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Author Profiles

Rich Binsacca

Rich Binsacca has been writing about home improvement since 1987. He is the author of 12 books on home-related topics, is a contributing editor for Builder and EcoHome magazines, and has written for Remodeling, Home, and Architectural Record.

BY THIS AUTHOR

Basement Bathroom Addition Tips

Adding a Basement Bathroom: The Ups and Downs

Adding a basement bathroom can cost $10,000. Is it worth the time and expense? These are the issues to weigh. Read More

Progress K
Effort High 2 weeks
Investment Med $10,000
Added to Binder
Basement Temperature Regulation Heating And Cooling Basement

Heating and Cooling Your Basement

Heating and cooling a finished basement will require upgrading your current HVAC system or adding new units. Read More

Progress K
Effort High week to month
Investment High $7,000-$15,000 (install new HVAC)
Added to Binder
Basement moisture can ruin floors, encourage mold and more.

Fix Wet Basement Problems

Fix wet basement problems and keep moisture from wrecking your new basement remodel. Read More

Progress K
Effort Med 1-2 days
Investment High $2,000-$6,000 (install sump pump)
Added to Binder
Egress window in basement

Emergency Egress Window: Costs and Installation

Your finished basement isn’t finished until you install an emergency egress window. Here are the costs and what you’ll need to be safe and compliant in your new finished basement. Read More

Progress K
Effort Med 2-3 days
Investment Med $2,500-$5,000 (pro installation)
Added to Binder
Roi Fireplace Addition Fireplace Addition Value

Adding a Fireplace: Return on Investment

Installing a fireplace is a popular project, but don’t expect a significant return on your investment. Read More

Progress K
Effort Med 2-7 days (install)
Investment Med $1,400 to $10,000
Added to Binder
Fireplace Addition Costs

The Costs of Adding a Fireplace

Installing a wood-burning, gas-burning, gel-fuel, or electric fireplace to your house costs $400 to $10,000, depending on the type of fireplace you select. Read More

Progress K
Effort Med 2-3 days (install)
Investment Med $4,500 (basic gas fireplace, installed)
Added to Binder
EPA-qualified wood-burning fireplace in home

Energy-Efficient Fireplace Options

Energy-efficient fireplaces, both wood-burning and gas, let you enjoy the glow of a fire without letting your home heating energy go up in smoke. Read More

Progress K
Effort Low 3-4 hours (pro install)
Investment Low $300-$500 (glass doors installed)
Added to Binder
Second Story Addition Hidden Costs Costs For Second Addition

Hidden Costs of a Two-Story Addition

A two-story addition project is fraught with cost variables. Here’s how to anticipate the hidden costs and stay on track. Read More

Progress H K
Value Added High $103,391*
Effort High 6-8 mos (plan and build)
Investment High $165,796 (nat'l avg)*
Added to Binder
Two Story Additions

Heating and Cooling a Two-Story Addition

Heating and cooling a two-story addition involves making choices that balance cost, convenience and energy efficiency. Read More

Progress H $ E K
Save Money Med $200/yr. (energy costs)
Value Added Med $6,200-$8,900
Effort Med 2-4 days (research; energy audit)
Investment High $9,000-$13,000 (whole house upgrade)
Added to Binder
Is My House Right For A Two-Story Addition?

Evaluate Your House for a Two-Story Addition

When considering a two-story addition, carefully evaluate what’s possible physically, financially, and legally. Read More

Progress H K
Value Added High $103,391*
Effort High 6-8 mos (plan and build)
Investment High $165,796 (nat'l avg)*
Added to Binder
Basement Flooring Options Finishing Basement Floors

Smart Options: Basement Flooring

Keeping your basement dry and free of condensation is key to installing the basement flooring of your choice. Read More

Progress K
Effort Med 2-5 days DIY
Investment Med $1,200-$3,000 (600 sq. ft. DIY)
Added to Binder
Egress window in basement

Add an Egress Window to Your Finished Basement

For safety, a remodeled basement living area needs an egress window that meets residential building codes. Here’s what you need to know. Read More

Progress K
Effort Med 2-3 days
Investment Med $2,500-$5,000 (pro installation)
Added to Binder
Evaluate Your Finished Basement Plan Basement Finishing

Evaluate Your House for Basement Finishing

Some unfinished basements are better basement finishing candidates than others. Here’s how to evaluate your space for a basement finishing. Read More

Progress H K
Value Added High $42,338*
Effort High 2-3 mos
Investment High $63,378 (nat'l avg)*
Added to Binder
Direct-vent fireplace in house

5 Questions and Answers About Adding a Fireplace

If you want to add a fireplace to your existing home, ask yourself what value it brings to you and your property. Read More

Progress E K
Effort Med 2-7 days (install)
Investment Med $1,400-$9,000 (unit + install)
Added to Binder
Ventless Fireplace Facts Ventless Fireplace Benefits

Ventless Fireplaces: What You Need to Know

Ventless fireplaces provide a convenient, low-cost alternative to traditional fireplace options, but they aren’t trouble-free. Read More

Progress E K
Effort Low 2 hrs (DIY install)
Investment Low $300-$700 (gel-fueled)
Added to Binder