Basements & Foundations

Two fathers and their children watch tv in basement

Photo: 10'000 Hours / DigitalVision / Getty Images

Your basement and foundation are the roots of your home, so it’s important to know about common problems that could affect them. From basement flooding to a cracked foundation, and everything in between—our expert insights will keep you informed.

BASEMENT WATERPROOFING

3 Basement Waterproofing Methods That’ll Help Protect Your Home From Damage
The best way to waterproof a basement includes adding a drainage system and sealing cracks
What Causes a Basement to Flood?
How to Safely Clean a Flooded Basement and Avoid Electrical Hazards
How To Hire a Basement Waterproofing Contractor

FOUNDATION REPAIR

10 Reasons You Really Shouldn't Delay Foundation Repairs
Your home needs a good foundation—and it may need a good repair to get there
8 Surefire Tips for Laying a Solid Foundation
Let’s Get to the Bottom of How Much Foundation Repair Costs
What to Know About Slab Leaks — And How to Fix Them

7 Important Tips to Putting Out Kitchen Fires
Your cooking skills should be smokin’, not your kitchen
How Much Does a New Concrete Slab Cost?
The typical cost of a new concrete slab is between $3,600 and $7,200
Let’s Get to the Bottom of How Much Foundation Repair Costs
On average, homeowners pay about $4,530 for foundation repairs
How to Check the Foundation of Your Home in 7 Simple Steps
All it takes is a little walking around and an eagle eye
4 Things Contractors Look for During a Basement Inspection
Your basement contractor needs to inspect these four things
How Long Do Smoke Detectors Last?
You should replace your smoke detectors at least every 10 years
How Much Does Fire Damage Restoration Cost?
The cost of fire damage restoration typically ranges from $2,900 to $29,500 for most properties
How Much Does It Cost to Clean or Repair a Crawl Space?
While the typical cost to clean a crawl space is between $500 and $4,000, repairing a crawl space runs between $1,500 and $15,000
23 Game Room Ideas for Action-Packed Fun
Caution: Your house may become the go-to hangout spot in the neighborhood
How Much Does It Cost to Finish a Basement?
The average cost to finish a basement is around $18,400 for a 400- to 1,500-square-foot space
Should You Install a Bathroom in Your Finished Basement?
Installing a bathroom in your finished basement is convenient and can up your home value
How Much Does It Cost to Build a Bar in Your Basement?
Basement bar installation ranges from $800 to $22,500 once you include all design, materials, and basement renovation costs
Did Water Damage Your Property? Here's How Much It'll Cost You to Fix It
Water damage repairs typically range from $1,210 to $5,170, depending on the source of the problem and the extent of the damage
What Causes a Basement to Flood?
If you don’t want to convert your basement into a swimming pool, the first step is knowing why it’s flooding
How Much Does It Cost to Encapsulate a Crawl Space?
Crawl space encapsulation typically costs $5,500, but it can be as low as $1,500 and as high as $15,000
Groundwater In Your Basement Isn’t Good. Here's What You Need to Know
If you've been feeling the pressure of basement troubles lately, groundwater could be the culprit
4 Noises Your Sump Pump Makes & Which Ones Mean Trouble
Sump pump acting up? These noises mean it's time to get it repaired or replaced
6 Essential Tips for Restoring a Flood-Damaged Home
Flood damage cleanup can seem overwhelming, but these tips will help you rebuild
How To Hire a Basement Waterproofing Contractor
Follow these tips to ensure that you pick the right contractor to waterproof your basement
Declutter Your Basement With These 7 Tips
Parting is such sweet sorrow—unless you’re saying goodbye to clutter