Checklist of the Steps to Follow: Basement Renovation Project

Are you thinking about converting your basement into a living space? It goes without saying, but for every element within this particular level, windows are submitted to an array of rules and regulations established by the Construction Code. For more insight on the matter, here is the current regulation regarding basement windows. We have prepared a quick memory aid to help guide you through the various steps of the project. Click here to check it out and bookmark it! Current Basement Window Standards Source; Canva Converting a basement section into a bedroom If your intention is to convert a section of your basement into a bedroom, bear in mind that the space will need to have at least one exterior-facing window. And, its surface area must be at least 3.75 square feet and 15 inches high. These standard dimensions have been instilled so that, in case of an emergency, an average-sized adult can crawl through the space. For security measures as well, the window must not need any type of support to be held open nor should it require a key or any other particular skill. If your window opens out onto a well, it should therefore benefit from at least 30 inches of clearance in front of the opening. In other words, if your window opens outwardly, the clearance space should not be diminished by this factor. Also, note that current regulations in regard to the aforementioned fact can vary from one borough to the next. Therefore, ensure to check with the concerned parties before jumpstarting your basement renovation project. As for the window’s height, note that, ideally, it must be less than 1.5 metres off the ground, although there are no set regulations when it comes to this matter. For those who cannot meet this standard, bear in mind that you can proceed differently by positioning a piece of furniture right below the window sill. In case of an emergency, the occupant(s) will be able to climb through for a quick and easy escape. Also, avoid installing security bars on the window. If your basement bedroom is equipped with a fire sprinkler system, note that the above-mentioned requirements do not apply. Looking for specialists for your window renovation project? Fill out the form so that we can put you in contact with certified contractors from our network! Choosing a Window Model Source: Canva As far as the type of window you wish to purchase, note that there are no specific regulations in place for this matter. However, we highly recommend avoiding casement or awning windows, as they are often harder to manoeuvre in case of an accumulation of snow unless selecting a casement window with both window panes having the ability to open/close at the same time. Ideally, your choice should land on a sliding window due to its opening mechanism. Is Your Window in a Well? If your window is located on the inside of a window well, keep in mind that it should open without issue from the inside. Furthermore, if you have opted for an outward-opening, awning window, make sure that there is at least a 30-inch clearance once opened. By principle, it is important to mention that the current regulations in regard to basement windows vary from one municipality to the next, which is why you must seek further information to ensure you are fully aware of the standards issued by your borough. Furthermore, if your window well has a protective covering, is it absolutely necessary to be able to open it manually from the inside. And, should the window pane open up on the window well and pivot in its direction, it must in no way obstruct the available clearance. Tips to Live By To ensure everyone’s safety, it is highly recommended to clear the space in front of the window from time to time to make sure that this exit is never obstructed. Also, if you have young children, take the necessary measures and time to go over the basics of opening a window so that they can do it by themselves in case of an emergency. On another note, make sure that the position of your window gives way to 8 to 10 inches of clearance from the floor. This is a highly important measure to ensure that the window is not exposed to a too high level of humidity, which could cause premature wear and tear. If you are not able to conform to this specific requirement, you will then need to install a window well in front of it. Why do some basements in new homes not meet current standards? Source: Canva As we have mentioned in this article, a basement bedroom must have at least one window respecting the established required dimensions. So, why is it that some basement windows are clearly too small in newer homes? The answer is quite simple: The above-mentioned regulations do not apply if the basement is not considered a living space and does not have a bedroom. Need more tips before purchasing your new windows? Check out our article How to Choose Your Windows. Curious about the possible cost of such a project? Try our cost calculator!

The sets of your favourite films can sometimes serve as an inspiration to transform your interior decor. Whether a period piece, a 1960s inspired environment or a more modern layout, there is always room to draw inspiration from these much-loved stories. Set decorators (and set designers) know exactly how to bring beauty and magic to these sets, based on meticulous research and the specific demands of the filmmaker. Here’s the second part of our series on film sets, with even more choices to inspire you! 10 films to inspire your interior decor! 1- The creative apartment in The Shape of Water Set in 1960s Baltimore, the apartment of the protagonist’s neighbour is certainly an original space. Being an artist himself, one can see a multitude of prints and photographs displayed on the walls of his home. Although somewhat chaotic, the charm of dark woodwork and tapestry gives the space a warm atmosphere. 2- The kitchen and dining room in Call Me By Your Name The Italian villa featured in this wonderful movie is simply magnificent. As if frozen in time, the elegance of the furniture, the frescoes on the ceilings and the walls, antique paintings, everything is perfectly elegant. If you’re searching for inspiration to take on a kitchen renovation project, the one seen in this film can also serve as a reference. With its “farmhouse style” sink and white ceramic, laid out with open-concept storage, it offers up a unique and soothing cachet. 3- Bridges of Madison County vintage country decor In this story, Meryl Streep lives in a small farmhouse with her family. The decor is simple but colourful with yellow accents and flowery wallpaper. A real dream for vintage lovers. 4- The sober and classic style of Lady Macbeth Although tragic, this period piece presents the perfect Victorian English decor. Neutral and sober colour, with dark wood furniture, and velvety fabric, all form a beautiful balance evoking a somewhat melancholic atmosphere. 5- The old house that comes back to life in Mother! For lovers of old fixer-uppers, you will certainly find inspiration in this film. In it, we see the character played by Jennifer Lawrence undertake several small renovations in this house that seems old, all while preserving its charm and character. 6- The Victorian decor in Only Lovers Left Alive In this film, we find the story of Adam and Eve, but with a touch of macabre. Although the Victorian house in which Adam lives is beautiful, it’s Eve’s room that seems to attract attention. In his Moroccan house, there are draperies and patterned carpets that bring bohemian and eclectic touches to the final look. 7- The contemporary and minimalist decor of Parasite In this Korean horror-drama, the home of one of the main families is the perfect image of modern style and minimalism. Surrounded by floor-to-ceiling windows, the decor is highlighted with sophisticated furniture and neutral tones. 8- The modern loft in Crazy, Stupid, Love Also on the modern side, Jacob’s house in Crazy, Stupid, Love is certainly luxurious, but its interior decor is inspiring and easy to replicate with a small budget. The aesthetic aspect is a perfect blend of chic style and a more contemporary spirit. 9- Surrealist eclecticism in Mood indigo Although chaotic and absurd, the realm of Boris Vian’s story is both fascinating and inspiring. You’ll be dazzled by this stunning decor, perfect for lovers of an eclectic and colourful style. This is not something for the faint of the heart! 10- Urban apartment in Someone Great It’s difficult to choose a particular apartment in this movie. Each of them is different and full of life, and fitting perfectly with the respective characters. Ranging from Instagram-ready decor, colourful and filled with patterns, to the typical loft with brick walls, these apartments are what young New Yorkers dream of. If you're looking for additional inspiration on the screen, we'd suggest checking another article about the interior decor of television shows!

Depending on the circumstances of its installation, a French drain (or foundation drain) has a decent service life before it needs to be changed. You may be wondering if and when your drainage system needs to be replaced—check out this article for all the answers you're looking for! When should your French drain be replaced? Source: Canva Replacing a French drain depends on several factors. First of all, regular system inspections are a must to detect any sign of damage or deterioration. If the French drain is leaking, frequently obstructed, or malfunctioning, it’s probably time to replace it. What’s the service life of a drainage system? The service life of a French drain can vary based on several factors: Quality of materials used; Regularly maintained or not; Environmental conditions (corrosive soil, exposure to stagnant water, etc.). Typically speaking, a well-designed and properly installed French drain can last on average between 20 to 30 years. To maximize the service life of your French drain, it’s best to hire qualified professionals to carry out the installation and maintenance work. If you begin to notice the following warning signs around the foundation of your home, or in your basement, it may be an indication that your French drain isn’t functioning properly. Process of elimination! First off, start by identifying the problem before undertaking a costly excavation and French drain replacement. Lookout for These Warning Signs Around Your House and Basement The presence of humidity hints at a problem As a general rule, you should be on the lookout for any prolonged signs of moisture in the basement. A malfunctioning French drain will have a limited ability to redirect water that naturally collects near the foundation, which can lead to increased humidity in the basement. If you notice a build-up of moisture on your drywall, or that your basement walls appear to be “sweating,” then you might have an excessive amount of water around the foundation of your home. However, that doesn’t necessarily point to a malfunctioning French drain. In any case, the humidity level in your basement is probably too high and you might want to take the opportunity to rectify this problem. Take the necessary measures to lower the humidity level in your basement, if only for the sake of your personal health! Check out the following article for more information: Causes and Solutions of Damp Interior Walls. Concrete Efflorescence: Telltale Sign of the State of Your French Drain Source: Canva If you observe a build-up of white powder on the surface of your concrete, that’s a sure sign of efflorescence, which is an occurrence whereby the minerals in the concrete rise as a result of prolonged exposure to moisture. If you notice a significant amount of efflorescence on the concrete walls of your basement over an extended period of time, this is most likely a foregone conclusion that something is faulty within the drainage system of your foundation. It’s important to stress the presence of efflorescence over a significant period of time, especially in the basement. This is a natural phenomenon that may occur during periods of increased humidity, such as spring or fall. For more information about efflorescence, check out our article: What Does Efflorescence Mean? Are you looking for experts for your French drain project? Fill in our form to be connected to top-rated contractors! How to Determine if Your French Drain Is Working Properly or Clogged Source: Canva While you may not see any signs of humidity, water infiltration, or efflorescence, your property may still be showing other signs indicating a problem with the foundation drainage. If every spring you notice a lot of excess surface water on your property, yet your home is equipped with a French drain, have it inspected by professionals. Before undertaking any work, they will proceed with a camera drain inspection. Often, it just needs to be cleaned! Camera Inspection Prior to undertaking any work, they’ll check the entirety of the drain with a camera. Oftentimes, it simply needs a good cleaning! The drain camera inspection can be performed via two entry points: Through the catch basin (or sump), if you have one; Through the drainage access chimney of the French drain. Without a catch basin or drainage access chimney, the hired professionals may suggest digging a small access pit to allow the camera to travel to the French drain to begin the inspection. If it’s clogged, it can be cleaned with a drain cleaner. Following the inspection, you should be able to determine if the French drain needs to be partially replaced due to a broken piece or completely replaced if it’s completely obstructed or damaged beyond repair. If it’s partially clogged, check with the on-site contractor to determine if it can be unclogged. If you suspect the presence of iron ochre or if the on-site contractor points it out, replacing the French drain will have little impact on this natural occurrence. However, there are types of drains that are preferred for this particular situation. For more information on how to proceed in such a situation, refer to our article on the subject matter. (French only) When to Change a Foundation Drain: Overview Source: Canva The best advice to remember when it comes to replacing a French drain is to proceed by elimination: Check for signs of excess humidity and efflorescence in the basement, and have the inside of your French drain camera inspected. Having the entire French drain replaced should come as a last resort. You can either opt to have it cleaned, or partially replaced. That being said, as mentioned at the beginning of this article, a French drain has a service life of 20 to 30 years. If you do the math based on when your house was built or know the exact year the French drain was previously replaced, it might need to be changed completely. A section of the drain can indeed be replaced, but if it has reached the end of its service life, all other sections will need to be replaced at some point or another. Replace it completely, or risk having to repair it constantly, which will become more expensive in the long run. Check out this article for additional information: French Drain Not Working: The Causes Your Home and the Phreatic Zone: Key Facts How to Clear Root-Clogged Pipes

Owning a house can sometimes mean adapting oneself to nature’s perils. Whether it be freeze-thaw cycles or landscape vegetation, naturally-occurring phenomena can have an impact on your house’s overall state and maintenance. The phreatic zone is included in the challenges caused by nature that can occur on, or more likely beneath, your property. If you want to learn more about the ins and outs and overall outcomes resulting from the phreatic zone and its impact on your house, keep reading. The Phreatic Zone In a Nutshell Source: Canva The phreatic zone can be summed up in two parts: the unsaturated zone, which represents the ground within which water flows, and the saturated zone, which is an underground water reserve that can be found, depending on the landscape, at various levels underground. The above-mentioned water reserves are a result of rainwater that seeps into the ground and ends up in the earth. A house can be built atop the unsaturated (ground) part of the phreatic zone. Quebec’s phreatic zone amounts to 25% of our drinking water supply! To learn more about the phreatic zone, check out this article! (French only) Are you looking for general contractors for your renovation project? Fill in this form to be connected with top-rated contractors! Keep an Eye On Your House’s Phreatic Zone! Source: Canva As previously mentioned, the phreatic zone can be found at differing levels beneath your home’s foundation. And, water coming from the phreatic zone can, at times, leak into your basement if the former is too close or above your foundation’s level. Some warning signs can help you determine whether there’s a phreatic zone near your house. The most common sign is water seeping into the basement. Water from the phreatic zone naturally flows toward the water cavity via soil and should your home’s foundation be “in the way,” and your foundation isn’t properly drained, it’ll inevitably lead to water leaks. In some cases, water from the phreatic zone can rise above the ground and flood your basement. If you start noticing humidity problems or a buildup of water in your basement, it’s about time to reconsider your drainage options. A French drain will drain any water flowing toward your foundation and redirect it toward the nearest rainwater sewer. That said, merging the possibility of a too-high phreatic zone with spring rainfalls, a French drain won’t suffice. In such a case, you should really consider relieving the French drain by installing a sump pump. Water Buildup: To Pump or Not Source: Canva A too-high phreatic zone can very well put pressure on your current drainage installations, on top of other water sources on your property resulting from, for example, melting snow. The sump pit will take over once the French drain becomes insufficient in terms of draining water: the French drain will thus redirect the excess water toward the sump, which is basically a water pit. The pump fitted to the sump pit will draw the excess water toward the rainwater sewer via a pipe that was installed beforehand. Prior to installing any kind of pump to your sump pit, you have to be aware of its dimensions. If your sump pit is over 18 inches wide, it could easily fit a submersible pump with a float switch. Once the water in the sump pit raises the float to a predefined level, the pump will be activated and push the water toward a rainwater sewer. If it’s less than 18 inches wide, a pedestal sump pump is required. This model is designed for narrower sumps and is non-submergible. It also works with a float switch that powers the pump once the water hits a certain level. A sump pump can be directly connected to your household’s electrical system or battery-powered in cases where it’s a backup sump pump. In the event of heavy rains causing a power outage, a battery-powered sump pump allows you to continue draining the water for a couple of hours following the power outage. Check out our article 6 Ways to Deal with Flooding if you want to be well-versed when faced with any kind of situation! In Conclusion The phreatic zone consists of two sections: the unsaturated section, which embodies the ground within which water flows toward the saturated section, which in turn refers to the water cavity beneath ground level. If you experience water leaks in your basement, it's likely that you're property is near or on top of a phreatic zone. In such a case, make sure your drainage systems are working properly! Choosing to use a sump pump designed to work cohesively according to the latter is super important, and do make sure to choose a pump that’s suitable to your situation and to the land on which your house stands.

Thinking of renovating your old basement soon? If you already have a fairly precise idea of the main objective of this project, it is possible that some questions still remain. Perhaps you are hesitant about choosing your future flooring? Here are some of the options available to you! Choosing a flooring material for the basement 1) Carpet Source: Canva Known for the great comfort it provides under the feet, this type of flooring has clearly fallen out of style after its glory years when it was even installed in bathrooms! Although the latter option is certainly not desirable (for reasons we now understand), carpeting is an interesting choice as flooring in the basement. Apart from the heat it provides to those among us who can't stand the cold, it also has a very good capacity to absorb sound. This is a definite asset for all movie fans who want to enjoy their favourite hobby in their new basement! Moreover, carpet is also able to retain dust that accumulates at ground level, unlike smoother flooring that is unable to do so. While it is very annoying to spill liquids on a carpet, this material is still very effective in absorbing shocks. It should be noted, however, that the carpet should be placed on a perfectly smooth surface to ensure a high-quality installation. 2) Floating floor This flooring, which is highly appreciated for its good value for money, is often a top choice when it comes to renovating the basement, although some criticize its lack of moisture resistance. However, this problem can be overcome by installing a vapour barrier membrane during installation. In fact, it is more of an obligation than a recommendation if one considers that without its installation, the guarantee offered by the manufacturer is no longer valid. Also, it should be noted that the temperature transfer between the flooring and the concrete slab is small, making it a relatively warm and comfortable flooring. Are you looking for experts for your flooring project? Fill in this form to be connected with top-rated contractors! 3) La céramique Source: Canva As a moisture-resistant material, ceramics are a perfect choice for a basement floor renovation project. On the other hand, it is important to keep in mind that ceramics offer a cold surface, which can make the floor especially uncomfortable in winter. Therefore, if you want to install it in this room because of its high durability, adding a heated floor may be something to consider. It should be remembered that the installation of ceramic flooring requires certain skills and that in the absence of the expertise required to carry out quality work, it is important to hire a professional. 4) Vinyl This type of flooring is considered suitable for the basement because of its high resistance to water and humidity. In addition to this significant advantage, it should be mentioned that this flooring is easy to install and can even be placed directly on various materials such as wood, ceramics and even concrete. Also, vinyl does not offer a high-temperature transfer (which avoids walking on cold ground), as well as easily absorbing sound and requiring little maintenance. Unfortunately, the durability of this material is not optimal, which implies the probability that the vinyl will tear over time. To limit the chances of this happening, it is best to opt for higher quality vinyl. Regardless of the type of vinyl purchased, the price of the vinyl should not exceed $3/square foot. This is why it is a very economical choice, which can imitate the finish of other more expensive materials such as wood and ceramics. 5) Engineered wood While the installation of hardwood flooring in the basement is usually discouraged, engineered wood is not. Given its similar appearance, this material is often presented as an alternative to consider. Indeed, it has a high resistance to moisture, which makes it possible to install it in the basement. This resistance is mainly due to the presence of 5 to 7 layers of plywood between the first and last layers of the floor (these are made of real wood). These limit the propensity of the floor to contract or expand. Will you soon be undertaking a basement floor renovation project? Here are some articles you might be interested in: Price Guide: Flooring Materials The Cost to Remodel Your Basement 7 Flooring Materials that are Alternatives to Wood Need to estimate the cost of your flooring renovation project? Don't hesitate to use our cost estimator!