Concrete Cutting: Shedding Light On Your Basement Remodel

Basements or cellars (depending on which part of the country you are from) are primarily seen as dark and dingy parts of a home. In most cases they are considered a useless area or are used as a "catch all" for family discards that haven't quite made it to the curbside for trash pick up yet. Well, with the skyrocketing prices of real estate these days and the lack of any substantial property to use for an addition to our homes, the basement, after years of being ignored and neglected, is finally being recognized as a useful, cost effective resource for adding more living space to our beloved homes.

Several factors that have to be considered before any serious basement renovations take place include ceiling height, stair pitch or steepness and emergency egress. All three of these requirements can differ considerably depending on where you live. You can call your local building department and they can tell you these requirements. As for what emergency egress is, it is basically an emergency escape. A door of at least 30" wide in most areas is considered a very safe egress but a window has to be a certain size and a minimum distance from the floor in order to be considered safe.

Believe it or not, the way the safe size and height of a basement window is calculated is by determining how easily an overweight elderly person (considered worst case scenario) can open and climb out of in case of a fire or another emergency. In reality, these building codes were put in place because no one is going to get out of one of those old metal framed 18" X 30" pull in basement windows very easily (especially an overweight elderly person) and they would probably die trying in the unfortunate event of a fire.

Most local building codes require both a door and a window egress in order for the basement to be considered safe enough for a living area. In many cases building codes require an emergency egress be placed in every bedroom in a basement as well. If you are in the habit of doing home remodeling or repairs without the proper building permits, it is very important for you and your family's safety that you find out what the code is in your area and adhere to it.

By adding all of the necessary emergency egress you are essentially killing two birds with one stone. As I already stated, you are adding safety to an otherwise unsafe area but you are also adding the benefits of natural sunlight. Adding natural sunlight to your basement really gives the area a desirable look and a warm feeling you generally can't get without it. Now, you may be wondering how people get a perfectly smooth, plumb and square openings in their foundations. You may have never heard of such a thing or don't realize the process even exists.

Fortunately, there are companies in almost every part of the country that actually specialize in the process of cutting doorways and windows in concrete walls. These companies are called concrete cutting services and / or sawcutting outfits. Either way, they are listed in your local or online yellow pages under the heading of "concrete breaking, cutting, sawing, core drilling etc.". A professional concrete cutter will make the process look exceptionally easy and help make short work of your basement-remodeling project.

If you are going to take the time to renovate your basement you might as well do it right. By following or exceeding your local building codes you will ensure your family's safety. Also, be sure that you cut as many window openings in your basement walls as your budget and the structural integrity of your home can handle. This in itself will make your basement the most cherished area of your home. You'll be glad you did it. Good luck.

To find some ideas and to familiarize yourself with the concrete cutting industry just do a search online for "concrete cutting" and check out some of the sites and, of course, be sure to check out our website at http://www.affordableconcretecutting.com.

© Copyright 2005 Affordable Concrete Cutting, Inc. All Rights Reserved

Affordable Concrete Cutting Massachusetts services the contractor and homeowner in and around Boston and Eastern Massachusetts. We specialize in cutting doorways in concrete foundations.

http://www.affordableconcretecutting.com

---

The Great American Dream

Are you ready to starting building your dream home. House... Read More

House Plans ? Research Is Key

When you think about building your new home consider your... Read More

Ridding Your Home of Geopathic Stress

Just as there are solar magnetic stresses that come from... Read More

The Mighty Dust Mite and How To Deal With It

A Closer Examination of the Dust MiteThe dust mite's mouth... Read More

Beautiful, Elegant Bathtubs that Spruce Up any Bathroom

Bathtubs have become an important necessity of our daily life... Read More

Baking Soda for Cleaning

Baking soda is a common, inexpensive household item that can... Read More

Scented Candles ? Take Me AWAY!

Remember the old Calgon commercial-"Take me away Calgon!" There's only... Read More

Remodeling Your Kitchen Cabinets

While remodeling your kitchen, install only the essential cabinets, so... Read More

5 Window Treatment Ideas To Improve Your Home

Coming up with interesting window treatment ideas that bring out... Read More

From Toss Out to Sensational Keeper - Lamp Re-Make

When the old lamp from my children's room was turning... Read More

Planning Permission Tips UK - Conservatories - Dispelling a Myth

It's now well into the new year and the residential... Read More

Window Shutters On A Budget

While there is great value in installing custom-made interior wood... Read More

Homeowners ? Here is a Step by Step Guide to Help You Hire a Quality Home Improvement Contractor

Before talking to any contractors the first thing to do... Read More

Ten Things You May Not Know About Selecting Hardwood Flooring

1) Red Oak is not the only choiceIf you want... Read More

Installing a Toilet

The installation of a toilet is a relatively easy job... Read More

Swimming Pools ? Lets Get Wet

"Beverly Hills. Swimming pools. Movie stars."That line from the theme... Read More

Tips on Ladder Safety

PLACEMENT?Ladders should be placed so each side rail is on... Read More

Planning Permission Tips Uk - How To Select A Property to Extend or Develop

Many people purchasing a property for their main home actually... Read More

Mistakes?

MISTAKES.Don't worry about making mistakes. Everyone makes mistakes. Why should... Read More

Swim Spas Make a Big Splash with Baby Boomers

If you are an aging baby boomer like I am,... Read More

What Are Light Fixtures Used For?

Light fixtures are something not many of us think about.... Read More

Creating Dynamic Window Coverings Without Breaking the Budget

When creating dynamic window coverings, it's important to choose carefully,... Read More

Add Value To Your Home With A Home Improvement Loan

Buying a home is a big and important investment for... Read More

Use the FHA Mortgage Specifically Created for Home Improvement

Almost everyone knows about FHA mortgages. They are tailor-made for... Read More

Electric Radiant Floor Heating

Electric radiant floor heating systems are heating systems designed for... Read More

Security in Todays World

There are many things in life that are worth protecting.... Read More

Employ Passive Solar Energy and Start Saving Electricity Today

1. Orientation, layout and positioning of your house on the... Read More

Top Ten Air Purifier Questions

1. Do I really need an air purifier in my... Read More

Allow Me to Introduce You to the Fungus Family

What exactly is mold? There are over 100,000 different kinds... Read More

Ladder Décor ? the Possibilities Are Endless

With a little bit of creativity and some imagination you... Read More

The Versatile Reciprocating Saw: The Power Tool of Your Dreams

A reciprocating saw is simply one of the handiest tools... Read More

Power Tools and HAV - Hand Arm Vibration - Prevention is Better Than Cure

Power tools are some of the most useful devices ever... Read More

Cordless Impact Wrench - Not the Same Tool as Your Cordless Drill

The cordless impact wrench is quickly gaining in popularity among... Read More