Basements can be wonderful spaces to provide additional usable space in your home. Some homeowners decide to turn it into the ultimate man cave, while others choose to use it for additional storage.

Whatever way you use it, you may find that the basement is a room unlike the rest and unfortunately, can come with its own set of problems. Thankfully, most of them can be solved and your basement can be good as new again! Here are a few of the most common basement problems and what you should do when they happen.

If there’s a problem in your basement, don’t wait. Contact a basement remodeling contractor today for quotes from pros in your area, for free.

What’s Your Basement Telling You?

When it comes to your basement, there might be signs that it’s not in the best shape. Anything out of the ordinary should be taken seriously. Regardless of what you use your basement for, it likely holds a lot of utilities that are vital to your home. Problems in the basement tend to grow quickly, turning a small repair into an expensive damage to potentially the entire household. If you notice any of these issues, don’t hesitate to call for a repair:

• Mold
• Water
• Cracks in the Floor
• Moisture
• Foul Odors or Unusual Smells
• Spiders & Pests

Problem #1: Mold In Basement

Mold in the basement is a common problem for many homeowners. From leaking plumbing to increased dampness, there are a lot of ways mold can grow. You may notice first by a musty smell or you may even spot it in a corner. It can take on various colors, such as black, green or even white.

Not only can mold in the basement grow quickly and spread throughout the home, but it can also have serious health implications. Some forms of mold can cause headaches or even vomiting, as well as increased symptoms for people with allergies.

Solution:

Mold in the basement should be taken care of immediately. Contact a testing and abatement pro to help you remove the mold. Next, you’ll want to make sure the mold does not have a chance to come back. Investing in a dehumidifier can help as well as using mold-resistant coatings in susceptible areas.

Problem #2: Water In Basement

From just a small leak to a bigger puddle, water in your basement is never a good sign. By catching the small leak early, it can save you from a basement flood. Water in the basement can come from a variety of problems such as a plumbing leak, heavy rainfall or a crack in the foundation.

If you’re experiencing basement flooding, don’t wade in the water. There could be dangerous electrical currents and other harmful substances lingering. Make sure your electric and gas are turned off first. You may need to call a pro for this.

Solution:

The solution to water in the basement truly depends on where the issue is coming from. A sump pump can he helpful in preventing flooding and water from entering your basement. The average cost to install a sump pump is $1,044, with most homeowners spending between $766 and $1,140.

Problem #3: Cracks In Basement Floor

While some cracks can cause bigger problems for your basement, others may just be unsightly. Cracks in basement floors can happen naturally as the house settles and foundation shifts. However, small cracks can let in dangerous gasses and moisture, so you’ll want to get these taken care of.

Solution:

The easiest way to get basement cracks taken care of is by resealing your basement. The average cost to seal a basement or foundation is $3,660, with most homeowners spending between $2,491 and $4,259.

Problem #4: Smelly Basement

Do you avoid your basement because of a funky smell? Basements can have a variety of odors, from musty to sewer smells. Let's get rid of them!

Solution:

You’ll first want to find the source of the issue and get it taken care of. As I mentioned above, a musty or mildew smell could mean that you have mold. A sewer odor could mean you have plumbing problems. It’s a good idea to contact a pro who can help you get to the source and fix it.

Once the issue is solved, the odor may still be lingering. Clean out your basement thoroughly, scrubbing it down with soap and water. Avoid scented air fresheners and instead, use baking soda to help absorb the odor.

Problem #5: Spiders In Basement

It's no surprise that you may be sharing your basement with some unwelcome guests. It's normal to see a spider or two from time to time, however, if you begin to see more spiders than you’d like in your basement, it can be a problem.

Solution:

Depending on the infestation, you may be able to try a few tactics yourself. It starts by eliminating webs and eggs. Use a vacuum instead of a duster to eliminate webs and eggs. This will kill them instantly. Pay close attention to corners of the room, where spider webs are most likely to be. They also like to hide in wood, cardboard or debris. Dust and remove any webs from storage in and around your home.

If you find yourself having trouble controlling the spiders in your basement, it might be time to call a pest control pro. The average cost to hire an insect control service is $211, with most homeowners spending between $134 and $198.

Problem #5: Spiders In Basement

It's no surprise that you may be sharing your basement with some unwelcome guests. It's normal to see a spider or two from time to time, however, if you begin to see more spiders than you’d like in your basement, it can be a problem.

Solution:

Depending on the infestation, you may be able to try a few tactics yourself. It starts by eliminating webs and eggs. Use a vacuum instead of a duster to eliminate webs and eggs. This will kill them instantly. Pay close attention to corners of the room, where spider webs are most likely to be. They also like to hide in wood, cardboard or debris. Dust and remove any webs from storage in and around your home.

If you find yourself having trouble controlling the spiders in your basement, it might be time to call a pest control pro. The average cost to hire an insect control service is $211, with most homeowners spending between $134 and $198.

Problem #5: Spiders In Basement

It's no surprise that you may be sharing your basement with some unwelcome guests. It's normal to see a spider or two from time to time, however, if you begin to see more spiders than you’d like in your basement, it can be a problem.

Solution:

Depending on the infestation, you may be able to try a few tactics yourself. It starts by eliminating webs and eggs. Use a vacuum instead of a duster to eliminate webs and eggs. This will kill them instantly. Pay close attention to corners of the room, where spider webs are most likely to be. They also like to hide in wood, cardboard or debris. Dust and remove any webs from storage in and around your home.

If you find yourself having trouble controlling the spiders in your basement, it might be time to call a pest control pro. The average cost to hire an insect control service is $211, with most homeowners spending between $134 and $198.

Problem #6: Disorganized Basement Storage

While not as serious as some of the problems above, many of us completely avoid our basements because of the mess. They can become easy dumping grounds for boxes, seasonal items and all the things you forgot you had. It’s a common problem that has an easy fix!

Solution:

Organize it! Yes, it really is that simple. Invest in a few shelving units and waterproof storage containers. Write what’s in each box so you can easily identify it and put it back. But this does take a lot of work, depending on what you intend on storing in your basement. Take a weekend to sort through your items. You’ll be surprised at the new usability you have once everything is in its place!

Conclusion

Basement problems are never welcomed by homeowners, but the good news is that most have a solution. Don’t wait. Take care of the cracks and damages in your basement before they become more costly. You may even find yourself excited to use your basement again!