Basement finishing services in WI Lakeside Total Basement Finishing Basement finishing in WI http://www.www.lakesidebasementfinishing.com Lakeside Total Basement Finishing 2012 Total Basement Finishing Dealer Convention Yields Awards <p><img style="margin: 10px; float: right;" src="http://img1.teambasementsystems.com/uploads/press_release//lakeside_1350047301.jpg" alt="" width="250" height="166" />Lakeside Total Basement Finishing was recently honored at a meeting with close to 1,000 guests from all over the United States, Canada and the UK, at this year&rsquo;s Total Basement Finishing Convention.<br /><br />The annual convention is held each year between Seymour, CT, (Total Basement Finishing headquarters) and Hartford, CT, and brings together dealerships of the international network for training, seminars, networking, celebration, vendor and team building events.</p> <p>This year Lakeside Total Basement Finishing received 2 awards at the Total Basement Finishing International Convention.&nbsp; Lakeside Total Basement Finishing was awarded for ranking 7<sup>th</sup> in the Top 10 Total Basement Finishing Dealers by Purchases and taking home the Total Basement Finishing Team Award.</p> <p>The high-powered event featured international motivational speaker Andy Andrews!&nbsp; Andrews, world-renowned speaker and author (<em>The Travelers Gift</em>) dazzled the crowd with his presentation highlighting personal choices and attitudes that make the difference between failure and success.</p> <p>Google even had a presence at this spectacular event! Two Google representatives delivered a behind the scenes peek at how to best utilize the search engines tools for successful business results! This year, the annual flagship event was the BEST yet! <br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.lakesidebasementfinishing.com/">Lakeside Total Basement Finishing</a> is a certified Total Basement Finishing dealer specializing in basement finishing.&nbsp;</p> <p>Total Basement Finishing is an international network of basement finishing contractors, led by President, Larry Janesky. The international headquarters, based in Seymour, CT has been helping homeowners increase their usable living space for over 20 years across the United States, Canada, Ireland and the United Kingdom. The company has over 27-patented basement products, designed to help homeowners get more out of their basements and increase their home's value.&nbsp;</p> http://www.lakesidebasementfinishing.com/about-us/press-release/216-2012-total-basement-finishing-dealer-convention-yields-awards.html Fri, October 12 2012, 09:04:37 -500 http://www.lakesidebasementfinishing.com/about-us/press-release/216-2012-total-basement-finishing-dealer-convention-yields-awards.html Kylee from Fond Du Lac Wisconsin <p><span style="font-size: medium;">Kylee writes that "we have been out of the country and just catching up on messages now!&nbsp;&nbsp; We love the basement!&nbsp; Had a torrential down pours in May and it held up great!&nbsp; Some water came up through the tiles but obviously didn't wreck a tshing!!&nbsp; My closet is FABULOUS !!!&nbsp; From 8-2-2012!&nbsp;</span> <span style="font-size: medium;"><img src="http://img1.teambasementsystems.com/uploads/blog/1549/dsc00655_1344027814.JPG" alt="Kylee" width="400" height="300" /><img src="http://img1.teambasementsystems.com/uploads/blog/1549/dsc00658_1344027981.JPG" alt="Kylee" width="400" height="300" /></span></p> http://www.lakesidebasementfinishing.com/about-us/milwaukee-news/4716-kylee-from-fond-du-lac-wisconsin.html Fri, August 3 2012, 00:00:00 -500 http://www.lakesidebasementfinishing.com/about-us/milwaukee-news/4716-kylee-from-fond-du-lac-wisconsin.html New Materials and Design Options are helping Homeowners Recover the Beauty and Value of Basements <p><img style="float: right; margin: 10px;" src="http://img1.teambasementsystems.com/uploads/blog/1549/house-edit.jpg" alt="" width="250" height="167" />Illinois and Wisconsin homeowners are increasingly choosing to remain in their homes rather than move to new space. Yet, many have all but given up maximizing the use of their basement as a living space because it is prone to dampness and the accompanying odor. New inroads in basement finishing and protection are encouraging homeowners to make an investment in then- homes' basements to enhance comfort and property values.</p> <p>According to <em>Remodeling Online Magazine, </em>a finished basement currently adds value to a house equal to about 75% of the cost of the job. This varies dramatically from place to place and can go as high as 103% of the job. It is estimated that the value of a finished basement will continue to rise throughout 2010 and beyond.</p> <p>"One of the real advancement in the materials used for finishing and remodeling basements is their ability to combine beauty with moisture control. Today's contractors are using some materials that will never get moldy or rot, cannot be damaged by moisture, are highly dent resistant and even carry a 50-Year transferable warranty," according to Scot Buckley, president of Lake Side Total Basement Finishing in Oconomowoc.</p> <p>Homeowners are looking for ways to upgrade basements but want to make sure that once finished, the basement will be a comfortable space, according to Buckley. As examples, of new products that control moisture, he points to EverLast&reg; Basement Wall Panels that look like wood but act as a moisture barrier; ThermalDry&reg; basement floor tiles that are engineered for basement environments and will never crack or shatter; MillCreek Flooring&reg; that uses a patented process that gives the same look, feel and touch as a hardwood floor, all while being suited for basement environments; and Total Basement Finishing&reg; ceiling tiles that are non-sagging and mold resistant.</p> <p>"One of the real advantages of these new remodeling materials is that your vision for an eye-pleasing, functional room that compliments any decor can become a reality in as little as two weeks. You'll find a dry, comfortable environment for family rooms; home theaters; private office; workout room; game room; children's play room; or even a guest suite," says Buckley.</p> <p>Lake Side Total Basement Finishing specializes in <a href="http://www.lakesidebasementfinishing.com/">basement finishing in Gurnee, IL</a> and other surrounding areas. Visit them online for a free basement finishing estimate.</p> http://www.lakesidebasementfinishing.com/about-us/milwaukee-news/3351-new-materials-and-design-options-are-helping-homeowners-recover-the-beauty-and-value-of-basements.html Fri, August 3 2012, 00:00:00 -500 http://www.lakesidebasementfinishing.com/about-us/milwaukee-news/3351-new-materials-and-design-options-are-helping-homeowners-recover-the-beauty-and-value-of-basements.html Using a Basement Finishing System in Milwaukee <p><img style="float: right; margin: 10px;" src="http://www.totalbasementfinishing.com/images/finished-room_22.jpg" alt="" />Many homeowners find that they require additional space a few years after moving in to a new home. In such cases, a low-cost option is to utilize the existing basement. However, before a basement is fit for habitation it needs to be appropriately finished. Homeowners can save themselves a lot of hassle and long-term problems by using a certified basement finishing system. It does not make a lot of sense to move in furniture, appliances, and more stuff before this critical step is checked off as being done.<br /><strong></strong></p> <p><strong>Fixing on a Basement Finishing System in Milwaukee</strong><br /><br />Once a homeowner has decided to finish the basement to use as a family room, spare guest room, movie room, game room, or kids room, you need to contact a specialist basement finishing firm. Unlike general contractors, who might end up using supplies such as wooden boards to finish the basement, specialist firms will use certified basement finishing systems that will resist moisture and mold formation. These systems have been designed with the special constraints posed by basements in mind.<br /><br />A good basement finishing system will come with warranties. The wall tiles will provide superior insulation. Besides, a specialist firm providing basement finishing will most likely install an Energy Star rated dehumidifier. This is essential since basements attract a lot of moisture &ndash; up to 18 gallons a day.<br /><br /><strong>Vital Points to Know when Installing a Basement Finishing System</strong><br /><br />As with any construction project, you need to ensure that certain things are in place before you commence work. For instance, you need to:</p> <ul> <li>Check with the local planning council and obtain their consent to your plan.<br /><br /> <ul> <li>Some local councils will expect larger windows to facilitate emergency exits.<br /><br /></li> </ul> </li> <li>Have a clear idea of what the finished basement is going to be used for. The design will be based on this.<br /><br /></li> <li>Ensure that there is easy access to the utilities and storage areas in your basement.<br /><br /></li> <li>Make provision for better ventilation and lighting since basements are generally deficient in these areas.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Some Tips to Extract Maximum Comfort from Your Finished Basement</strong><br /><br />When designing your basement for a new purpose you need to keep the following points in mind:</p> <ul> <li>A bathroom in the basement will save you and your family members frequent trips upstairs.<br /><br /></li> <li>Installation of general lighting as well as special focus lights will add greatly to the ambience make the finished basement, more useful.<br /><br /></li> <li>Proper storage systems for the items you will be using in the finished basement. For instance, if you are converting your basement in to a home theater, make sure that there are closed cabinets to hold the accessories as well as DVDs. Install reclining chairs and side tables for snacks.<br /><br /></li> <li>Most basement finishing systems used are easy to maintain. This will make cleaning up after spills a breeze.</li> </ul> <p>By planning the basement&rsquo;s use before contacting a basement finishing firm and selecting a specialist firm, you will be able to have a striking and multi-purpose basement within two weeks.</p> <p>Lakeside Total Basement Finishing&nbsp;specializes in <a href="http://www.lakesidebasementfinishing.com/">basement finishing in Wisconsin</a>. Visit them online for your free basement finishing estimate.</p> http://www.lakesidebasementfinishing.com/about-us/milwaukee-news/3238-using-a-basement-finishing-system-in-milwaukee.html Mon, February 20 2012, 00:00:00 -500 http://www.lakesidebasementfinishing.com/about-us/milwaukee-news/3238-using-a-basement-finishing-system-in-milwaukee.html Basement Expert Helps Homeowners Prepare for Spring <p><img style="float: right; margin: 5px;" src="http://img1.teambasementsystems.com/uploads/blog/1549/grass-edit.jpg" alt="" width="250" height="134" />OCONOMOWOC, WI &ndash; It may be the middle of winter but the experts at Lake Side Total Basement Finishing, who specialize in <a href="http://www.lakesidebasementfinishing.com/">basement finishing in Wisconsin</a> and Illinois, want homeowners to know that it&rsquo;s not too soon to prepare for spring. Heavy rain, melting snow and saturated ground are all ingredients for basement flooding. A basement flood can cause a host of problems for a homeowner ranging from damaged personal items to mold growth. Finishing a basement with water-resistant and mold-proof materials can protect a home and any personal belongings during the rainy spring season.</p> <p>The American Society of Home Inspectors has estimated that 60 percent of U.S. homes have wet basements, and 38 percent run the risk of basement mold. A house with a 1,500-square-foot roof sheds 1,000 gallons of water for every inch of falling rain. In some cases the problem is rising groundwater levels, which may even be fed by an underground spring. Once the water accumulates around a foundation, it works its way inside through cracks, joints, and porous material like concrete. Basement flooding is common, so it is best to use basement finishing materials that can survive water.</p> <p>&ldquo;A wet basement is more than a nuisance not only in Wisconsin and Illinois, but throughout the Midwest,&rdquo; said Scot &ldquo;Buck&rdquo; Buckley, owner of Lake Side Total Basement Finishing. &ldquo;If your basement includes finished living space, any kind of moisture can ruin carpeting, drywall, and wood framing. Even if you have a crawl space or just use your basement for storage, a simple case of condensation can buckle hardwood flooring on the level above and spawn harmful mold in your basement.&rdquo;</p> <p>Homeowners should use products in a basement that are inorganic and will not support mold growth. Products like drywall can easily grow mold and can be ruined if they get wet. It is also important to install a high-quality dehumidifier in basements that typically have moisture problems or musty odors. A dehumidifier will ensure that the basement feels comfortable and personal items don&rsquo;t start to grow mold. The basement environment is different than that of the rest of the house, so the products used in it must reflect that.</p> <p>Lake Side Total Basement Finishing provides <a href="http://www.lakesidebasementfinishing.com/">basement finishing in Rockford, IL</a>, and the surrounding areas. They specialize in electrical work, basement lighting, basement windows, staircases, and <a href="http://www.lakesidebasementfinishing.com/free-estimate.html">finishing touches</a> as well as the main components such as wall panels, flooring, and ceiling tiles. All products used are inorganic and resistant to water. For more information or a free quote, visit www.lakesidebasementfinishing.com.</p> http://www.lakesidebasementfinishing.com/about-us/milwaukee-news/3132-basement-expert-helps-homeowners-prepare-for-spring.html Wed, February 1 2012, 00:00:00 -500 http://www.lakesidebasementfinishing.com/about-us/milwaukee-news/3132-basement-expert-helps-homeowners-prepare-for-spring.html Great Ideas For Your Finished Basement <p><img style="float: right;" src="http://img1.teambasementsystems.com/uploads/blog/3259/finished-basement-family.jpg" alt="" width="250" height="167" />Finishing a basement is an excellent way to add a new living area to your home.&nbsp; While most homeowners don't take full advantage of this floor of usable space, a basement can be remodeled at half the cost of building an addition on to your home, and with no loss of valuable yard space.</p> <div><br />A basement can be upgraded with minimal noise and disturbance to the rest of your home &ndash; in as little as 7 to 10 days, with proper planning and materials.&nbsp; The space can be used for nearly anything you can imagine &ndash; from a guest bedroom to an entertainment room, basement bar, or even a second kitchen!<br /><br /><strong>Basement Finishing Tips</strong></div> <p>Planning a finished basement is a unique challenge &ndash; one that is different from any other kind of remodeling project.&nbsp; Your contractor will need to plan around objects such as staircases and utilities, as well as locating walls around support beams, windows, and more.&nbsp; Additionally, there are these considerations:<br /><br />&bull;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Basement Lighting:&nbsp; When finishing a basement, lighting comes at a premium&nbsp; Maximize the available lighting by strategically locating egress windows to the east or west walls, where they will pick up the maximum light from the rising or setting sun.<br /><br />Be sure to also add lamps and task lighting throughout the basement, so there is always a light source at hand.&nbsp; Installing a hexagonal aquarium in the room, with fluorescent lighting, is another fantastic way to add light, greenery, and movement to a finished basement.<br /><br />&bull;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Use Of Available Space:&nbsp; Many homeowners tend to overplan what they'd like to do with their finished basement.&nbsp; Partition walls take up space, and additional rooms may require additional egress windows, which can be costly to install.&nbsp; When finishing a basement, it's wise to plan on adding one, two, or three rooms only, and partition off the remaining space as an area to use for storage and to house your utilities.<br /><br />&bull;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Creating Continuity Of Style:&nbsp; One challenge that many homeowners face is making their basement match the style and feel that's been used for the rest of the home.&nbsp; However, the unfortunate truth is that many of the building materials used for the main area of the home, such as drywall, wood studs, and carpeting made with organic materials, can easily be ruined in the sometimes damp environment of a basement.<br /><br />Many of these issues can be avoided by using insulation on your basement walls that will also create a vapor barrier (such as rigid foam panels or spay foam), and studs made from inorganic materials.&nbsp; Installing waterproof floor matting that also creates a vapor barrier on your concrete floor will protect your custom carpeting from water vapor that would otherwise seep through the pores of the concrete floor.<br /><br />&bull;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Designing An Energy Efficient Space:&nbsp; Designing your basement to be energy efficient will make the space more comfortable, and will save you hundreds of dollars each year on your utility bills.&nbsp; Your basement wall insulation should be a layer of R-13 insulation.&nbsp; Be careful that that this sheet of insulation is unbroken &ndash; if the insulation must be cut away to mount cabinets, for example, then the resulting hole in your insulation layer will greatly compromise its value.<br /><br />If you have single-paned, steel-framed basement windows, this is also an excellent time to consider double-paned, vinyl replacements that use low-E glass.&nbsp; The vinyl frames are much more energy efficient than their steel counterparts, and the double-paned, energy efficient glass can make a big difference in how drafty your basement feels.&nbsp; Protecting the windows with covered window wells will shield them from cold winter winds while keeping the window wells free of snow, rain, and debris, for added energy efficiency and beauty in your space.<br /><br /><strong>Once Your Basement Is Finished...</strong></p> <p>Many homeowners find that once the renovations are complete, their basement quickly becomes their favorite place in the home.&nbsp; A finished basement is warm, quiet, and naturally private, and provides a safe place for children to play.<br /><br />When selling a home with a finished basement, you can expect to see 70% of the cost of the work added to the resale value, according to Remodeling Magazine's Cost vs. Value Report.&nbsp; This makes basement finishing a sound investment in comfort, value, and your quality of life.<br /><br /></p> <p>At Thrasher Basement Finishing, we provide free, no obligation estimates for&nbsp;<a title="Basement Finishing Hartland, WI" href="http://www.lakesidebasementfinishing.com/hartland-wi-basement-finishing.html">basement finishing in Hartland, WI</a>&nbsp;as well as other parts of Wisconsin and Illinois, including Fort Sheridan, Fond Du Lac, Germantown, and Cedarburg.&nbsp; Visit us online for a&nbsp;free basement finishing quote.</p> http://www.lakesidebasementfinishing.com/about-us/milwaukee-news/2934-great-ideas-for-your-finished-basement.html Thu, January 12 2012, 00:00:00 -500 http://www.lakesidebasementfinishing.com/about-us/milwaukee-news/2934-great-ideas-for-your-finished-basement.html Lake Side Total Basement Finishing Receives Award at International Convention in Connecticut <p><strong><img style="float: right;" src="http://img1.teambasementsystems.com/uploads/blog/1549/6106538758_d2757bbddc_m.jpg" alt="" width="240" height="160" />Oconomowoc, WI</strong> &ndash; Lake Side Total Basement Finishing was recently honored at a meeting of over 600 guests from all over the United States and Canada at this year&rsquo;s Team Basement Systems Convention. The annual convention is held each year between Seymour, Connecticut, (where the Basement Systems headquarters is located) and Hartford, Connecticut, and brings together dealerships of the international network for classes, seminars, training, parties and networking.<br /><br />This year Lake Side Total Basement Finishing received an award at the Team Basement Systems International Convention.&nbsp; Lake Side Total Basement Finishing was one of the Top 5 Basement Finishing Dealers in United States and Canada.<br /><br />The convention featured guest speakers Krish Duhnam (of the Zig Ziglar corporation), and the &ldquo;Pit bull of Personal Development&rdquo; Larry Winget. A sports-themed party at the Connecticut Convention Center ended the convention week with music, food and performances by the Harlem Wizards and the New England Patriots Cheerleaders.<br /><br />Lake Side Total Basement Finishing specializes in waterproof flooring, no-sag ceilings and <a href="http://www.lakesidebasementfinishing.com/">basement remodeling in Woodstock</a>. Lake Side Total Basement Finishing services homes in Rockford IL and the greater Milwaukee Area.<br /><br />Basement Systems is an international network of basement waterproofing, crawl space repair and <a href="http://www.totalbasementfinishing.com/">basement finishing contractors</a>. The international headquarters, based in Seymour, Connecticut, also provides sales and service throughout Connecticut and Westchester County, NY. Larry Janesky's Basement Systems has been helping homeowners increase their usable living space for over 20 years across the United States, Canada, Ireland and the United Kingdom. They have 27 patented basement and crawl space products, designed to help homeowners get more out of their basements and increase their home's value. <br /><br /></p> http://www.lakesidebasementfinishing.com/about-us/milwaukee-news/2377-lake-side-total-basement-finishing-receives-award-at-international-convention-in-connecticut.html Tue, September 27 2011, 00:00:00 -500 http://www.lakesidebasementfinishing.com/about-us/milwaukee-news/2377-lake-side-total-basement-finishing-receives-award-at-international-convention-in-connecticut.html Lake Side Offers Repairs To Flooded Homeowners After Recent Levee Burst <p><img style="float: left; margin: 5px; width: 165px; height: 93px;" src="http://www.lakesidebasementfinishing.com/images/flood-pic.jpg" alt="" width="165" height="93" />Lake Side Total Basement Finishing is available to provide basement repairs to any homeowners in Wisconsin that have been affected by the recent flooding. As many locals may know, a 120-year-old levee along the Wisconsin River broke earlier in the week causing about 150 residents to evacuate an area near Blackhawk Park. <br /><br />Wisconsin has endured an estimated 11 inches of rain during this bout of storms. Parts of Minnesota have also experienced some of the effects of the recent downpour. <br /><br />We begin to understand the severity of such weather when the Columbia County Emergency Management team sent an alert Sunday regarding the evacuation, warning that emergency vehicles will be unable to reach any residents left behind in the area. In fact, Kathy Johnson the deputy director of the County's emergency department, said, "Anyone in there right now won't be able to come out."<br /><br />As difficult and strenuous as the recent weather conditions have proven to be, Lake Side TBF wants to assure that your basement can be protected from future flood damage by entrusting our experts with your basement. Contact us today for <a href="http://www.lakesidebasementfinishing.com/">basement finishing in Milwaukee</a> and all surrounding areas, even Illinois! <br /><br />Check out this video from the Chicago Tribune for the <a href="http://www.chicagotribune.com/videobeta/e9072842-f245-451f-9b09-da9a92ed3429/Weather/Floods-hit-Wisconsin">broken levee footage</a>.</p> http://www.lakesidebasementfinishing.com/about-us/milwaukee-news/768-lake-side-offers-repairs-to-flooded-homeowners-after-recent-levee-burst.html Thu, October 7 2010, 00:00:00 -500 http://www.lakesidebasementfinishing.com/about-us/milwaukee-news/768-lake-side-offers-repairs-to-flooded-homeowners-after-recent-levee-burst.html Dont miss out on the benefits of this years 1,500 tax credit <p><img style="width: 185px; float: right; height: 134px;" src="http://www.lakesidebasementfinishing.com/images/winter-window.jpg" alt="" width="185" height="134" />We at Lakeside want to remind all homeowners of the $1,500 tax credit being offered for buying replacement windows before the end of this year, that meet certain specifications. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">How are replacement windows beneficial for you and your home? </span><br /><br />Not only can they help increase your home's energy efficiency and value; they can also earn you $1,500 in tax credits. On February 17, 2009 the American Recovery &amp; Reinvestment Act of 2009 was signed into action as a new stimulus bill that serves as an extension of the Energy Tax Policy of 2005. <br /><br style="font-weight: bold;" /><span style="font-weight: bold;">What are these changes? </span><br /><br />Well, the changes made to this stimulus bill are quite significant. The tax credit allowance is now $1,000 more and offers a 30 percent discount for replacement windows and doors only being installed before December 31, 2010 in the principal residence and also requires all necessary documentation.<br /><br />Not every ENERGY STAR window meets the criteria for the tax credit. Windows must have insulated glass that gives the window a specified U-factor and SHGC rating of 0.30 or lower.<br />Lakeside doesn't want you to miss out on these benefits! Call us today for a free, no-obligation quote for <a href="http://www.lakesidebasementfinishing.com/">replacement windows in Milwaukee</a>. </p> http://www.lakesidebasementfinishing.com/about-us/milwaukee-news/765-dont-miss-out-on-the-benefits-of-this-years-1500-tax-credit.html Wed, October 6 2010, 00:00:00 -500 http://www.lakesidebasementfinishing.com/about-us/milwaukee-news/765-dont-miss-out-on-the-benefits-of-this-years-1500-tax-credit.html The President of Lake Side Total Basement Finishing Offers Basement Advice for Winter Months <p><span style="font-weight: bold;"><img style="width: 184px; height: 129px; margin: 3px;" src="http://www.lakesidebasementfinishing.com/images/winter-home.jpg" alt="" align="left" />Oconomowoc, WI </span>- Lake Side Total Basement Finishing is a basement expert that believes in preserving the home environment through hard work and the proper resources, which is why President Scot Buckley is providing local homeowners with five tips to help maintain a dry and habitable basement year round.<br /><br />While the basement can become a forgotten room of the house, especially when its conditions deplete in the months with high precipitation levels, Scot Buckley wants to help condition your basement for year round use. <br /><br />"Don't let winter keep you from enjoying your basement. Get your adult space back upstairs. Give it an upgrade so that you can create a dry, comfortable environment for Family Rooms; Home Theaters; Private Office; Workout Room; Game Room; Children's Play Room; or even a Guest Suite," says Buckley. <br /><br />Here's how:<br /><br />1. Check your grading outside before melting snow finds its way in first and adds additional moisture to a basement that may already be musty.<br /><br />2. Make sure that mold hasn't developed, which may pose a health hazard. If it smells musty it's molding. Have us come out and inspect the basement and take appropriate steps if mold is found.<br /><br />3. Poorly insulated basements will be too cold for most people to enjoy. Make sure that insulation is at the appropriate level; not R11 but R13.<br /><br />4. Look into advancement in the materials used for finishing and remodeling basements for their ability to combine beauty with moisture control. No one else carries a 50 year&nbsp;extended warranties for our material that are completely made from flood-proof, water and mold resistant materials other than Lakeside Total Basement Finishing.&nbsp; Don't use Dry Wall in any basement ! <br /><br />5. A basement is worth the investment if you need remodeling. According to Remodeling Online Magazine, a 600 sq ft finished basement currently adds value to a house equal to about 75 percent of the cost of the job in the first year. This varies dramatically from place to place and can go as high as 103 percent of the job. It is estimated that the value of a finished basement will continue to rise throughout 2010 and beyond. But most homeowners tell us that the best investment is getting their family back to family. <br /><br />Lake Side Total Basement Finishing is a basement finishing expert in Wisconsin and also services Illinois. They are a member of the international Total Basement Finishing Network and are your trusted local experts. For <a href="http://www.lakesidebasementfinishing.com/">basement finishing in Milwaukee</a> or any surrounding areas, contact Lake Side today.</p> http://www.lakesidebasementfinishing.com/about-us/milwaukee-news/758-the-president-of-lake-side-total-basement-finishing-offers-basement-advice-for-winter-months.html Fri, October 1 2010, 00:00:00 -500 http://www.lakesidebasementfinishing.com/about-us/milwaukee-news/758-the-president-of-lake-side-total-basement-finishing-offers-basement-advice-for-winter-months.html How to Cope With the Aftermath of Flooding in Wisconsin Basements <p>Oconomowoc, WI - Flooding damages are exceeding $28.5 million in Milwaukee County after a near-record deluge flooded basements and swamped local businesses. Homeowners will work for months to reclaim their water damaged basements, but Scot Buckley, owner of Oconomowoc-based Lakeside Total Basement Finishing, warns against taking shortcuts or using cheap material to restore damaged walls and floors.<br /><br />These cheap materials tend to be porous, which means once heavy rain falls and leaks break loose, this porous material will absorb all the water. The flooring and wall paneling that many homeowners believed to be cost-effective could be soaking up flood water and leading to toxic mold growth. <br /><br />Time after time, Buckley witnesses homeowners' money being wasted away because they use dry wall, wood studs and carpet in their basement. These are those products that will not withstand prolonged moisture, and should be avoided!<br /><br />Buckley explains that once a homeowner erases the desire to use drywall and eliminates the "basement for cheap" mentality, the homeowner's basement will finally have the chance to be worthwhile and effective!<br /><br />"If I place the right materials in a basement that are mold, mildew and moisture resistant, I will never ever have to worry about mold mildew and moisture and other unhealthy living conditions ever again," Buckley says.&nbsp; "The goal is to try and turn your basement from a liability into a beautiful living space." <br /><br />As for products, Buckley recommends the EverLast Wall Panel system, which has a durable and washable vinyl surface.&nbsp; These panels measure 4 feet wide by 2.5 inches thick, are made of high density closed cell foam R13 insulation with a cement board panel on the face and a durable vinyl finish. There aren't any wood studs either! <br /><br />Buckley reminds homeowners that even though a basement may maintain some degree of moisture, by simply purchasing a SaniDry dehumidifier, the homeowner will notice a significant decline in moisture causing odors.<br /><br />For more information about <a href="http://www.lakesidebasementfinishing.com/">basement waterproofing in Milwaukee</a>, contact Lake Side Total Basement Finishing at 800-219-3978. <span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></p> http://www.lakesidebasementfinishing.com/about-us/milwaukee-news/646-how-to-cope-with-the-aftermath-of-flooding-in-wisconsin-basements.html Fri, August 13 2010, 00:00:00 -500 http://www.lakesidebasementfinishing.com/about-us/milwaukee-news/646-how-to-cope-with-the-aftermath-of-flooding-in-wisconsin-basements.html Avoiding DIY Basement Remodeling Nightmares <p><img class="img-right border" src="http://www.lakesidebasementfinishing.com/images/basement-finishing-milwaukee-blog1.jpg" alt="Basement remodeling in Milwaukee" width="250" height="186" />So, you've finally decided to go ahead and tackle that basement finishing project. You have some money set aside, and you really want to transform that dingy cave into something you can live, play and maybe even sleep in.&nbsp;&nbsp;You have a pretty good idea of what you want your finished basement to look like.&nbsp;You might even have a draft of the new basement in a piece of paper, or, in your computer.&nbsp;</p> <div><br /> <div>You are now considering your options for materials and labor.</div> <div>Chances are, you are pretty handy, or at least an eager learner. You are the one that put together that shed in the backyard, or helped your in-laws with their kitchen remodel.</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>Whatever the case, you think that you can really save big by doing all the work yourself. After all there is nothing so difficult about attaching some studs and fiberglass to the walls, hanging some drywall sheets, painting the basement and then putting down some nice carpet. Right?&nbsp;</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>For pretty much every other part of the house, &nbsp;there's nothing inherently wrong with that line of thought. However, this is a basement, and basements are like no other place in the house, and treating them as you would any above grade area can be disastrous.&nbsp;</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>Let's count the ways in which such a project can go wrong, shall we?&nbsp;</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div><strong>1- Wood studs, drywall, and fiberglass insulation are a bad idea for basements.&nbsp;</strong></div> </div> <div>All of the above materials, have four &nbsp;things in common.</div> <div> <ul> <li>They soak up water</li> <li>They are made of or with organic materials</li> <li>When combined with basement moisture, they support mold growth.&nbsp;</li> <li>They will not withstand a basement flood or water accident.&nbsp;</li> </ul> <div>The U.S. Department of Energy, urge homeowners to avoid the above combination in basements, with a series of brochures and tell-tale pictures. To make matters worse, fiberglass looses all it's R- Value when humid and drywall, in contact with moisture, begins to decompose, releasing foul-smelling and unhealthy fumes in the air.&nbsp;</div> </div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div><strong>2 - Carpet will only work, if protected by a good sub floor system.&nbsp;</strong></div> <div>There is moisture from the ground consistently seeping through the slab in a basement. The ground is wet most of the time, and concrete is porous. Using wooden subfloors and improper padding over that slab is like setting yourself up for failure, and for the same reasons cited above. All these materials soak up water, and have the potential to develop mold growth.</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div><strong>3 - When it comes to basement remodeling, there is "cheap" and there is cost-effective.</strong></div> <div>Basements are flood prone. Period. Even if you live on top of the hill and your basement is mostly dry, there are still a lot that can go wrong and cause it to flood. It can be a burst ashing machine hose, or your kid causing the bath tub to overflow. Saving a few hundred dollars now, in a basement remodel that will be completely ruined in the event of a plumbing or water heater tank leak, a backed up drain, or any of the many potential incidents that can cause your basement to flood, isn't really wise, is it?</div> <div>Yet, every year, &nbsp;thousands of dollars are spent by once over confident Wisconsin homeowners, in flood damage restoration and cleanup, as well as mold remediation.&nbsp;</div> <div>In other works, $20,000 spent in something that will be destroyed, are literally $20,000 wasted... and that doesn't even compute the costs of clean up and restoration.</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div><strong>4 - You can't get the best materials at your local hardware store.</strong></div> <div>To tackle a basement remodeling project, you would first need to find the right materials. That means 100% waterproof, non-absorbent and mold resistant solutions, specifically engineered to withstand all sorts of basement moisture, including basement floods. The kind of <a href="http://www.lakesidebasementfinishing.com/basement-finishing-system.html">basement finishing system</a> that, in Wisconsin, &nbsp;only LakeSide Total Basement &nbsp;can offer.&nbsp;</div> <div>And these materials are simply not sold at hardware stores, for DIY projects.&nbsp;</div> <div>There are some serious expertise needed to install them, and that can't be taught or learned in a 2 hour weekend workshop. Our installers go through an intensive training process, which is why TBF dealers aren't simply installers. They are "Certified Basement Environment Specialists".&nbsp;</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div><strong>Basements are like no other room in the house, they need to be dealt with by specialists.</strong></div> <div><strong><br /></strong></div> <div>We are not doubting your building skills, but unless you've been on the basement business for over 20 years, like the people who engineered Total Basement Finishing systems and processes, you will hardly be able to fully understand what it takes to build a safe, dry, and comfortable basement as these experts do.</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>Your house, just like your body, is a system. If it makes sense for you to seek a cardiologist to check your heart, it makes sense to hire a basement specialist to remodel your basement.&nbsp;</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>At LakeSide, we know everything about basements, because that is what we do. We offer <a href="http://www.lakesidebasementfinishing.com/basement-finishing-system/install-basement-finishing.html">full-service basement remodeling</a>. We will help you design and build a basement room you can be proud of, and your family will enjoy for many years to come. With a wide variety of finishing solutions and flexible payment options, you are sure to find a basement design that suits your needs, taste and budget.&nbsp;</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>We service Greater Milwaukee and surrounding areas in Wisconsin, as well as the Rockford area in Illinois.&nbsp;</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>Sign up for a <a href="http://www.lakesidebasementfinishing.com/contact.php">Free, In-Home Design Consultation</a> and experience the difference.</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> http://www.lakesidebasementfinishing.com/about-us/milwaukee-news/538-avoiding-diy-basement-remodeling-nightmares.html Tue, June 29 2010, 00:00:00 -500 http://www.lakesidebasementfinishing.com/about-us/milwaukee-news/538-avoiding-diy-basement-remodeling-nightmares.html New Moisture Control Basement Finishing Materials Bring an End to Wet Basements <p><img class="img-right" src="http://www.lakesidebasementfinishing.com/images/milwaukee-theater-basement.jpg" alt="Basement remodeling in WI" width="350" height="263" border="0" /><em>Oconomowoc, WI</em> - Advancements in basement finishing and moisture control products that help enhance a basement's comfort and value, are encouraging homeowners to make this one-time lasting investment to finish their home's basement and prevent future problems.<br /><br />Basement remodeling is proving to be critical to a home's value, which is why Scot Buckley, president of <a href="http://www.lakesidebasementfinishing.com/">Lake Side Total Basement Finishing</a> in Oconomowoc believes in using the right products to do the job right the first time. According to Remodeling Online Magazine, a 600 sq ft finished basement currently adds value to a house equal to about 75% of the cost of the job, and is continuing to rise. <br /><br />Buckley contends that combining beauty with moisture controls is what differentiates their materials from the rest. Lake Side's basement finishing materials will never get moldy or rot, cannot be damaged by moisture, and are highly dent resistant and even carry a 50-Year transferable warranty. <br /><br />"One of the real advantages of these new remodeling materials is that your vision for an eye-pleasing, functional room that compliments any decor can become a reality in as little as two weeks.&nbsp; You'll find a dry, comfortable environment for Family Rooms; Home Theaters; Private Office; Workout Room; Game Room; Children's Play Room; or even a Guest Suite," says Buckley.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.lakesidebasementfinishing.com/remodeling-products.html">EverLast Basement Wall Panels</a>&nbsp;are one of Lake Side's new moisture control products. These cement wall panels prevent mold growth with maximum moisture protection, and have won the CQIA Quality and Innovation Award. They are an off-white vinyl surface treatment made from 2 1/2 inch-thick rigid foam insulation with 1/2 inch-thick cement board cladding. <br /><br />ThermalDry basement floor tiles are engineered by MillCreek Flooring to keep your basement environment free of mold and mildew, and are moisture resistant. MillCreek Flooring uses a patented process to give its tiles the same look, feel and touch as a hardwood floor; all while being suited for basement environments. They also provide Total Basement Finishing ceiling tiles that are non-sagging and mold resistant.<br /><br />For more information and free quote for <a href="http://www.lakesidebasementfinishing.com/free-estimate.html">basement remodeling in Wisconsin</a>.</p> http://www.lakesidebasementfinishing.com/about-us/milwaukee-news/537-new-moisture-control-basement-finishing-materials-bring-an-end-to-wet-basements.html Tue, June 29 2010, 00:00:00 -500 http://www.lakesidebasementfinishing.com/about-us/milwaukee-news/537-new-moisture-control-basement-finishing-materials-bring-an-end-to-wet-basements.html Wisconsin Basement Finishing Contractor Joins an International Basement Finishing Network <p>OCONOMOWOC, WI &ndash; <em>Local Wisconsin-based company, LakeSide Total Basement Finishing, joins an international basement finishing network. </em></p> <p><strong>LakeSide Total Basement Finishing</strong> of Wisconsin has joined the Total Basement Finishing network of dealers. Their inception into the network allows LakeSide access to basement finishing products that have undergone years of testing and research in basement environments.</p> <p>The experts at Total Basement Finishing have seen the water, mold, and insulation problems associated with a basement, and they take that into consideration when finishing a basement. Most general contractors are not familiar with waterproofing or mold prevention, nor are they used to dealing with low ceilings, heating ducts, pipes, water heaters, furnaces, and a variety of other obstacles that are unique to a basement.</p> <p>LakeSide owner, Scot Buckley, has over 20 years' homebuilding know-how. His experience dealing with the issues customers face and his home remodeling knowledge are great assets customers will benefit from in the Milwaukee area.</p> <p><a href="http://www.totalbasementfinishing.com/">Total Basement Finishing</a> is an international network of independently owned and operated contractors, working from coast to coast in the United States and Canada. Headquartered in Seymour, Connecticut in a 92,000 square foot facility, it's the fastest-growing basement finishing contractor company in the world.</p> <p>To learn more about LakeSide Total Basement Finishing, visit their newly launched <a href="http://www.lakesidebasementfinishing.com/">Wisconsin basement finishing</a> website.</p> <p>LakeSide Total Basement Finishing of Wisconsin is a basement remodeling and finishing company serving areas surrounding <em>Milwaukee, South Milwaukee, Racine, Kenosha, Menomonee Falls, and Walworth County, WI,</em> as well as areas surrounding <em>Rockford, Gurnee, Waukegan, Algonquin, Belvidere, Buffalo Grove, Highland Park, Loves Park, and Zion, IL</em>.</p> http://www.lakesidebasementfinishing.com/about-us/milwaukee-news/491-wisconsin-basement-finishing-contractor-joins-an-international-basement-finishing-network.html Thu, April 22 2010, 00:00:00 -500 http://www.lakesidebasementfinishing.com/about-us/milwaukee-news/491-wisconsin-basement-finishing-contractor-joins-an-international-basement-finishing-network.html