Section
Basements
A basement is where water, humidity and the foundation all meet. Start with what you’re seeing; each guide links to the next step.
Water and flooding
Water in the basement: where it gets in and what to do first
Why water gets into your basement, how to find the entry point, what hydrostatic pressure really means and the outside fixes to try before any system.
Basement waterproofing: interior vs. exterior
What interior drainage and exterior waterproofing each solve, what they don't, what they cost in 2026 and how to read a quote before you sign.
Flooded basement: what to do and how to prevent it
What to do in the first hours after a basement floods, how to dry it safely, why basements flood and how to prevent the next one, insurance included.
Finishing
Egress windows and window wells
Egress windows: what they are and what the code requires
An egress window is an emergency exit from a basement or bedroom. Virginia's minimum opening size, sill height and window well rules, and common mistakes.
Egress window wells: size, ladders, drainage and covers
Egress window well rules from Virginia's code, why window wells fill with water, how they should drain, and how to pick a cover that won't block the exit.
Humidity, smells and mold
Basement humidity: ideal levels and how to measure
Keep basement humidity below 60%, ideally 30–50%. How to measure it properly, what your readings mean and what to do next.
Basement dehumidifiers: size, drainage and placement
How to size a basement dehumidifier with ENERGY STAR's chart, why ratings changed in 2019, and how to drain and set it so it actually works.
Musty and sewer smells in the basement
How to tell a musty smell from a sewer smell, where each one usually comes from, and what actually gets rid of it.
Mold in basements: causes, cleanup and when to call a pro
How to tell mold from efflorescence, clean small areas safely, and know when a basement mold job needs a professional.
The walls and the floor
Foundation cracks: types and when to worry
How to read a foundation crack by direction, shape and movement, how to monitor it, and the signs that mean it's time to call a structural engineer.
Horizontal cracks and bowing basement walls
Why basement walls bow, how to measure and document the movement, the repair options and their limits, and what each one costs in 2026.
Sump pumps: what they do and whether you need one
A sump pump moves groundwater out of a pit and away from your house. See how the system works, when you need one and where the water should go.