Author: David

Owner of DGS Handyman services

Why Water Gets Into Basements After Heavy Rain

David

Why Water Gets Into Basements After Heavy Rain

Many homeowners notice moisture or water in the basement after a heavy rain and immediately assume there is a crack in the foundation. While cracks can sometimes be part of the problem, one of the most common causes of basement moisture actually starts outside the home.

In many cases, water begins collecting around the foundation because the soil around the house has settled over time.

How Soil Around the Foundation Affects Basement Moisture

When a home is built, soil is backfilled around the foundation after the basement walls are completed. Over time, this soil gradually settles. As the soil settles, the slope around the house can slowly change.

If the ground begins sloping toward the home instead of away from it, rainwater and melting snow may start draining toward the foundation. When water repeatedly collects near the basement walls, it increases the chance of moisture entering the basement.

Common Signs Water Is Draining Toward Your House

  • Moisture or dampness in the basement after rain
  • Musty smells in the basement
  • Water running down basement walls
  • Soil sloping toward the house
  • Areas around the foundation where the ground has settled
  • Landscaping beds that hold water near the house

How Correcting the Grading Around Your Home Helps

Correcting the grading around a home helps restore the slope that directs water away from the foundation. By reshaping the soil around the house, rainwater can drain away instead of collecting near the basement walls.

Foundation grading is often one of the most effective ways to reduce moisture problems caused by water draining toward the home.

Foundation Grading in the Fox Valley

In the Fox Valley area, soil settling and seasonal freeze-thaw cycles can gradually change the slope around a home. Over time this can create low areas around the foundation where water collects after heavy rain.

Correcting the grading around the home helps move water away from the foundation and reduces the chances of moisture problems develop. If you suspect that water may be draining toward your home, you can learn more about how grading helps solve this problem by visiting our Foundation Grading and Drainage Correction page.

Furniture Assembly and Installation In Appleton, WI

David

If you live in Appleton or the Greater Fox Valley area, and are looking for a qualified professional to assemble and install your new furniture, look no further.  The handymen at DGS Handyman Services, LLC can have your furniture fully assembled and set up in no time.

We are fully insured and have plenty of experience.

Here is a short list of some of the furniture services that we offer:

  • IKEA Furniture Assembly
  • Desk Assembly
  • Bed Assembly
  • Dresser Assembly
  • Cabinet Assembly
  • Bookshelf Assembly
  • Swing Set Assembly
  • Bench Assembly
  • and much more…

Putting together your own furniture can be a time consuming and frustrating task without the right tools and experience.  We offer a furniture assembly service so we can make your life easier and more enjoyable.  Don’t worry about it for another second, give us a call today to set up an appointment!

DGS Handyman Services, LLC

Basement Remodels in Appleton

David

Got a basement just sitting there, unfinished? Looking to add some square footage to your home? A recent study by HomeAdvisor shows that the return on investment for refinishing your basement can be as much as 69%. Finishing a basement doesn’t require a dedicated remodeling company that can cost you an arm and a leg. A handyman can do all of the below projects just as easily.

  • Framing in walls with studs and adding insulation
  • Framing in for egress windows, especially if needed to upgrade to fire code
  • Hanging drywall
  • Adding/upgrading electrical for lighting
  • Installing outlets and charging stations for electronic devices
  • Encasing ductwork
  • Installing a ceiling
  • Sealing a basement floor to reduce risk of moisture
  • Installing flooring
  • Installing additional plumbing for a bathroom
How the basement is used determines many factors. For example, if it’s a living space such as a bedroom, egress windows are required. Other uses and features to consider:

  • Playroom: A playroom for the kids needs plenty of kid-friendly features such as soft carpeting, bright colors, and storage for toys. Open areas allow room to run around and space for larger toys like playhouses.
  • Entertainment: Home theaters are popular for basements. Plenty of seating centered around a large TV or a projection TV aimed at a large screen makes a trip to the movies as easy as going downstairs.
  • Wet Bar: A wet bar makes entertaining guests very enjoyable. Plumbing and electrical systems need to be specific for their functions, and a half-bath is ideal.
  • Rec Room: For older children, a rec room with video game system and other games creates a safe hangout. Stereo systems, a small fridge, and microwave for snacks finish the space nicely.
  • Home Office/Workshop – A place to retreat from the noise of a full house so you can get things done is the perfect use for a basement. You don’t need much space, but you will need to have electrical systems run for a computer, lighting, and other features. Depending on what your projects, you may need specific temperature/humidity controls.
  • Laundry Room: Perfect for smaller spaces, a laundry room can have cabinetry for supplies, a table for folding and sorting, racks for drying, and a utility sink.
  • Suite: If you have a large basement, consider a suite of rooms especially if you have an elderly parent or adult child moving in. A bedroom, living room, and bathroom can be put in for maximum comfort.
The final touches for a finished basement can make it as amazing as any room in the house. Recessed lighting keeps head space as high as possible while crown molding adds a luxurious touch. Wall-to-wall carpeting or hardwood floors add comfort and warmth to the living space. Paint and wallpaper can add style while built-in storage adds function.
As a licensed contractor with the state, DGS Handyman has all the experience and capabilities of all the other companies for a fraction of the overhead. Feel free to call or email today for a free estimate.

Ceiling Fan Installation in Appleton

David

FanThere are many benefits to having a ceiling fan, especially in a four season climate such as we have here in the Fox Cities. In the summer, a gently spinning fan can lower the feel of a room’s temperature while in the winter months, it can lift up and distribute warm air throughout the room.

Now understand that a ceiling fan doesn’t actually cool the room, but it does make you feel cooler because of the slight chill on your skin. That means you can raise your thermostat and feel just as comfortable.

Continue reading “Ceiling Fan Installation in Appleton” →