If you’re getting ready to build your custom home, you may be wondering if you should add a basement or not. While a basement can provide several benefits, it requires extensive planning beforehand. Here are some of the advantages of having a basement and what to consider when planning to build one.

Reasons to Add a Basement to Your Custom Home
Provides Extra Storage

If your family is growing, you’ve likely accumulated many items over the years. If all of these extra items are taking up too much space in your custom home, adding a basement can solve this dilemma. Moving the clutter to your basement can free up space in your home and help it look more organized.

Adds Living Space
It never hurts to add extra living space to your home. A finished basement is a great way to do this, as it can add adequate square footage to your property. The extra space can be utilized in several different ways, such as creating a play area for your kids or adding a guest bedroom.

Increases Property Value
If you ever plan to sell your custom home in the future, adding a basement is a good investment. A renovated basement can increase the number of interested buyers and the value of your home.
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What to Consider When Building a Basement
Before you add a basement to your custom home, you must first find out if your property is suitable for this project. Call your local building department to see if there are any regulations that might prevent you from continuing this project. A contractor can help you determine if the condition of your soil, ground-bearing pressures, and water table levels could interfere with the basement’s construction or not.

It’s also essential to plan for safe and accessible exit routes for emergencies, such as fires or floods. For example, many building codes require a window opening that’s large enough to exit through and provides easy floor level access.

If you’re thinking about building a custom home, turn to the professionals at Up North Builders, Inc. in International Falls, MN. The general contractor has provided quality construction services for residential and commercial clients for over 30 years. They’ll help you build your dream home from the ground up with a 100% customer satisfaction guarantee. For more information about their home remodeling services, call (218) 285-3635 or visit their website.

A common and frequently sought after renovation, flatwork refers to any concrete project where the material is poured horizontally. When installed correctly, the cured concrete is smooth and durable enough to withstand constant vehicle and foot traffic, and heavy loads. Although you should hire a general contractor, knowing answers to the following questions will make you more informed about your project.  

FAQ Regarding Concrete Flatwork
What does installation entail?
For site preparation, a contractor will level the ground where concrete will be installed. Wooden slats are often placed along the perimeter to section off the area and hold the poured mixture in place. When keeping the slab from sinking into the soil or crack later, aggregate or rebar is used for the subbase.

Concrete shrinks as it cures, which is why control joints are placed in the slabs. If the material does crack, this will relieve tension so the break is in a straight line instead of splintering. 

What are common concrete flatwork projects?
International-Falls-Minnesota-concreteConcrete flatwork is involved in numerous home renovations that require flat surfaces. When creating sidewalks, contractors lay a bed of aggregate, then they pour the material in sections with expansion joints between each section. Rebar is commonly used for raised patio installation, while aggregate provides a durable surface for slabs flush with the ground. Whether rebar is also used for driveway installation depends on the slope of the earth. 

What are the different finish options?
Contractors can use different dyes and finishes to create functional concrete surfaces that are aesthetically pleasing. For outdoor installations and building lobbies, it’s best to use a textured finish since they provide traction for wet surfaces. For industrial-inspired home interiors, smooth flatwork finishes can be used for counters and flooring.    

What are some of the maintenance requirements?
To prevent stains and permanent discoloration, have the concrete sealed. The coating will block moisture and UV rays. Routinely check for small cracks and have them sealed immediately. This will prevent water infiltration that could corrode the material and cause any breaks to expand.

For concrete flatwork installation, contact Up North Builders in International Falls, MN. Boasting over 35 years of experience, their licensed, bonded, and insured technicians will see your construction project through, from the design stages to execution. For a consultation, call (218) 285-3635. View their project photos on the company’s website and Facebook page.  

Many homeowners want some way to enjoy the outdoors while being able to relax or entertain their friends and family. Installing a patio is a popular way to enhance a home. Typically made with concrete, brick, or stone, these outdoor structures offer three important advantages. 

Why You Should Get a Patio
1. Excellent for Entertaining
Patios are excellent for gathering with friends and family for parties, barbecues, and other fun events. Your guests will benefit from the fresh air, and you can skip the stress of cleaning your entire house before they arrive. Add a grill and outdoor dining set for your next special dinner, or put up some string lights and speakers for a memorable nighttime dance party.     

2. Relaxing While Outdoors 
concreteSpending time in nature provides a variety of health benefits, including reduced stress, improved mood, and even a strengthened immune system. Patios make it easy to get outside more, especially when you add your favorite items. For example, some people bring out their fitness equipment and turn their patio into an outdoor gym, while others add a bookshelf and cozy chairs to create the perfect reading area. You can even enjoy your patio in the winter by adding a hot tub or enclosing it and installing an outdoor heater.  

3. Beautiful Scenery
Available in a wide variety of sizes, shapes, and colors, patios can be designed to complement any type of home. Moreover, if you choose concrete, you can add gorgeous designs to your patio via stamping, stenciling, engraving, or exposed aggregate. Personalize the space even further with plants, lights, water fountains, and any other attractive features you can think of. 

When you’re ready to revitalize your home with a high-quality patio, turn to the team at Up North Builders, Inc. Based in International Falls, MN, these licensed general contractors have specialized in home remodeling and concrete structures for over 30 years. They’re dedicated to providing every homeowner with the patio of their dreams and offer a 100% customer satisfaction guarantee on all projects. Learn more about their services online, and call (218) 285-3635 to schedule a free consultation. 

Whether you’re starting a new home remodeling project or planning to build a business office, the professionals at Up North Builders, Inc. provide a wide range of construction services. With over 20 years of experience, their knowledgeable team of contractors is dedicated to providing quality service for individuals and companies in International Falls, MN, and the surrounding area.

Up North Builders employs licensed contractors who have successfully completed hundreds of construction designs for residential and commercial properties. They utilize industry-leading technology to construct buildings quickly and efficiently. They will build your dream home from the ground up with strong foundations and structural concrete work. The company has assisted families in home improvement projects such as pouring sidewalks and driveways. They’re skilled in designing custom homes, which includes lake houses and cabins.

In addition to home remodeling and building, they offer excavating, rubbish removal, and roll off containers for demolitions. If you’re searching for affordable bobcat services, they have a large selection of construction equipment rentals in stock.

At Up North Builders, their professional crew is determined to exceed their clients’ expectations by being detail oriented. They believe in the quality of their craftsmanship, which is why all their services come with a 100% customer satisfaction guarantee. Their builders will finish every construction job on time and budget.

When you decide to invest your money into a home remodeling or new construction project, choose the reliable general contractors at Up North Builders, Inc. to tackle the job. Call them today at (218) 285-3635 to schedule a free consultation, or visit them online to see a full list of services.

If your home features a concrete driveway, you want to keep it looking attractive and extend its life. When properly installed and cared for, your driveway might last for decades. Paying attention to these tips should help to maintain a beautiful path to your home well into the future.

Do:
Apply a sealant. One way to avoid hard-to-remove stains and protect your driveway is to apply a sealant every two to five years. Coating the driveway’s surface with a top-quality sealer limits discoloration and decay. To get started with this do-it-yourself project, purchase a silicone-based sealant from your local hardware store.

Remove oil stains and spills quickly. If liquids, such as motor oil and transmission fluid, leak from your vehicle onto the driveway, remove them quickly to avoid unsightly stains. If stains do occur, scrub the spots with WD-40® or with a mixture of 1 gallon of water and 1 cup ammonia, then rinse with your garden hose on high pressure. Spray-on oven cleaners or pressure washing also remove oil and transmission fluid stains well.

Ramblers are fantastic for homeowners that love first-floor living, but when you need more room, a home addition could create a whole second story for you to enjoy. However, before you break ground on your home remodeling project, think carefully about what it will take to add more living space. Here are a few factors you should consider before adding a second-floor addition. 
3 Factors to Think About Before Adding a Second Story

1. Space Requirements Think carefully about how much space you and your family need. Space requirements can change over time as people have children, watch kids move away to college, or have elderly family members move in for personalized care. If you foresee a need for extra space, consider how many rooms you need, and talk with your home remodeling contractor about drawing up some floorplans for your new addition.