Replies

1. 
   renosteinke | Jun 04, 2012 11:54am | #1

   You might as well try turning a pair of dancing shoes into work boots. That's the scale of the challenge.

   First off, you don't KNOW the source of the water. Secondly, you're severely limited in your ability to keep water out, just by simple physics.

   To start with, you need to step back, and look at the house as a complete design. Then you need to start collecting data, or facts.

   Your insurance agent will tell you basements aren't supposed to be living spaces. That's your first 'fact.'

   Now ... for the details:

   The basement is not 'just like' ther rest of the house, so don't use 'house' methods to finish it off. You can start by bringing the basement into the house.

   That is, you need to redesign your HVAC system to condition the basement as well as the house. This means a larger system, and it means bringing  plenty of fresh air into the basement. I'll bet most of the moisture and all of the 'musty small' go away once you do this.

   You need to make sure the floor is dead flat, but will still drain to the sump. Any moisture that does pool needs a place to go.

   The basement WILL get wet. Use 'upstairs' methods like drywall and carpet, and even a tiny bit of water will cost thousands of dollars to repair. Fiberglass insulation, gypsum drywall, and permanent flooring are all no-no's.

   You'll need to change the basement to make it 'habitable.' This means additional exits and a higher ceiling. It means closing in the ceiling.

2. 
   DanH | Jun 04, 2012 07:23pm | #2

   First you need to attack the dampness issue.  Basements CAN be (relatively) dry, but it takes some effort.  You need to get an expert in to determine the source of your moisture and recommend a game plan.

   Cost (of just the drying out) could be a few thou or tens of thou, depending on the cause.

3. 
   calvin | Jun 04, 2012 09:24pm | #3

   Well, let's take a closer look..............

   Delta Solutions is Oklahoma's #1 trusted general contracting specialist.

    

   So says the description of the company you included as a link in your original post.

   Does this mean that Ok.'s #1 screwed up and you're trying to find out how to waterproof some of your basements ?

   or a simple free ad insertion?

   this is what I'd like to know b/4 taking any time with your question.

1. 
   DanH | Jun 04, 2012 10:48pm | #4

   Yeah, I am a little curious as to why someone in construction is so clueless about these issues -- not a very good advertisement.

4. 
   Lina Myer | Jan 25, 2017 01:35am | #5

   Tip or idea for you is you can go home Remodelers in your area or you can google Remodeler in your area.They will provide you a proper estimate for you at your door step.

1. 
   calvin | Jan 25, 2017 12:08pm | #6

   Lina

   if you got lucky at the home show you would maybe get what you suggest.