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Basement & Foundations: Featured Article

exterior of fully remodeled farmhouse

360-Degree Farmhouse Makeover

A four-sided face-lift—using sustainable materials where possible—improves a farmhouse's curb appeal from every angle… more

Basement & Foundations: Step-by-Steps

Q&A


Q: We're planning to convert part of our basement into a recreation area. Can we trowel drywall joint compound over the concrete-block walls to smooth out the surface, then just paint it? It sure would save time and money.

—Rita Roberts, Vallonia, IN

Tips


There's a national hotline to call before beginning any excavations. Dial 811, and a utility crew shows up to map out pipelines, wires, and other underground infrastructure free of charge—meaning you won't have to worry about a charge of the electrical kind when you start to shovel.

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