Month: October 2025
Tiled Shower Remodel in Terre Haute: Schluter Waterproofing and Custom Design
Rebuilding the Space from the Studs This bathroom in Terre Haute, Indiana, was typical of older homes across Vigo County, dated tile, and a window placed too close to the wet zone. We began by taking everything down to the studs so we could rebuild the room from a clean, dry foundation. Our crew installed… Read more
Planning a Home Improvement Project in Terre Haute: Permits, Timelines & Inspections Explained
How to decide if you need a permit In Terre Haute and the rest of Vigo County, you generally need a building permit for any home improvement project that involves structural framing, plumbing, electrical systems, HVAC, or the exterior weather barrier. Cosmetic work such as painting, trim, or swapping a faucet in the same location… Read more
Home Improvement Costs & ROI in Terre Haute
What actually drives cost here Home improvement budgets in Terre Haute, Indiana rise or fall on a handful of predictable levers. Moving plumbing, gas, or structural elements adds labor and extra inspection steps; keeping utilities in place preserves budget without locking you into a bad layout. Material choices matter too: in-stock, mid-range selections land on… Read more
Basement Flooring Options in Terre Haute, Indiana
Quick Answer For most finished living basement areas, floating LVP over a vapor-smart underlayment or insulated panel subfloor balances comfort, waterproofing, and cost. Tile is the winner for bathrooms and laundry corners, carpet tiles bring warmth and easy replacement to playrooms and media spaces, and epoxy or polyaspartic shines in workshops and utility zones. What… Read more
Basement Radon Testing & Mitigation in Terre Haute, Indiana
TL;DR Radon gas can seep into basements through cracks and sumps, especially in Indiana’s clay soils. Testing before basement finishing is quick and inexpensive, and sub-slab depressurization (SSD) systems safely vent gas outdoors. A sealed sump lid, proper fan, and balanced airflow keep your Terre Haute basement healthy year-round. Why test in West-Central Indiana Basements… Read more
Basement Moisture Barriers & Vapor Control in Terre Haute, Indiana
TL;DR A dry, comfortable basement in West-Central Indiana starts by controlling how moisture moves, bulk leaks, capillary wicking, and vapor diffusion before you frame or drywall. Local humidity swings, clay soils, and freeze-thaw cycles make moisture management essential. The goal isn’t to make concrete “waterproof,” but to block wicking, slow vapor, and stabilize indoor RH… Read more
Basement Heating & HVAC Options for Indiana Homes
TL;DR A comfortable finished basement starts with the right heating and humidity plan. Seal and insulate foundation walls, add a real basement return for airflow, and keep humidity around 45–50%. Most Terre Haute homes work best with either a properly balanced duct extension or a ductless mini-split system, often paired with radiant floor heat for… Read more
Sump Pumps & Battery Backup for Indiana Basements (Quiet, Reliable, Code-Clean)
TL;DR If you see water along the slab edge after storms, a cast-iron ⅓–½ HP sump pump in a sealed basin, paired with a quiet check valve and a battery backup, is the dependable fix for Indiana basements. Size the backup battery for several cycles per hour over 6–24 hours, pitch the discharge to daylight… Read more
Basement Soundproofing & Between-Floor Noise Control in Terre Haute, Indiana
TL;DR Make your basement feel like real living space by stopping noise where it travels: through framing, air gaps, and mechanicals. In Terre Haute, Indiana, the most effective (and still headroom-friendly) setup is isolation clips with hat channel, double 5/8″ drywall with damping, mineral wool in joists, and airtight sealing, plus quick fixes for plumbing… Read more
Basement Bathroom Rough-In & Ejector Pumps in Terre Haute, Indiana
TL;DR (Quick Summary) Planning a basement bathroom in Terre Haute, Indiana? You’ll need the right rough-in plan, drain slopes, venting, and possibly an ejector pump if you’re below the main sewer line. This guide covers trenching vs above-slab systems, local code basics, moisture control, and typical Indiana cost ranges so your new bathroom runs clean,… Read more
Basement Electrical & Lighting Layouts for Finished Spaces (Indiana Guide)
Finishing a basement succeeds or fails on the electrical plan you create before drywall. Start by mapping furniture, walk paths, TV/media walls, and work zones so the basement wiring plan falls into place, code-compliant outlet spacing (NEC 6/12 rule), smart switching, quiet, balanced circuits, and wafer LED lighting that keeps low ceilings feeling open. In… Read more
Basement Floor Leveling Guide: Grinding, Patching, or Self-Leveling?
Quick Answer for Indiana Basements For Terre Haute and Vigo County homes, pick the fix by what you see: grind isolated humps, patch narrow dips ≤ 1/4″, and use self-leveling underlayment (SLU) when broad areas are out of plane or you need a uniform surface fast. Hit a slab flatness tolerance of 1/8″ over 6′… Read more
Basement Subfloor Systems Compared (DRIcore vs Foam Panels vs Sleepers vs Membranes)
Quick Answer for Indiana Basements For Terre Haute and Vigo County homes, the warmest, most predictable results usually come from interlocking insulated panels or foam board + plywood. Use pressure-treated sleepers when the slab is wavy and you need built-in leveling. Choose a dimpled membrane + plywood under LVP when you want a defined drainage/vapor… Read more
Basement Wall Insulation Methods (Foam Board vs Spray Foam vs Fiberglass)
Quick Answer For Indiana Homes If you just need the TL;DR for our mixed-humid climate: Note: Aim for roughly 1–2 in of continuous foam on walls and an effective R-15–R-20 overall; keep indoor RH near 40–50%. Why Basements Get Cold And Musty Concrete is below grade and stays cool year-round. Warm indoor air holds moisture;… Read more
