Backwater Valve or Sump Pump? What to Check Before Finishing a Niagara Basement
A backwater valve and a sump pump solve different problems. A backwater valve helps stop sewage flowing backwards into the house; a sump pump removes water collected in a sump pit, commonly from foundation drainage. Before finishing a Niagara basement, establish...
Can You Have a Curbless Shower in an Existing Bathroom?
Yes, a curbless shower can be possible in an existing bathroom, but the floor and plumbing need to support the design. Before choosing tile or a drain, establish how the shower will slope, where its finished entrance will meet the bathroom floor, and how water will be...
Flooring Acclimation Before Installation: Why 48 Hours Is Not a Universal Rule
Flooring acclimation depends on the exact product and the conditions in your home, not a universal 48-hour rule. Some floors need a stated waiting period; others do not. Wood flooring also needs suitable moisture conditions. In every case, the room and subfloor must...
Finishing Around a Furnace: Plan Basement Utility Access Before Framing
Plan access to your furnace, water heater, electrical panel and shutoffs before framing a finished basement. A layout can look comfortable on paper yet make a filter difficult to change, leave a technician without working room or trap a large appliance behind a narrow...
