Do’s & Don’ts For Basement Finishing – Trenton, NJ

Posted by Jerome Fokas on

Are you planning for the finishing of your basement? You may have come across various basement systems designed to help you with this. The following are some tips to help you get the best results no matter which systems you choose to use.

Do:

  1. Include systems for the elimination of moisture

Moisture is your basement’s worst enemy. It is therefore important to eliminate it before you embark on finishing your basement. Don’t let moisture ruin the finished product. Install basement systems that will help to eliminate moisture including waterproofing membranes, vapor barriers, and French drains.

  1. Check building codes

It’s always a good idea to first check with building codes and local legislation before implementing a system. You should be sure that the system you intend to implement meets building code requirements.

  1. Take advantage of the positive

Unfinished basements may not seem like much but they do have some positive aspects that you can take advantage of. A good place to start is natural light. Look for egress window systems that will help you take advantage of natural lighting for your basement.

Don’ts

  1. Try to finish the whole basement area

It is important to consider space for utilities such as the storage of luggage, tools, and other seasonal items. This means that not all your basement would need to be finished. You can save money by spending a premium on the living space and leaving the utility space unfinished.

  1. Try to do it yourself

There are many do it yourself kits available in the market. While these kits encourage homeowners to carry out many of the repairs and renovations on their own, they don’t provide you with the many benefits that a skilled and experienced contractor would provide. There’s a good chance that you will overlook various aspects of the repair and renovation of your basement and end up with damage that is even more expensive and difficult to repair. Some jobs are better left to the professionals.

  1. Go cheap

Don’t be tempted to go cheap when it comes to investing in basement systems. Contractors who offer cheap solutions often have had to cut corners somewhere to be able to offer low prices. Learn to read between the lines and choose systems that offer good value for money.

Whatever systems you choose for your basement, ensure that you consider their long-term benefit.

 

 

5 Reasons to Invest in Elevator Waterproofing – Essex County, NJ

Posted by Jerome Fokas on

Elevators have become essential as the construction industry shifts focus to high rise buildings in order to make the most of vertical space when acreage is limited.

A lot of thought has to go into elevator design right from the start. Proper planning should include adequate elevator waterproofing. This is because the elevator pit is an integral part of the structure and function of the elevator. If you haven’t had your elevator pit waterproofed, the following are reasons you should contact a waterproofing contractor as soon as possible.

  1. Protect the lift’s mechanical system

The elevator pit is a vital part of the functioning of the elevator. Parts of the mechanical and electrical system of the elevator are located in the elevator pit. Moisture can result in these parts being damaged. Elevator waterproofing keeps water out of the elevator pit.

  1. Prevent the lift from breaking down

Moisture in the elevator pit can cause systems to fail. It can also increase the rate of wear and tear on different parts of the elevator. This can result in the elevator breaking down. Keeping moisture out of the pit will help to prevent this.

  1. Prevent health and safety issues

Leaving your elevator pit open to water penetration allows for the development of various health and safety issues including mold and pest infestations. These issues can cause problems throughout the building. You can save yourself the trouble of having to deal with them by investing in elevator waterproofing.

  1. Environmental issues

Water can pool in the elevator pit when nothing is done to keep it out. This water is likely to be polluted with oil and other lubricants used in the operation of the elevator. The water and the dissolved lubricants may pollute ground water if allowed to sip into the soil below the building.

  1. High costs

Waterproofing your elevator pit will help you save a lot of money in the repair, maintenance, and replacement of parts of the elevator’s operation system. You won’t have to deal with damage and other issues that moisture can cause to the system if allowed to penetrate the elevator pit.

Invest in waterproofing and avoid many of the issues that may arise. Find a reputable contractor with experience in waterproofing elevator pits to help.