Basements
Get advice on keeping your basement dry, maintained, and mold-free, plus ideas for renovating your space.
How to Reduce Radon
Radon is a slow, silent killer. In fact, it’s the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers. When a homeowner suspected his home might have a radon issue, he called the experts at Ask This Old House. Building engineer Ross Trethewey knew how to keep the homeowner and his dog safe despite high levels of radon in the basement, calling on the help of radon mitigation technician Chris Lebreton.
How to Install a Sump Pump
There are a lot of reasons why a basement might take on water. Groundwater can seep in under the floor, downspouts could be positioned too close to the home. When a homeowner wanted to finish the basement for his daughter’s play area, he had to get to the bottom of the moisture problem first, and plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey knew a sump pump would solve it.
How to Paint a Rusty Bulkhead
When a homeowner’s basement bulkhead appeared to be past its prime, she sent up a flare to the team at Ask This Old House. Not knowing whether to replace the bulkhead or paint it, she relied on paint expert Mauro Henrique to help her make a decision and even choose the right color to match the backyard.
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: Entrances and Window Wells
A basement egress allows easy access to below-grade space for convenience and safety. Read our guide to learn about the pros and cons of different available options.
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.
Fall Yard and Home Maintenance Checklist: 12 Simple Items
As fall begins, there are a few maintenance tasks around the house. Here are 12 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.
A Guide to Building a Home Gym In 6 Simple Steps
Learn how to turn a small, unused space in your home—like a basement storage room—into a sleek and functional home gym you can use.
9 Basement Ceiling Ideas From Fabric Coverings to Tin Panels
You can very easily dress up your basement ceiling while still accounting for utilities and moisture. Read our guide for 9 ideas you can execute yourself.
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
Cluttered basement? Maximize your basement with these five simple ideas—from repurposing cabinets to making the most of the basement stairs.
How To Pump Water Out Of Your Basement
Flooding in your basement can damage belongings and your foundation. Follow this quick guide to learn how to pump water out of 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 Turn Your Basement Into a Wine Cellar
If you love wine, a wine cellar is a great asset for your collection and your home. Here's how to build a wine cellar in your basement.
How To Build a Basement Bar
A basement bar might be the perfect addition to your home. Here’s what to keep in mind when planning your subterranean entertaining oasis.
All About Basements: From Construction to Finishing
Unlock your basement's potential—our comprehensive basement guide covers everything from construction techniques to finishing costs.
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, This Old House's Tom Silva shows how to insulate your basement.
When Replace Bulkhead Doors and How to Replace Them
Our expert Tom Silva shows you how to know when it's time to replace dated bulkhead doors with new steel bulkhead doors.
How To Level a Concrete Floor
Uneven concrete floor? This Old House general contractor Tom Silva teaches you how to fix it using wooden rails and self-leveling compound.
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
How To Keep Your Basement Mold-Free
Learn top methods to prevent and eliminate mold in your basement. Get tips on moisture control, ventilation, and more from our experts.
How To Switch Basement Lighting
Ask This Old House master electrician Scott Caron shows how to simplify your basement lighting system with one switch.
