"We are still in the budgeting phase and have not contacted yet however Scott Hughes of Groundwork’s was a great resource. He provided detailed information on the issues and how they would resolve them for us."
"I only use James when I need some work done to my house. He responds fast, gets the work done quicker than just about anyone else I've ever used and seems very concerned with leaving his customers happy."
A sewage smell in your crawl space is usually from a damaged or clogged pipe leaking sewer gasses or actual sewage underneath your home, but there are some other common causes. Moisture, from poor or damaged encapsulation or a malfunctioning sump pump, can harbor mold and bacteria, causing a musty smell. Pests can also get stuck in your crawl space and die, which causes a sewage-like odor.
Yes, it is possible to over-dehumidify a house by removing too much moisture from the air. This can create an overly dry environment that negatively affects those with respiratory or skin issues, and may cause your skin, hair, and sinuses to feel dry. However, this is unlikely to happen with most modern dehumidifiers, as they are equipped with moisture sensors and adjustable settings. These features allow the unit to pause automatically when the desired humidity level is reached, preventing the air from becoming uncomfortably dry. In contrast, older or more basic dehumidifiers left running for too long could potentially over-dry the air. To avoid this, aim for a balance between removing excess moisture and maintaining a comfortable environment. You can often monitor your home's humidity levels using a modern thermostat for guidance.
Anything having to do with the structure of your home, such as raising the ceiling, is usually the most expensive part of finishing a basement. Another project component that could be a surprisingly high expense is adding an exterior entrance.
Methods include interior sealants, exterior excavation and waterproofing membranes, sump pump installation, and vapor barriers for encapsulation. Techniques vary based on the structure and severity of moisture issues.
The best basement waterproofing method depends on the specific issue causing the water intrusion. For minor problems, simple solutions like installing a properly functioning gutter system to direct runoff away and grading the soil to slope away from your foundation can be effective.
If you have more significant water problems, the solution will need to be more robust:
For standing water on the basement floor, a floor drain or a sump pump system may be the best solution.
For water pooling around the foundation, installing an exterior French drain can intercept water before it reaches the basement walls.
Other effective waterproofing methods, which can be used depending on your home's specific needs, climate, and soil type, include sealing the interior walls, landscape alteration, installing interior drainage systems, and using a dehumidification system to control moisture levels.
The Houck, AZ homeowners’ guide to basement waterproofing services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Need to fix basement water problems or safeguard your home from damage in the future? Use this basement waterproofing cost guide to budget appropriately.
An unfinished basement has a lot of potential for a family room or guest suite. So how much does it cost to finish a basement? Read on for all cost factors.
Dealing with a damp basement? Follow these steps for DIY basement waterproofing to keep water and moisture out and boost your home’s energy efficiency.
Can’t seem to get rid of the moisture and mold in your basement? Learn why basements tend to hold moisture and how to get rid of moisture in the basement.
