One of the challenges of many homeowners is basement waterproofing. It creates a domino effect problem if not done correctly. Basement waterproofing will let you do many things in your basement with the first one of having a usable basement for whatever purpose you may decide.

The best time to do waterproofing is when the foundation is built. Waterproofing a basement efficiently when it is first built will ensure that it will last for a long time. This is also the best time to do basement waterproofing because it’s much easier to get into small spaces before they are closed off due to constructions, such as corners and even areas where drainage pipes will be installed. If you got an old house, then you have to give the basement a very through check before deciding how to do the basement waterproofing. It will be wise to contact a professional when you do waterproofing so that you won’t need to do it all over again because the waterproofing wasn’t done correctly.

There are two ways to do waterproofing. These are external basement waterproofing and interior basement waterproofing. One of the common methods of external waterproofing is tanking. This refers to the process in which a bonding substance or membrane is applied to the outside walls of your basement. Make sure that the tanking takes place as your home is being constructed, especially if your basement is underground. Another way of external waterproofing is the outside drainage system. In this method, your basement will be built in such a way that the floors of the basement slope toward your home’s sump pump. For quick removal of any moisture from your basement, a plastic honeycomb membrane is applied to the walls and floor of your basement. The French drain is also another method of external waterproofing. This form of waterproofing is usually installed on houses that are constructed in parts of the country with heavy rainfall levels and other types of moisture-based weather. External waterproofing method is the only one recognized by the International Building Code as efficient enough to keep water from doing any intense structural damage to a building or home.

Interior waterproofing is used to keep moisture from making its way into your basement. A sealant is applied on the walls and floor of the basement so that water and moisture can’t seep through. It also keeps molds and mildew from growing. Interior Sealants aren’t technically basement waterproofing materials, but they can help you make do while you are working on other waterproofing methods. For best results, it is recommended that you do both the external and interior waterproofing, just to make sure.

It is important to make sure that you do waterproofing because your basement forms the foundation of your house and if it is not in the best condition, it can jeopardize your entire house in the long run.

I have seen the complete range of bars in homes. There are very dynamic home bars that look better than some of the actual bars I have frequented. There are also the most simplistic bars that serve the purpose, nothing more, nothing less. Can’t complain about that!

Do they have beer? No argument here. But, it does come down to personal preference. What kind of bar goes best with your personality, your home, your style?

Buy It

You can purchase bars of all sorts. Leather bars with two stools are sort of common. They have a little bit of space for storage. But, you would still have to keep your beer in the refrigerator.

There are fold up bars that can be stored in the garage. They are great for indoors and outdoors. Simple carry it to the pool and pop it open. If you want it in the living room for a party, by all means carry it in there and set it up.

There are more dynamic bars that you can buy though. There are bars so huge that you need a truck to haul them. They can arrive in pieces and light assembly is required. But, they are beautiful and the beginning of an amazing bar. You just have to shop around when you are ready to have a bar in your home.

Build It

There are two ways to build a bar and they are DIY or Hire a Contractor. DIY can range anywhere from a closet door on a stack of milk crates like we did in college or it can take up the entire room with lighting, fixtures and even its own brewery depending on your imagination and wallet.

You can download plans and go to town. From Tiki Bars in the yard to basement bars where the boys go to play, there are plans of all shapes and sizes. Just like buying a bar, shop around for the plans of your choice and have fun building. It’s fun to me!

I’ve built seventeen bars in my lifetime and that does not include the makeshift bars we put together in college or afterwards when my friends and I were still all single. Those seventeen bars include front porch bars, patio bars, spare bedroom bars and backroom bars along with the basement and the Tiki bars I’ve already mentioned.

But, once in awhile I’ll get a friend who wants a bar that even I find a little too complex. That’s about the time you call a contractor. Of all the choices, calling a contractor can be the most expensive. So, sometimes it might be best to compartmentalize the work that you can do and what you need a contractor to do.

Notice I said that the contractor can be the most expensive. That is if you don’t make additional cuts and put your bar together with the wrong material like a friend of mine did. I was part of the team who built the second bar for him. He would have been better off calling the contractor from the get go. But, that’s just not my friend’s style.

Having a bar is a symbol of beer enthusiasm. It’s our way of life even though we don’t make it our life. Public Service Announcement to those of you who don’t understand the beer enthusiast culture. We don’t promote over indulgence in drinking. We don’t promote an unhealthy lifestyle that comes from drinking too much.

We promote a healthy devotion to beer that involves enjoying our favorite drink and drinking responsibly. So if you are that type of beer enthusiast, welcome to the community. Now, get yourself a bar.