Basements
From installation to proper care, here's what you need to know about basements.
Basement Waterproofing 101: A Comprehensive Guide
Need to stop water from coming into your basement? Use gutters, a drainage system, and interior waterproofing to keep your basement dry.
How to Add A Basement Egress
A basement egress allows easy access to below-grade space for convenience and safety. Here’s what you need to know about creating one.
How To Keep A Basement Dry
Host Kevin O’Connor discusses wet basements and what homeowners can do about them with mason Mark McCullough and heating and plumbing expert Richard Trethewey.
6 Simple Ways to Get Your Yard and Home Ready for Fall
As the fall season begins, there are a few maintenance tasks to pay attention to around the house. Here are six ways to prepare your yard and home for the cooler season.
Easy Solutions for a Damp Basement
Plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey teaches Kevin O’Connor what he needs to know about handling wet basements.
Turn a Storage Room into a Modern Home Gym
It can be challenging to maintain a workout routine by leaving your house to go to a gym. Watch to learn how to turn a small, unused space in your home—like a basement storage room—into a sleek and functional home gym.
9 Basement Ceiling Ideas
Here are a few creative ways to dress up your basement ceiling while accounting for challenges like utilities and moisture.
Got Water in Your Crawl Space? Here’s How to Fix It
If you have water leaking into your crawl space, it’s important to address the issue quickly, as it could have serious effects on your home and health.
5 Simple Basement Storage Ideas
Whether using basement storage shelves or making use of dead space under the stairs, cleaning up clutter to stay organized is paramount to both your comfort and sanity. And with these unfinished basement storage ideas, you can make use of every bit of leftover space to further streamline your home—and your life.
How To Pump Water Out Of Your Basement
Whether it’s caused by a hundred-year flood or a plumbing malfunction, no one wants a swimming pool in their basement. Here are some ways to get rid of that standing water in your basement.
How To Get Rid of a Musty Smell in Your Basement
If musty odors are lurking in your basement, use our guide to eliminate those funky smells from your below-grade spaces for good.
Before and After Basement: Loft-Like Lower Level
Removing a warren of posts and partition walls opens up a bright, fun family space downstairs.
How To Test for Black Mold
Wondering if that spot might be mold? Learn about the most popular ways and kits to test for mold at home.
What to Know About Basement Foundation Cracks
Not every crack in a foundation wall—either concrete block or poured concrete—is cause for concern or needs to be fixed.
The Best Way to Insulate an Existing Concrete-Block Wall
Tom Silva gives some advice on insulating a brick Colonial with concrete-block walls
How To Insulate a Basement Ceiling
Does it make sense to insulate your basement ceiling? Our guide includes tips and instructions on how to insulate a basement ceiling.
How to Prevent Mold in Your Basement
Identify, treat, and prevent basement mold with expert advice from This Old House.
How to Build a Wine Cellar in Your Basement
Need a good place to store wine? Read these steps to building a DIY wine cellar in your basement.
How to Build a Basement Bar
A bar can be the perfect addition to anyone’s basement. Here’s what you should keep in mind when planning your subterranean entertaining oasis.
Sump Pump Installation in Basements, Crawl Spaces, and Exterior Drainage
Prevent basement flooding by installing and maintaining a sump pump.
How to Frame Out Basement Walls
Transform your basement into a more multifunctional space by adding walls.
How to Insulate Your Basement
From preparation to installation, here's a how to insulate your basement.
When & How to Replace Bulkhead Doors
What to use and how to install the outdoor entrance to your basement.
How to Level a Concrete Floor
Get insider tips and a step-by-step guide for concrete floor leveling.
All About Basement Mold
What you don't see can harm you.
The Best Flooring Options for Basements
Find the best flooring option for your basement by comparing cost, comfort, durability, appearance, and installation details.
Why Are These Foundations Crumbling?
Ask This Old House mason Mark McCullough investigates a strange issue happening to foundations in the Northeast
The Great Escape: Egress Doors and Window Wells
If your basement includes habitable space, it is required to have a means of egress for safe escape. Here’s how we chose the right doors and window wells for the luxuriously outfitted basement at the TOH 2018 Idea House.
Keep Basements Mold-Free
Planning to create or redo a below-grade living space? Finished basements are vulnerable to damage from storm-water intrusions, leaking pipes and hot-water tanks, or simply high humidity. Lower the risk of mold or mildew taking hold by remodeling with materials made to shake off damp conditions
How to Switch Basement Lighting
Ask This Old House master electrician Scott Caron helps a homeowner add switching to basement lights that used to be controlled by a pull string
Is Your Sump Pump Ready for Spring?
April showers bring May flowers—and up the risk of basement flooding. Follow these steps to ensure your sump pump is primed to keep your lowest level high and dry