The majority of porches are considered as a permitted development and do not require planning permission. This means that your project can likely be started and finished much quicker that would be the case if a planning application had to be submitted. Porches that will be added to a house will be a permitted development so long as (1) the internal ground floor area does not exceed three square metres; (2) no part of the porch is more than three metres above ground level; (3) no part of the porch is within two metres of any boundary of the dwelling and the highway.

Building Regs - In the same ways that porches often dont need planning permission, they are commonly exempt from building regulations too, providing that they are less than thirty square metres in size, measured internally. The main front entrance door between the existing house and new porch much remain in situ, and the new porch must not adversely affect any ramped or levelled access. Needless to say the fitting of glazing and any fixed electrical installations much comply with the relevant section of building regulations.

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1. Incorporate the Wall Into Your Lifestyle

Retaining walls are usually thought of as utilitarian and for merely holding back soil. But you can use them to create beautiful outdoor living spaces and incorporate multi-use spaces.

Retaining walls don't have to be perfectly straight. Add a curve to dress up a boring straight wall and to add a little more texture to your landscape. You can use a garden hose or large rope to set the layout of the curve, then use a shovel to cut through the soil to follow the curve.

Smaller retaining walls, such as those less than four feet, can be easily planned and created without worrying too much about structure. Larger walls above that height may need an engineer's touch. Also be sure to check with local codes before starting one more than four feet tall.

From a lower grade, you'll need to gradually step up the retaining wall to reach a greater slope. Do this in increments and plan for a slight offset for each course change.

Besides offering a consistent look, manufactured blocks and stones for retaining walls offer structural integrity and an even base with which to work. There is little guesswork in installing, plus you'll have less work to do making sure each course is level. Be sure to color match and space out uneven colored stones and blocks for a better look.

Dig out your base several inches below grade and tamp/compact it to level. Add any filler, such as gravel, before adding your first stones or blocks. Remember, the base sets the tone for the entire wall, so spend a lot of time in preparing this key component.

A retaining wall that has a slope dropping to it will need additional drainage at the base. Add gravel and a fabric-covered drainage pipe at the base. The fabric will help prevent clogging of the pipe — a key feature as you will not want to dig out the pipe later to unclog it.

For each course of stones and blocks, be sure to check for level. This will help maintain a sturdy and balanced wall, plus you'll keep an even and consistent look.

Backfilling as you go adds support in success layers, so as you add a new course of blocks or stones, backfill to match this level. Be sure to tamp in/compact the soil as well, so you don't have as much settling later.

Add cap blocks to the top row of a block or stone retaining wall. You can add a layer of masonry adhesive to hold them in place, then back fill. Or you can backfill as you go, then add the cap. Either way, it provides a nice finished look, much like edging added to a paver patio.

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In some states, a handyman can provide plumbing services, but it may be in your best interest to call a plumber, particularly for issues more major than unclogging a drain or attaching a new sink. Hiring a plumber is important because mishandling your water and gas lines has the potential to do great damage to your home, your familys health, or even the safety of your neighborhood. A handyman is not legally required to have any training or licensing in plumbing matters, while a licensed plumber has undergone years of education and on-the-job training. In some cases, homeowners insurance wont cover damage caused by plumbing repair done by an unlicensed handyman.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, most plumbers learn their trade through a four- or five-year apprenticeship with 2,000 hours of paid on-the-job training. They also receive classroom education including safety, local plumbing codes and regulations, and blueprint reading. They also study mathematics, applied physics, and chemistry. After completing an apprenticeship program, plumbers are considered to be journey workers, qualifying them to perform duties on their own, according to the DOL. Licensed plumbers should do continuing education to keep abreast of safety and technology changes. Poor plumbing can lead to sewage backups, a flooded home or even natural gas leaks, so its best to leave it in the hands of a specialized professional.

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Sewer mains are extremely important and require a lot of coordination with your local city or town. The cost to install a sewer line may or may not fall directly on you, but regardless it's good to be informed about the different factors that can impact installation cost. It's crucial to use a professional if your city isn't doing the installation. A licensed professional can help walk you through the process and explain the sewer pipe installation cost for your municipality and home. Here are some factors that might come into play with the cost to install a sewer line.

Housing type The type of home you live instand alone home, townhouse, or part of a housing tractcan affect the cost to install a sewer main line. Some stand alone houses may be responsible for the cost to install a sewer line. In other types of homes, it can be part of city services or a HOA's responsibility, which would be part of a fee. It's important to look into how your city handles sewer issues, and how your neighborhood fits into that plan.

Red tape Anything sewer-related requires city permits and regulations. These types of permits will add to sewer main pipe installation. If your city isn't in control of your installation, then the professional you work with will need to ensure that everything is covered in this regard. Make sure to figure out who will need to procure the proper permits when talking to your professional before beginning the project.

Distance to connector lineThe distance between your home and the connector line will impact the cost to install a main sewer line. The further away it is, the more pipe that will need to be installed, which will raise both materials and labor costs.

ObstaclesAnything that might get in the way of digging will increase installation cost. This means any landscaping or trees will need to be removed before construction can start. Any concrete will also need to be removed. The costs to replace and fix these areas after installation will be additional costs to you to consider.

Existing pipeIf you're replacing an old sewer line, then installation can be more complicated. The existing sewer line might be below your gas line, which would increase sewer pipe installation cost. Digging out old pipe and replacing it can increase the cost to install a sewer line. Another option is the slip lining process, which inserts a smaller pipe within an existing pipe. This is useful if a full excavation becomes impossible due to what's built on top of the existing pipe, or if there are other existing utility lines. This will also raise the cost to install a sewer line.

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Are you in search for the best tankless water heater? Heating water for various functions has currently become a basic need for each and every home. To serve this purpose individuals are now using water heaters which vary across different models and prices. One of the most widely used and best water heaters are tankless water heaters. Theyre high power water heaters that heat water instantly in a very efficient manner. They dont retain water internally. The heater is supplied with flow sensors that activate it once water travels through them. The water circulates through a device and is warmed by gas or electricity. Theyre coated with sturdy coatings to shield them from acidic environments.

Stiebel Eltron Tempra 24 Plus Electric Tankless Water Heater

Dimensions - 21.5 x 19.5 x 8.8 inches

Voltage - 208-240V

Digital temperature control

Rinnai RL75iN Natural Gas Tankless Water Heater

Dimensions - 14 x 9.3 x 23 inches

BTU-10,300 - 180,000

Thermal Efficiency-82%

Takagi T-KJr2-IN-LP Indoor Tankless Water Heater

Dimensions - 28 x 17 x 10.5 inches

BTU- 140,000

6.6 GPM max flow rate

Ecosmart ECO 36 36kw 240V Electric Tankless Water Heater

Dimensions - 17 x 19 x 3.8 inches

Voltage - 240V

Self Modulating Technology & digital temperature control

Rheem RTG-64DVLN Prestige Tankless Natural Gas Water Heater

Dimensions - 14 x 10 x 26 inches

Natural Gas

Direct Vent Indoor

In comparison with typical water heaters, the tankless heaters guarantee vital energy value savings. The tankless water heaters run at a slow rate thats by moving 2 to 5 gallons per minute.The advantages of some of the bestrated Bosch tankless water heaters are that they operate only when theres a requirement for warm water that helps in reducing energy prices. Theyre very much reliable additionally. If the unit is sized properly, they effortlessly deliver never-ending supply of water at predetermined temperature levels. These storage tank scores high in safety. Their safety is as a result of the actual fact that they solely operate once the hot water is needed.Heating water for various functions has currently become a basic need for each and every home.

Specifications are: Voltage: 240 Wattage: 24 Amperage: 250 Min. required circuit breaker size: double pole 260 Recommended wire size: 2 x 6 Maximum temp. increase: 92 Weight: 15.4 Width: 16 5/8 Height: 14 1/2 Depth: 4 5/8 Working pressure: 150 PSI.

This water heater can be easily compared with thetop quality Noritz electric tankless water heater. The features are built with advanced technology for providing better service to the users. It has digital temperature control system which helps in keeping a check on the temperature of the water being used in a simple way.The fundamental advantage is that for this kind of heaters, no venting is required which gives users a sigh of relief. The sleek designhelps in solving space problem so it can be kept anywhere in a proper place. Thiswhole house tankless water heaterconsumes very less power, so it saves our money at this part which is very much beneficial. The primary consideration for the buyer is to have an electrical service installed for it. Also, it can work at any range of temperature and provides unlimited hot water.

This Rinnai tankless water heater is 58.4 pounds in weight and has dimensions of 14 x 9.3 x 23 inches. This set is ideal for two to three bathroom homes and can be the best tankless gas water heater available. It delivers up to 7.5 gallons of hot water per minute (GPM) and helps in saving energy and money.

It is ideal for two- to three-bathroom homes which is a beneficial feature and could be used as the commercial tankless water heater. The R75LSi delivers up to 7.5 gallons of hot water per minute (GPM) while saving energy and money. It requires special Rinnai vent.It comes standard with MC-91-1 US digital controller with error code indicator. Its thermal efficiency is 82% which is an advantageous feature of this product. Temperature variations are an important characteristic- Residential Temperature Settings: 98F 140F and Commercial Temperature Settings: 98F 160F.This model turns out to be the top model that has got advantageous features supported by superior technology. It offers great versatility in every field that is either residential or commercial. With a sleep and contemporary design that easily fits into the available space. You may read Rinnai tankless water heater reviewsin detail on this site.

The capacity of this propane tankless water heater is for 1 to 2 bathrooms, and the flow rate is maximum with 6.6 GPM. Gas Inputs are 19,500 to 140,000 BTU per hour. Energy Factor Rating are 0.83. Inlet Gas Pressure Min: 8.0 W.C. / Max 14.0 W.C. Its dimensions are 20.3 H x 13.8 W x 6.7 D. It provides direct vent capability. It provides an electric ignition facility. Takagi heaters can give tough competition to the top heaters likebest quality Navien tankless water heaters.

This is the smallest water heater in the Takagi tankless line. This product is 38 pounds with product dimensions 28 x 17 x 10.5 inches. This is a powerful unit with gas inputs up to 140,000 BTU per hour can meet all the hot-water needs of a small home or apartment with one or two bathrooms.This product is cost efficient and is environmentally friendly. This Takagi tankless water heatercan be converted into a direct-vent unit by using the optional TV10 conversion kit for installation in a confined space.The unit has four preset temperatures on the unit are: 113F, 122F, 131F, 140F. To achieve any temperatures other than those presets, we require the TK-RE02 temperature controller. So its temperature settings are very much versatile.

The ideal weight of the product is 17.4 pounds with product dimensions 17*19*3.8 inches with 240 volts technology and even no battery is required. This brand also provides a lifetime warranty for residential use.

This product is equipped with latest and advanced patented self-modulating technology. It is the largest electrical tankless water heater available. The beneficial feature is that the incoming water temperatures can reach as low as 37 degrees F.A digital temperature control allows us to set temperature in increments of 1 degree so that we can set the temperature to how we like it. The ECO 36 is the most powerful model from the full line of tankless water heaters, with the capacity to handle a large single-family home.It saves up to 50% on our water heating costs with most advanced feasters. It is unto 90% smaller so space availability is not a problem. The feature is that the product is eco-friendly so it is safer to use.

This product is designed for continuous hot water. Its specifications 6.8 gal./min. at 35A-Degree F rise max. 5.3 gal./min. at 45A-Degree F rise max. Best features: New. 3-Inch/5-Inch Concentric Vent System with Integrated Condensate Collector.

It is 82% energy efficient with stainless steel condensing heat exchanger. It is equipped with intelligent electronic controls designed to increase energy efficiency and safety. The basic thing is that it is mostly used in industries.Hot start programming helps minimize fluctuation in water temperature, referred to as cold water sandwich, during periods of frequent on/off operation. So this top class Rheem tankless water heater provides reliability to the users by providing different temperature controls.It has a built-in electric blower. It is environmentally friendly with the ultra low NOx burner. Also, freeze protection is provided up to -30F. Installation is quite easy with the use of the Rheem service kit which has a port for pressure valve. The good thing is that the beginner can easily get the heater mounted by serving simplified manual.

A Piezo push-button ignition operates the 330 PN LP Therm Tankless Water Heater by Bosch. A constant temperature at varying flow rates of water is maintained as the product has a modulating gas valve. It has a flow rate of 3.3 gallons per minute at 35F degree rise and has a thermal efficiency of more than 78%. The tankless system can be wall-mounted, is easy to install and does not require any batteries.

The Bosch 330 PN is an ideal choice for small homes considering the following key features of the product:

PROS:

CONS:

The Eccotemp 45HI-LP Horizontal Bundle is a tankless water heater that can be wall mounted and is compact and easy to fit in small spaces; though it is termed as the largest indoor model of Eccotemp tankless line. The 45HI-LP can fulfill the hot water requirements of a regular household with up to two bathrooms as it has a 6.8 GPM and 140,000 BTU per hour. It also can cater to small commercial units as it has a fully automated control system. Powered by liquid propane, the device is split system adaptable that can further enhance its efficiency and increase the speed of hot water delivery.

The following key features make it a perfect choice for standard homes:

PROS:

CONS:

The Navien NPE240S-NG runs on a field convertible gas system and is powered by natural gas. The application has extra condensing efficiency and is strengthened by dual stainless steel heat exchangers. It has low NOx emissions which are equal to or less than 20 ppm. The unit can be wall hung and comes with an installation kit that includes a wall bracket and the connecting fittings to connect it to your plumbing. The temperature range is from 98 140 degrees Fahrenheit and the flow rate is 11.1 gallons per minute. The product can quickly meet the hot water requirements of a standard household.

The following key features help understand how the product will fit in with the needs of your household:

PROS:

CONS:

The Rheem RTG-84XLN is a tankless water heater that is powered by natural gas. This model is for residential use only and ensures you do not run out of hot water. It is based on the new next generation burner technology and requires outdoor installation. It is easy to install in comparison to an indoor tankless heater and requires less space as no additional venting is necessary. The product efficiently caters to the requirements of a two bathroom household and is an energy efficient application that provides a continuous supply of hot water.

The following key features make it an ideal solution for you to heat your water at home:

PROS:

CONS:

Capable of catering to the hot water requirements of two bathrooms in colder climates the Takagi T-H3S-DV-N with gas inputs of 180,000 BTU is an ideal choice for standard homes. In warmer climates, it can even provide for the hot water needs of homes with three bathrooms. The tankless water heater runs on natural gas is designed for indoor use only and has computerized safety features. It has a temperature range of 100 140 degrees_celsius and a flow rate of 8 gallons per minute. The product is compact and can be installed in smaller spaces leading to space saving. It is easy to install and provides for on demand usage.

The product is equipped with the following features that make it an ideal choice for regularly using in homes to meet its hot water needs:

PROS:

CONS:

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Tankless water heaters are now used at every place such as homes or business because of the increasing demand for this product. Due to the availability of a variety of products in the market different factors are required while choosing the best tankless water heater. So one should have in-depth knowledge about some of the best tankless water heater brands available in the market.

There are an endless number of brands to choose from and each is slightly different from the other inaddition to the cost of the tankless water heater of different kinds and sorts. Some help in providing environment-friendly technology while others put their main focus on efficiency and power. So we should find a right brand matching our need.

Some of the points to be considered before buying a tankless water heater are-

Hot water usage has become much more convenient and energy efficient because of increasing need of people. Best tankless hot water heaters deliver more consistent temperatures by using less energy. Tankless heaters provide hot water all at once, and no preheating is required so they are very time-saving.

Benefits of Going Tankless-

With todays rising costs of energy and environmental awareness in mind, different brands in the market has met and exceeded the expectations of home and business owners for new water heating solutions. These products have gained great success by combining new technology and functionality in an innovative way to heat water. So finally they enhance our lifestyle, utilize technology and provide hot water at low costs. As these devices use energy to heat water so the basic fact about a good tankless water heater is no wastage of energy.

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1. How It Works: Tankless Water Heaters

2. Read more about tankless water heaters on Wikipedia.

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Homeowners looking for a remodeling project may be smart to tackle a kitchen renovationthat is, if theyre looking for projects with the strongest buyer appeal and high returns on their investment at resale.

Kitchen renovations and upgrades are among the top remodeling projects most likely to add value to a home at resale and most likely to appeal to home shoppers, according to the 2017 Remodeling Impact Report, conducted by the National Association of REALTORS. The report takes a look at the cost of the most common exterior and interior remodeling and replacement projects and gauges how much appeal they have to buyers at resale.

Fifty-four percent of REALTORS surveyed reported suggesting to sellers that they complete a kitchen upgrade before attempting to sell. Twenty-three percent of real estate pros also said a kitchen renovation helped to close a sale.

The Remodeling Impact Report estimates that homeowners stand to recover 57 percentor $20,000of the $35,000 or so of thecost to take on a kitchen upgrade. The kitchen upgrade might include adding new energy-efficient appliances, sink, faucet, and vinyl flooring; repainting the walls and ceiling; and refacing cabinets with cherry veneer and new hardware.

Kitchen upgrades dont just offer the potential for some bang for your buck at resale but also have been found to make homeowners more happy. Eighty-one percent of remodeling consumers surveyed said they had a greater desire to be at home since completing their kitchen upgrade project, and 81 percent felt a major sense of accomplishment after the renovation.

The following interior projects REALTORS ranked highest to lowest as remodeling projects that would appeal to home buyers (listed along with project estimate costs and the potential return on investment at resale):

1. Complete kitchen renovation

2. Kitchen upgrade

3. Bathroom renovation

4. New wood flooring

5. Add new bathroom

6. Hardwood flooring refinish

7. New master suite/owners suite

8. HVAC replacement

9. Basement conversion to living area

10. Closet renovation

11. Insulation upgrade

12. Attic conversion to living area

By REALTOR Magazine

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Our experts prefer crushed stone for the base rather than naturally occurring gravel dug from a pit. Crushed stone is a little more expensive. However, it provides better drainage, and because of the sharper angles on the stone, it requires less compacting, and once its compacted, it stays that way.

Joe and Jake have found that crushed stone sized between 1/2 in. and 3/4 in. is best suited to handle the heaving forces created by the harsh freeze/thaw cycles here in Minnesota. Avoid rounded stones like pea gravel or river rock; they dont form strong interlocking bonds like angular stone.

Leave the stone no more than 1/2 in. higher than you want the final height to be, and then make a couple passes with a hand tamper or plate compactor. Youll notice the stone is almost 100 percent compacted as soon as its laid in the trench. The same type of stone will be used for backfilling, which also eliminates the need for hauling in multiple materials.

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We offer quality installation services throughout the Twin Cities. Residents seeking carpet whether it is plush, frieze, berber, pattern, or loop or carpet installation services in Minneapolis / St. Paul will be pleasantly surprised by the vast array of residential and commercial options from Mohawk & Shaw that 651 Carpets carries.

Our selections span a multitude of colors and styles to meet any flooring decor needs, from traditional carpeting for commercial or home use to the most discerning of tastes, 651 can provide design, sales and installation expertise to assist you each step of the way.

When it comes to installing floors, applying the proper methods make all the difference. Some companies believe that they are taking shortcuts when it comes to installing carpet. What they are really doing, however, is practicing improper placement techniques that will leave you with hefty repair costs down the line.

What many carpeting experts do not realize is that different carpet requires different carpet installation methods. For example, pattern carpet cannot be treated the same as solid carpet. Solid carpet is more solid and therefore requires additional care.

You can trust the true Minneapolis / St. Paul experts at 651 Carpets to take extra precautions when working on your home or office. We take every safety measure and will make sure that your carpet is soft, secure and properly placed. We will get the job done right the first time and ensure that you do not need to spend unnecessary repair costs in the future.

You need a carpet installation specialist that will complete the job quickly, efficiently, and within your budget. A carpet installation project can end up becoming a huge headache if you do not choose an experienced professional who will perform the job exactly to your specifications. At 651 Carpets, we pride ourselves on providing stellar customer service on every project. Browse our catalog and find your perfect match. Then schedule a consultation so we can get started on your new carpet project, you will be floored by what we have to offer!

Our flooring specialists make sales and installation easy. Our professionals will always work within your schedule and time frame and meet with you at your home or business for your convenience.

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As a construction company specializing in environmentally friendly land clearing, Universal Land Clearings qualified team is dedicated to meeting your needs and surpassing your expectations. The Rusk, TX-based team is ready and able to effectively clear your land, whether one acre or a thousand.

Universal Land Clearing is dedicated land clearing without stacking, burying, burning or hauling. Our green methods used by our land clearing experts use the latest equipment to shred and grind trees and brush on site into mulch. The mulch can be turned back into the soil, left to compost or be used for erosion control. Though Universal Land Clearing is based in Rusk, Texas, Universal Land Clearing has been serving Texas, Louisiana and Oklahoma with professionalism you can rely on.

Universal Land Clearing handles all types of land clearing and fencing in an effective and environmentally friendly manner. Count on us for:

Universal Land Clearing specializes in clearing large amounts of property for power line and pipeline companies. No project is too big or small for our professionals. Give us a call today for an estimate for your next land clearing project.

Wherecan you find UniversalLand Clearing inTexas?

Jacksonville, TX | Nacogdoches, TX | Henderson, TX | San Angelo, TX | Midland-Odessa TX | Corpus Christi, TX, Three Rivers, TX | Carrizo Springs, TX | Victoria, TX | Palestine, TX | Crockett, TX | Flint, TX | Tyler, TX | White House, TX | Timpson, TX | Troup, TX | Laneville, TX | Douglass, TX | Bullard, TX

In need of land clearing, right-of-way clearing, mulching, or erosion control and dont see your area listed? Call us and well add your Texas area location to our service area, or point you in the direction of someone who can.

Where can you find Universal Land Clearing in Oklahoma?

Ardmore, OK | Elk City, OK | Chickashaw, OK

In need of land clearing, right-of-way clearing, mulching, or erosion control and dont see your area listed? Call us and well add yourOklahoma area location to our service area, or point you in the direction of someone who can.

Where can you find Universal Land Clearing in Louisiana?

Shreveport, LA | Mansfield, LA | Houma, LA | Baton Rouge, LA | Lafayette, LA

In need of land clearing, right-of-way clearing, mulching, or erosion control and dont see your area listed? Call us and well add yourLouisiana area location to our service area, or point you in the direction of someone who can.

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Keep It Dry

Check for any water issues in your basement before beginning the planning process. Obvious signs are pools of water or drips coming through the below-grade walls. Check outside to make sure the ground is graded away from your foundation. Also look for cracks in your foundation walls and repair that damage if necessary.

After you've taken care of any moisture problems and have come up with your plan, it's time to check with your local municipality to see if you'll be required to get any permits. This is particularly important if you're planning plumbing and electrical work, which may have to be inspected.

Basement walls and floors are generally some sort of masonry, cement, block or brick, and a regular 'ol nail or screw isn't going to cut it when attaching framing. You'll need to get the proper fastener and possibly anchors for your wall type. In some cases, you may need to rent a powder-actuated fastener, sometimes referred to as a shotgun fastener. These are similar to a shotgun in that they use a charge to fire a fastener into concrete.

Even after taking care of any moisture issues, your basement can become a damp place. You'll need to add a vapor barrier to both the walls and floors prior to framing and finishing off these surfaces. It's a good idea to lay down a vapor barrier for a day or two, then check underneath to see if and how much moisture may be coming through before continuing.

Despite all efforts, even with a vapor barrier, moisture can still be an issue. Create a slight offset from the outside wall by adding thin slats of wood or metal called furring strips. These strips can also be used to help level out a wall that may be wavy to create a flat surface for adding framing.

Insulation will not only help control the temperature inside your basement, it may also add another layer of moisture control, as well as help dampen sound from the outside. Choose an insulation that includes a vapor barrier on both sides. Other options include a spray foam insulation. Be sure to check code requirements for this type.

A drop, or suspended, ceiling offers a way to both conceal and provide access to electrical and plumbing lines via the removable tiles. You may have a preconceived notion that such a ceiling will look more like an office than a home, but there are plenty of attractive options available. These ceilings will reduce the amount of overhead space available, so keep that in mind when planning.

Recessed lighting in a basement is a good option, because they won't take up valuable overhead space that a light fixture would. Plus, it's easy to install with a drop ceiling.

Warm air rises, so it makes sense to install heating vents at floor level. Baseboard heating is a good option, but make sure it makes sense for your plan and is easy to tie into your existing HVAC system. For a finished space, you want to make sure you're not relying on space heaters, so plan carefully.

Keep the space housing an HVAC unit or units and water heaters clear, open, and unfinished. These spaces have specific code requirements for spacing and framing, plus you'll need access for inspection and/or repairs. You may be tempted to finish off this area, but keep it simple to avoid problems later.

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