or other holiday decorations that require electricity. Reading and following the safety precautions on these decorations can help you avoid a fire in your home.

Fires in the kitchen are a common occurrence during the holiday season as well. Be cautious while cooking your holiday meals, and do not leave the stove unattended.

For more about this and other topics, follow the links below.

Top Causes of Unintentional Injury and Death in Homes and Communities

According to Injury Facts 2017, about 146,571 people died from unintentional injury-related deaths in 2015. That’s an all-time high. Often, these tragedies happen when least expected – during a vacation, while doing chores at home or while driving across town – and they are all preventable.

NSC encourages everyone to be aware of hazards related to leisure and recreational activities, take proper safety precautions and sign up for NSC Monthly News. You’ll get timely and useful blogs, seasonal safety tips, survey results, legislative updates, event information and lots of other safety-related news.

Here, in order, are the top causes of unintentional injury and death in homes and communities.

#1: Poisoning

In 2011, poisonings overtook motor vehicle crashes for the first time as the leading cause of unintentional-injury-related death for all ages combined. Poisoning deaths are caused by gases, chemicals and other substances, but prescription drug overdose is by far the leading cause. Learn more about this epidemic and other poisons in the home.

Tips for a safe holiday season from the Galt Police, Cosumnes Fire departments

The holiday season can be a wonderful time of year if you take the needed precautions while out shopping and in your home. Public Information Officer Brian Kalinowski of the Galt Police Department encourages all Galt residents to be more aware or their surroundings during the holiday season, and Cosumnes Fire Department’s (CSD) Public Education Officer Laurel Schamber has tips to keep your homes safe from fires.

“The police department often sees an increase in thefts during the holidays,” Kalinowski said.

In an effort to prevent you from becoming a victim, the Galt Police Department offers some suggestions:

• Package Theft: If possible, have your packages delivered to an address where someone will be home to receive them. Leaving them out on the porch only invites those looking for an opportunity to take your items. Use delivery notification options so you can track your packages and have them retrieved upon delivery.

Safety Advice For This Holiday Season

November 21, 2017 by Staff Writer

During this holiday season, it is expected that family members will visit and some of them will stay overnight or perhaps spend some days with the family. Rooms are needed and the habitable space available becomes a bit too crowded. Many family home projects are done during this season to freshen up your home or to provide room needed for those out of town families. If you are thinking along those lines, and you need extra space to shelter the relatives, waterproofing your basement before starting a basement remodeling project is one of the projects that will increase the value of your home while providing a cleaner, better living place for you.

For more about this and other topics, follow the links below.

Don’t Let Clogged Drains Ruin Your Winter

In the especially brutal winters that Toronto is sometimes host to, it is especially crucial that homeowners keep the drains clean, clear, and well maintained by a professional drain cleaning service. When pipes are clogged in freezing weather, not only does the water freeze within the pipes, so does whatever is causing the clog, which can be an especially annoying and costly mess during the winter months. Contrary to what many people may believe, even minor clogged drains can cause serious problems to the plumbing system, which is why it is very important that homeowners enlist the help of a professional plumber before the problem worsens, so the problem be fixed as quickly as possible.

Along with the obvious mechanical problems that can arise when plumbing issues are not taken care of promptly, there is the problem of gray water, a nuisance not often though about. Gray water is filled with harmful bacteria, which pose a great health hazard if the water backs up and drains out onto the floor or into the sinks. If you’re like most households and plan to host a few people for dinner of a gathering over the winter, it’s imperative you keep the number of emergency drain cleaning services handy, just in case something goes horribly awry.

Guidelines for a warm, safe home during the holidays

AMARILLO, TX (KFDA) –

As the holiday season fast approaches, cooler weather can create potential hazards in your home.

While warm days are still a possibility, as the end of the year comes up, the weather will soon shift to cooler temperatures

The Amarillo Fire Department has released a list of actions one can do to keep your home warm and safe.

Following these actions can prevent accidents in your home or on your property:

Always keep a safety zone around heating equipment
Keep children and pets supervised
Never leave any form of cooking unattended
Secure all vacant or outbuildings on property
Be sure to check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors

Space heaters and other warming devices are an effective way to heat your home while saving money. However, those devices can also create an extreme fire hazard.

Can You Spot Foundation Problems in Your Home?

October 16, 2017 by Staff Writer

According to a recent study conducted by Harvard University, 40 million Americans live in a house they cannot afford. The cost of a mortgage, insurance, and taxes are more than they can afford. The decline in homeownership in the United States has declined for the 12th.consecutive year, while rent prices keep outpacing inflation in this country. The upkeep of a house is a direct correlation between what you pay for your house and the amount you need to save for the upkeep of your home. If you pay $300,000 for a home, $3,000 dollars should be used to keep up with the upkeep of your home.

The upkeep of a house is a direct correlation between what you pay for your house and the amount you need to save for the upkeep of your home. If you pay $300,000 for a home, $3,000 dollars should be used to keep up with the maintenance of your home yearly.

The foundation of your home may not be your priority when thinking about the upkeep of your home, but remember the structural integrity of the foundation is one of the most important parts of your home.

Do you need answers? Contact us, we will be happy to offer a solution to you.

Can You Identify These Common House Foundation Issues?

How many times have you heard someone dismiss foundation cracks as simply an old house that’s “settling”? Ignoring foundation problems such as cracks and uneven floors can lead to serious – and expensive – problems down the road.

Homes are built on dirt and, over time, that dirt will shift and settle. Clay, for example, will contract and expand depending on the moisture. Sand will erode after significant rainfall or flooding. Plus, the average home weighs 160 tons so that’s a lot of pressure on the dirt underneath your home, explains Michael Connolly, marketing manager for Lowcountry Basement Systems, which recently moved into the Charleston market.

“Problems don’t get better, they only get worse, and the worse they get the more expensive they will be to fix,” Connolly says.

Foundation Danger: 5 Things Buyers And Sellers Need To Know

The foundation might not be the most exciting part of the house, but it is arguably the most important.

When you’re buying a home, there are plenty of fun things to focus on, like putting in an outdoor fire pit, chilling a bottle in that fancy new wine fridge, or relaxing in a soaker tub, to name a few. But before you start envisioning organizing your clothes in that fabulous walk-in closet, drop your eyes down a bit to focus on the home’s foundation. It holds up the house, after all. If what lies beneath isn’t good, it can cause lots of headaches (and cost you big).

Whether you’re a buyer with concerns about your potential new home’s foundation or a seller who has noticed some cracks, you’ll likely need to take some kind of action to resolve the issue (or at least know what you’re dealing with). Here’s what to do.

Signs of Foundation Problems

Homeowners often wonder how to identify the different signs of foundation problems. It’s definitely a good question to ask. Here’s why – the longer you wait to treat visible signs of damage, the more severe the damage can become. Left untreated, minor cracks and leaks can turn into serious structural issues that compromise the value and overall health of your home.

Your home’s structural integrity depends on the strength of your foundation. It supports everything else – walls, windows, floors, doorways, roof – so when your foundation is damaged, it can cause serious problems throughout your home.

Like most things in life, your foundation is subject to environmental stress. Expanding and contracting soil, excessive moisture and inadequate drainage are some of the most common threats to your home’s foundation. Over time, environmental stress can cause the foundation to shift, crack or settle unevenly. And homeowners can often miss the early warning signs of foundation damage.

Basement Waterproofing and Other Home Repairs You Can’t Ignore

October 3, 2017 by Staff Writer

It is difficult to budget for a home problem when you don’t know if you have one. An emergency fund can help you solve that problem, but if you have a basement waterproofing issue you may need a bigger emergency fund than you thought.

How do you know if you have a basement waterproofing issue? One of the first and most obvious ones is whether your basement has damp walls. If you have marks around a specific area on the walls, that may a sign water is getting into that area. If you notice mold or mildew growing on the corners or any other part of the basement, that means you have a lot of moisture and possible water leakage in some parts of the basement.

Don’t wait too long to take care of those problems. Ignoring them can bring you bigger more expensive problems in the future. Call waterproofing companies to give you an estimate, and find out whether they have financing available.

For more about this and other problems, follow the links below.

Ask the Carpenter: Tips for dealing with a wet basement

Q. I get water in part of my unfinished basement. I can’t determine whether it is coming in from the outside or up from the water table. I installed a dehumidifier, but I’ve been told that this actually draws in more water if the problem is the water table. What are your thoughts?

A. You may be getting water in your basement for any of the following reasons: lack of gutters, improper ground sloping, clogged perimeter pipes, or hydrostatic pressure.

Your dehumidifier is not causing the water table to rise. Water is seeping in at the wall and floor joint, and oftentimes that can mean hydrostatic water pressure is present. During wet weather, the soil outside your basement becomes saturated. Exterior footing drains aren’t very effective at relieving water pressure, because they usually become clogged with silt or plant roots. With no place to go, hydrostatic pressure continues to build up, and the water will eventually seep in. You have options:

8 Home Repairs You Should Never Put Off

Or you might have a bigger problem in the future.

Hate to break it to you, but ignoring that ugly water spot on the ceiling is the wrong move. Lingering issues around the house can get worse—much worse—if you don’t address them ASAP. Here’s how to identify and fix seemingly small problems before they morph into expensive repairs.

The basement is damp. A musty basement can lead to mold and mildew. Plus, it stinks. Many times, grading the yard encourages the water to run away from the house, rather than leaking into the basement. Installing gutters and downspout extensions channels rain water away from the foundation, which can help keep the basement dry. The worst case scenario is you’ll need to place drain tile around the footings. This job typically requires a pro and costs several thousand dollars.

Three Ways to Ensure Effective Repair Management

After the hottest July on record for the Salt Lake City area, during which my air conditioning unit worked overtime, I noticed a performance slump along with wet carpet in my basement. So, I turned off the AC and called a repairman. He showed up Monday afternoon and simply removed an internal panel, cleaned the drip tray that captures the condensation from the evaporator coil, and unclogged the ¾” drain pipe. I paid a $120 service fee and realized: Had I taken a few extra minutes, I could have saved myself $120, multiple phone calls, and two days of no air conditioning.

Of course, effectively managing repairs for numerous homes across different cities, counties, or even states is much more challenging than doing so for one’s own home. That’s why many lenders and investors hire a vendor partner to develop and execute a successful repair program for their REO or SFR assets. So, what should you look for in a repair management vendor to ensure your repair dollars are maximized?

Understand the Scope of the Repair

Had I really understood what it took to repair my AC unit, I could have done it myself. Similarly, many lenders and investors want to fully understand the scope of repairs, including all the deficiencies of the asset compared to the comparable properties that are available in the neighborhood. Having dedicated, trained vendor partners in the field that are in tune with the local market is essential. Without their input, including photos, descriptions, and their commitment to the best strategy for the asset, you won’t be nearly as effective as you could.

What To Ask A Contractor

September 26, 2017 by Staff Writer

Are you planning a home project that requires you to hire a contractor? Do you know what to ask before you begin?

Five questions you must ask a contractor:

How long have you been doing this kind of work?
Are you Insured?
Will you provide a written estimate and warranty?
Are you a licensed and registered contractor with the state?
Can you provide references I can contact?

Many honest, long time contractors won’t hesitate when you ask them these questions. They probably expect them and would be more than happy to answer them. A long history in the community doing the job you are hiring them to do speaks volumes and build trust between the parties. If the company you are trying to hire has a long history in your community doing great work, the references request you are supposed to ask won’t be a problem for them.

Now, if you call the references they provided, what are some of the questions you may ask?

Are you satisfied with the work they did?
How long ago was the job completed? Is the job holding up?
Was the price agreed upon the final price, or were there other expenses not specified in the contract?
Were they clean and orderly? Did they arrive on time?
Would you work again with this contractor or company?

The secret to finding a great home contractor

Right now, renovating a home is much, much easier than it was during the real estate bubble. So how do you pick a contractor?

I recall back during the bubble how often I’d get calls from homeowners complaining they couldn’t get a call back from contractors. The frenzy around housing values going up and up and up drummed up plenty of business for contractors at that time.

During the bubble, I even heard of contractors who were so successful that they wouldn’t even give price quotes. The price would just be whatever it would be and you’d have to be in a position to pay it when the bill came due.

How to Look For A Good Contractor For Your Home Project?

September 20, 2017 by Staff Writer

Children are in school now. Yes, they do bring homework and projects and other chores we sometimes help them to do, but we do have a bit more time to do those chores the summer months were too short to let us do.

The autumn is a season where there are many chores we must do to prepare for the winter months. from putting away our gardening tools to preparing our home for the winter, the fall months can be very active. And , if you are thinking about tackling a more serious project, where do you need to start?

You need to first find what project you really want to do and a budget you are allowing yourself to have. If you need to do a project that is indispensable to the well-being of your family – A new roof, or a basement waterproofing project- then you need to first start choosing the best contractor you can find.

If you are doing a home remodeling project for purely aesthetic reasons, then, you still need to follow the steps of how to choose a contractor for your project.

How to choose a good contractor

If you have no family’s references and no friends recommendations of a good contractor, then you will probably google it to get a list. Here are some of the things you should be looking out for:

Contact contractors that are locally owned and operated-make sure they have been in the business for a long time
Check their Business Bureau Status
Ask for references that are not from friends or family members
You Must call those references and talk to the homeowners and ask them about the craftsmanship and other related issues concerning the job they did.
Make sure that they are fully bonded and insured
Ask for an estimate in writing
Ask them about the form of payment they require

For more about home remodeling projects and other news, follow the links below.

Contractors swamped with home remodeling projects in central Ohio

Central Ohio homeowners are spending a record amount of money building additions, updating kitchens and renovating bathrooms.

Fueled by a robust economy and rising home values, which allow homeowners to pull cash out of their homes to fund improvements, Americans are expected to spend more than $300 billion on remodeling this year.

“I’ve been doing this since 1981 and have never seen it this busy,” said Todd Schmidt, owner of the Grove City remodeling firm Renovations Unlimited.

While the remodeling boom is good for contractors, it means longer waits for homeowners eager to polish up their properties.

Bill and Marcia Miller tried for two years to get a contractor to update the laundry room of their Dublin-area home.