Basements & suites
Workshop Notes3 min
Seal the Sump Lid. Keep the Pump Reachable.
We wanted a better seal. We did not want to entomb the pump.
Read the postThe Workshop / 19 useful reads
Water, air & warmth.
Make downstairs comfortable, dry, and useful. Plan the layout, moisture work, services, and approvals before the walls close.
A closer look
1–12 of 19Basements & suites
Everyday Renovations3 min
The Basement Pipe Is Sweating. Is It Actually Leaking?
The pipe looks like a cold drink on a humid day. That is a useful clue, but it is not a diagnosis. Follow where the water starts.
Read the post
Basements & suites
Workshop Notes3 min
Where Should the Basement Dehumidifier Actually Go?
The machine had a lovely little nook. Unfortunately, most of the basement was somewhere else.
Read the post
Basements & suites
Field Guide3 min
Why Is the Basement Dehumidifier Icing Up?
A cold basement can be outside a dehumidifier's useful operating range. Start with temperature, airflow, and the exact model's instructions.
Read the post
Basements & suites
Project Guide2 min
A Working Sump Pump Can Still Have a Frozen Discharge
Check the outdoor route before winter blocks your sump discharge. A powered pump cannot reliably protect a basement if the water has nowhere to go.
Read the postBasements & suites
Project Guide2 min
Seal the Rim Joist Before the Basement Ceiling Closes
The top of the foundation can leak air behind a finished basement ceiling. Check the rim-joist condition and air-barrier detail while it remains accessible.
Read the postBasements & suites
Project Guide2 min
Should You Fill Basement Floor Cracks Before Flooring?
Assess basement slab cracks for movement and moisture before covering them. Filler, levelling compound, and crack isolation solve different problems.
Read the postBasements & suites
Project Guide2 min
White Powder on the Basement Wall: What It Tells You
Efflorescence is a mineral deposit that can reveal moisture movement. Investigate recurring white powder before painting or covering a basement wall.
Read the postBasements & suites
Project Guide2 min
Your Dehumidifier Needs a Drain Plan, Too
A basement dehumidifier can stop when its bucket fills or a hose fails to drain. Compare gravity drainage, pump limits, and a suitable drain connection.
Read the postBasements & suites
Project Guide2 min
Can a Cold Cellar Become Finished Basement Space?
Converting a cold cellar changes the thermal boundary, ventilation, and moisture conditions. Establish the intended assembly before sealing the vents and adding drywall.
Read the postBasements & suites
Project Guide3 min
Should You Open Basement Windows on a Humid Day?
Fresh air can bring more moisture into a cool basement. Use humidity readings and outdoor conditions to decide whether opening the windows is helping.
Read the postBasements & suites
Project Guide2 min
Sump Pump Battery Backup: Plan the Failure Scenario
A sump backup needs more than a battery in the corner. Compare pump capacity, discharge, alarms, maintenance, and what happens during an outage.
Read the post