Ask Dan The Remodeling Man......

Hi Dan,
I am in the early stages of planning to remodel my basement. In order to keep down the costs and save time I thought I would use the existing vents and cold air returns. Can I do this or are there a certain number of vents that are required in a basement?

Tom P.

Dear Tom,
For the most part, when a new home is built there is only one vent and one cold air return put in the basement. For proper air circulation and ventilation, you should have a vent and a cold air return for each room divided off in your basement area. They should run off of the main trunk of your furnace.

Dear Dan,
What is the best type of floor to use in a basement? Most of my friends who have finished basements have carpeting in them but isn’t there always a possibility of water getting in and ruining the floor?

John/West Chester, Ohio

Dear John,
You are absolutely right to worry about water problems. You should always have your basement checked for any cracks or leaks before you finish it and put a battery backup unit on your sump pump. There are other options available though besides carpet. Wood can be glued down to concrete or laminate can be used but needs a vapor barrier between the concrete and the floor itself. Another safer option is to use a vinyl product called Kennecto which is carried by Siegel Remodeling and Design and that comes in planks or strips. Kennecto has the warm look of wood and can be easily pulled up, dried off and put back down if water gets into your basement. If an area happens to get damaged, it can easily be replaced one strip at a time. Ceramic tile can be installed in bathrooms and in bar areas where there is sure to be water or spillage. You wouldn’t want to put it in a large area because it can be cold to the touch where as a basement is naturally cool anyway.

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