Month: October 2023

• By Dylan Smith
• In Uncategorized

Many homeowners view their basement as nothing more than a storage space or an afterthought. However, the basement holds incredible potential to be so much more! With the right touch, your basement can transform into a cozy and functional living area, a haven for family activities, or even a lucrative rental unit. The opportunities are endless when you start thinking about a Basement Makeover.

Beyond the Extra Space

A well-executed basement makeover doesn’t just add extra space; it adds value, both to your property and to your quality of life.

Vision Casting: Imagine the Possibilities

Before picking up a sledgehammer or signing any contracts, take a moment to consider what you want from your basement. Here are some popular options to consider:

• Guest Suite
• Home Office
• Crafting Room
• Mini-Gym
• Gaming Zone

Planning 101: Elements of a Functional Design

To turn vision into reality, planning is crucial. Key elements to consider are:

1. Space Mapping: Measure the basement to know what you’re working with.
2. Layout Design: Visualize and sketch your intended design.
3. Feature Wishlist: Make a list of amenities and features you want to include.

Legalities: Permits and Building Codes

Doing a Basement Makeover without proper permits is not only illegal but also potentially dangerous. Always consult local codes and obtain necessary permits to ensure a smooth and safe makeover process.

Selecting Materials: A Balance of Quality and Aesthetics

When it comes to materials, aim for a balance between functionality and style. The last thing you want is for your beautiful basement to suffer from water damage or wear and tear due to poor quality materials.

Budgeting: How to Finance Your Dream

Financing a basement makeover is no small matter. On average, you can expect to spend anywhere from $15,000 to $50,000, depending on the scale and features of the project.

Time Allocation: Setting Realistic Expectations

A full-scale basement makeover can take anywhere from 4 to 12 weeks. It’s important to set realistic expectations and plan accordingly to minimize disruptions to your daily life.

A basement makeover is a complex process requiring skill, experience, and attention to detail. That’s where we come in. Our expertise ensures that your Basement Makeover will not only meet but exceed your expectations.

Top 5 FAQs for a Successful Basement Makeover

1. Do I Need a Permit for My Basement Makeover?
   • Most likely, yes. Always check with local building authorities.
2. What is the Average Cost of a Basement Makeover?
   • Costs can range from $15,000 to $50,000 based on the scope of work.
3. Is a DIY Basement Makeover a Good Idea?
   • While you can DIY, hiring professionals will likely yield better results.
4. How Long Will My Basement Makeover Take?
   • Typically, 4 to 12 weeks depending on complexity and features.
5. Will the Makeover Increase My Property Value?
   • Absolutely. A finished basement is a highly desirable feature for potential buyers.

Conclusion: Your Basement Makeover is Just a Call Away

Transforming your basement into a functional and comfortable space is more than just a home improvement project; it’s a lifestyle upgrade. Are you ready to begin your Basement Makeover journey? Call us today at 801-515-3473 or fill out our online form to get started.

Donna & Mike of Lake in the Hills came to Advance Design looking to transform their existing kitchen into a luxurious space to host family and friends. They felt their existing kitchen layout was dysfunctional and felt small and dark, and were ready for a full kitchen remodel.

Lake In the Hills Kitchen Transformation

During the redesign process, the ADS team worked with Mike & Donna to determine their wants and needs for the kitchen redesign. They wanted an oversized island to accommodate guests and reconfigure the layout to maximize space and storage, but they needed help finding the best design solution.

There were two major pain points that needed to be addressed in the redesign: an awkwardly-placed secondary sink and a tall standalone cabinet that felt out of place with the rest of the kitchen.

Our clients wanted their new space to feel refined, luxurious, and inviting. The design team took Mike & Donna’s goals and wishlist items and implemented them into one seamless redesign, which was brought to life by the rest of the Advance Design Studio team.

To maximize storage in the kitchen, two interior walls were removed to make room for tall angled cabinets adjacent to the arched kitchen entryway. A side-by-side Sub Zero fridge is built-in to the surrounding storage cabinetry for a cleaner layout and flow than the solo cabinet that was there previously.

Functional Design Details

The original sink location was relocated to the new island for centralized meal prep. This made room for a cozy built-in dining nook for two – a much more natural entrance to the kitchen. The new kitchen space feels warm, classic, and luxurious.

Along with a larger island, Mike & Donna liked the idea of a custom range hood to create a focal point as you enter the kitchen. The ADS team partnered with Vogler Metalworks to design a handcrafted metal range hood for the kitchen. The stainless steel hood features blackened stainless rails with seam rivets and detailed crown molding.

The neutral-toned quartz countertop continues from the perimeter up the walls behind the range hood. Industrial hardware was selected to complement the true brown finish of the Dura Supreme cabinetry. Accent lighting was heavily considered in this remodel. There are three main areas that utilize task lighting: the wall cabinets, open corner shelving, and base cabinets.

A Positive Experience

Donna & Mike love their new kitchen and are looking forward to hosting friends and family for dinner parties. They love even the small design details of their kitchen, like the crown molding and decorative cabinetry. We truly enjoyed partnering with them to bring their kitchen to life.

“The entire team is very professional, trustworthy, and efficient at their craft,” said Donna. “They exceeded all my expectations. They were very easy to work with, kept my house clean and safe, and the result was beautiful. I was able to stay in touch 24/7 with their app.”

We’re ready to help you make the most of your kitchen and create the ideal hosting space you’ve been dreaming of. Speak with a designer today to help you break down the steps needed to complete your specific remodel and answer your questions regarding investment ranges, layout ideas, timeframes, and more!

Lifting a house is a major construction project that involves physically raising an entire structure above its existing foundation. There are several reasons why you might need to lift a house. The most common reason is to repair or replace a foundation. Alternatively, you might need to lift a house to move it to another location.

House lifting in Edmonton is a significant and expensive undertaking. However, it might be the best option for your home or building, offering several benefits.

The benefits of house lifting

Foundation repair or replacement

If your foundation has widespread damage, lifting the house to repair or replace it might be the only way to save the building. Settled, cracked, and structurally unsound foundations require comprehensive repairs. Unfortunately, in some cases, professionals cannot do those repairs with the weight of the house on the foundation. It must come up!

Cost-effective preservation

It might not seem like lifting an entire house to fix it is cost-effective. However, it can be more cost-friendly than demolishing and rebuilding the whole structure. It allows you to preserve the current home, which is important to many people.

Your home might have sentimental or historical value and be worth it to save it. In addition, choosing to replace the foundation and keep the structure is better for the environment. It means less construction waste and debris in the landfill.

Improve home value

A house with a damaged foundation is challenging to sell. As mentioned, foundation replacement or repair can be extensive and expensive. It’s not something potential buyers want to take on when searching for their dream home. That damaged foundation will drag down the value of your home on the real estate market.

Calling a company for house lifting in Edmonton and replacing the foundation will help your home maintain and improve its value. The new solid foundation will add appeal to your home. In addition, it helps prevent further damage to your home. Wall cracks, uneven floors, and sticky doors and windows deter home buyers.

Better structural integrity and building code compliance

Living in a home with foundation damage is not fun. Cracks in the foundation can lead to leaks in the basement, water damage, and damage to your walls, ceilings, windows and doors. Unfortunately, water damage can promote mould and mildew growth. Both are hazardous to your health and costly to remediate. Lifting the house and replacing that foundation leads to a safer living environment and increased peace of mind.

Plus, older homes with crumbling foundations might not meet building code requirements. Lifting and repairing the house can bring it up to code and ensure the home’s safety. In addition, it provides an opportunity to upgrade utilities and mechanical systems. You’ll feel better once it is done, and it will be easier to sell your home in the future.

Moving a building to another location

Homes with historical, architectural, or sentimental value might require home lifting services to move them to another location. For example, someone might want to move their historic farmhouse to a city lot, or a business might purchase a building and need it moved into their yard. In this instance, lifting the home is the only option. Fortunately, some companies specialize in house lifting and building transportation.

The process of house lifting in Edmonton

While every house lifting contractor in Edmonton might do it a little differently, the house lifting process is more or less the same. Ensure the company you hire follows industry standards and best practices for all lifting procedures.

First, the contractor will thread steel beams under the house on top of wood blocking. Then, they’ll place hydraulic jacks beneath the steel beams. They’ll connect the jacks to a lifting system. Once it is secure, they can safely raise the house for foundation repair or replacement.

Depending on the space available, the contractors can slide over the house to give full access to the foundation or lift it and leave it in place. Your house lifting contractor will determine the safest and most effective method for your home and repair. Moreover, they’ll ensure safety systems are in place to protect your home and those working on it.

In no particular order, here is a list of the best Edmonton house lifting companies:

1. Shield Foundation Repair Inc.

Shield Foundation Repair has over 35 years of experience in foundation repair and house lifting in Edmonton. They’re experienced in large-scale foundation repair and replacement for residential and commercial projects. In addition, they offer basement waterproofing and structural concrete repair, asbestos removal, house levelling, home inspections, and sump pump services. They offer 25-year transferrable warranties and flexible payment options.

Regarding house lifting, Shield uses state-of-the-art Unified Hydraulic Jacking Systems. This system lifts the heavy end of your building at the same rate as the light end, reducing any distortion or damage to the structure. Moreover, Shield is committed to protecting the value of your home and to absolute safety adherence on every job. This is a significant project, and working with Shield ensures the job gets done right.

Key Services & Features

– House lifting
– Residential and commercial foundation repair
– Structural concrete repairs
– Weeping tile installation and repair
– Mould and asbestos removal
– Basement waterproofing
– Other services include home inspections, house levelling, radon detection, and sump pump services
– 25-year transferrable service warranty
– Flexible payment options

Customer Feedback

Shield Foundation Repair removed about 15 ft of foundation wall and replaced it with a new foundation after a car hit our home. Then they repaired the facing on the outside of the house. The work was professional grade and we’re so pleased with the results. We especially loved the carpenters Ray and Matt who built and removed he retaining wall! Great work, guys!

– Tara, Google

2. Bilsborrow Building Movers

As the name suggests, Bilsborrow Building Movers move buildings! They can lift and safely relocate existing structures. In addition, they can lift and support buildings for foundation replacement and repairs. Bilsborrow Building Movers serves commercial, residential, and industrial clientele. They’re committed to safety, quality, and exceptional customer service.

Moreover, this professional foundation repair and house lifting company in Edmonton can deliver and relocate RTM modules and portables. And they buy and sell buildings, and then can move that building to your property! Head to their website to learn more about their services.

Key Services & Features

– House and building lifting
– Building levelling
– Foundation repair and replacements
– Structural concrete repairs
– Other services include RTM module and portable delivery
– Buy and sell buildings
– Flexible payment options

Customer Feedback

Hired this company to raise my double car garage in order for me to demolish and pour a new concrete foundation and slab. Crew was hardworking and knowledgeable, raised and blocked the building without any issues. Returned 2 weeks later to lower the building and worked diligently to get it aligned on the new foundation as best as possible. Being an older building, it wasn’t built quite square, but they got it as close as it could be. Rates were reasonable and work was completed on time and as promised. Would recommend.

– Rob, Google

3. Abalon Construction

Abalon Construction, also known as Abalon Foundation Repairs, has served Edmonton since 1970. They also have locations in Winnipeg and Calgary. For over 50 years, they’ve assisted home and business owners with foundation repair, sump pump services, foundation piling and underpinning, and house lifting.

They specialize in foundation settlement and shifting issues as cost-effectively as possible. Often, that requires foundation underpinning and piling repairs. Fortunately, they offer a full warranty on all repairs. For more information on what might be involved in your foundation repair, contact Abalon Construction.

Key Services & Features

– Residential and commercial foundation repair
– Basement waterproofing
– Foundation piling and underpinning
– Structural concrete repairs
– Weeping tile installation and repair
– Other services include residential grading drainage and sump pump services
– Lifetime Guarantee on waterproofing services
– Flexible payment options

Customer Feedback

My mom had water in her basement last major sustained rain and assumed it was a cracked foundation. Called around for a repair and Abalon was the only company that returned her call, and despite the long wait time remembered to show up and did so on time. Brent H showed up to assess the situation and determined that it was a corroded weeping tile drain that was the issue, and I had no idea such a thing even existed.

Brent was honest in his appraisal, extremely knowledgable, and recommended against digging for a crack when that was unlikely to be the source of the water. He took the time to explain his findings to my elderly mom in a way she would understand and that was appreciated. His integrity may have cost Abalon a bigger job in the short term, however it should be recognized in a positive way. If any work is required in the future my mom will be certain to hire Abalon.

– GS, Google

4. Abarent Construction

Abarent Construction is a foundation piling and repair company that serves residential and commercial clients in Edmonton and Vancouver. They offer high-quality, long-lasting foundation repairs and have been in the business since 1989. Their services include foundation pile and underpinning for house lifting, basement waterproofing, weeping tile installation, sump pump installation, structural engineering, foundation crack repair and more. In addition, they are an Accredited Construction and Engineering Firm (APEGA) permit holder and are COR-safety certified.

Abarent Construction uses a concentrically installed steel pipe push pile or an end-bearing screw pile to assist with foundation settlement issues. Each project and pile system is fully engineered to do the job, ensuring safety every step of the way. Additionally, this method can be used to stabilize or lift basement foundations. Reach out to Abarent Construction for more information.

Key Services & Features

– Foundation piling and underpinning
– Basement waterproofing
– Residential and commercial foundation repair
– Structural engineering and drafting
– Other services include window well repair, PWF wall systems, floor lowering, and sump pump services
– Transferrable warranties

Customer Feedback

First-time home buyers – Abarent made a potentially overwhelming situation for us very easy. Crack in the foundation discovered in inspection: Abarent was available within 48 hours for a complete inspection of the foundation. Everything explained openly and transparently. Homeowners insurance company withheld groundwater and sewage backup insurance until crack was fixed:
Abarent fit us in within 8 days of possession.

Foundation repaired without ANY concerns: Everything was explained openly and transparently; all questions were answered thoroughly by the crew. Above and beyond expectations: Without solicitation, the crew left the stone and rock to be returned to the original location of the crack laid out in order of how we should replace it – incredibly thoughtful!!

– Cassandra, Google

 

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5. K. Kuypers Construction

K. Kuypers Construction offers expert foundation repair and related services in Edmonton. They’ve been in business for over 65 years and provide quality repair and construction services. Their services include foundation crack repair, foundation insulation installation, sump pump services, and basement waterproofing.

Furthermore, K. Kuypers offers a fully transferable 25-year guarantee on every foundation repair. With free estimates, honest advice, and expert repairs, you’ll be glad you contacted K. Kuypers Construction.

Key Services & Features

– Foundation crack repair
– Basement waterproofing
– Residential and commercial foundation repair
– Sump pump services
– Other services include foundation insulation, window well installation, and weeping tile
– 25-year transferrable warranties

Customer Feedback

This is the second time I’ve used Kuypers Construction. I had such a good experience the first time that when this new issue came, had no reservations of calling them again to work on my home. This time, I had a sump pump put in, some other foundation work done, and 2 window wells installed. The team was punctual and professional. Kept to their word and did all the work on time and as planned. They took good care of my floors and cleaned up indoors and outside really well afterward.

– Naz, Google

House lifting services in Edmonton

If you need to lift a house or building, trust one of the house lifting contractors in Edmonton above. All companies on this list have extensive experience and can ensure safety and high-quality work. Tackle that foundation repair, and contact a trusted company for the job.

Most basement flooding is preventable, but because flooding can and does happen we’ve created this short list of what you must do if your basement floods:

• Shut off power before walking into water
• Wear protective gear such as tall rain boots and gloves
• Shut off water, if the flood is due to plumbing
• Remove water, using a sump pump, wet vacuum, or mop and bucket
• Begin clean up

Don’t worry – if these steps seem overwhelming or are too much for you to handle yourself, an experienced professional can help you.

Cleaning Up After a Basement Flood

People commonly use their basements for storage, and if the basement is finished, they use their basements as living space.  Regardless, it is important to move all of the storage boxes and other basement contents to a dry, ventilated space so that everything can dry out for several days.  If there is any wet carpet, it will have to be removed so that mold will not grow underneath. Failure to do this will keep you from thoroughly cleaning and sanitizing the space and will result in a musty smell.

To sanitize the space once everything is removed, wash down floors and walls and remove any wet drywall and insulation to prevent mold and mildew.  When the basement is dry, use anti-mildrew spray. Again, if this seems like too much to take on yourself, a professional will help.

Your Basement Flooded and You’ve Cleaned Up – Now What?

What Will Insurance Cover When My Basement Floods?

After you’ve taken the steps above, you should then consider whether you can file a homeowner’s insurance claim.  Whether the flood damage is covered by your homeowner’s insurance or not will vary by policy and region of the country, so you should contact your insurance company when the flood occurs and discuss your coverage limits, deductible amount, and claim procedures. It is important to take pictures of the basement flooded and as you clean up, as well as of any items that you must discard because they have been damaged beyond repair.

How Can I Repair My Basement?

Likely new floor coverings and new drywall and insulation will be needed, but prior to restoring the basement you should consult with a waterproofing company to ensure that you are doing everything you can to prevent flooding in the future. It is especially important to remove and remediate any mold, which if not removed is a significant health risk.

Basements can flood for a number of reasons:

In much of New Jersey and Bucks County, Pennsylvania, wet basements are a common problem because the ground water level can be high.  You can read more about the causes and effects of a high water table and how French Drains can help here.

Flood Prevention – How To Keep Water Out of Your Basement

What Can I Do to Prevent Basement Flooding?

As a homeowner, you can take the following steps yourself to be proactive and help prevent most flooding:

• Clean your gutters
• Direct downspouts away from the house
• Seal basement windows
• Grade your yard away from your foundation

Why Do I Need a Professional Basement Waterproofing Company?

Your local waterproofing company can help you with clean up and repair after a flood, and by assessing the risk of more flooding and taking steps to prevent flooding in the future.  Dry Basement Solutions is your full-service basement company: we can install interior French Drains or other exterior drainage systems, install vapor barriers, install sump pumps, and repair and waterproof your basement floor and foundation, and you can find out how much it will cost free of charge.

Whether you own a home in New Jersey or in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, and whether you’ve just had a basement flood or want to know how to prevent flooding in the future, we can help you. Contact us to schedule your free estimate today.