I am trying to figure out how to make the basement a livable space. The partial earth covering 4-7 feet of the front and side of the foundation needs to be excavated and moisture proofed before backfilling. Instead would in be a reasonable proposition to remove the soil and add four windows across the bottom of the house for a two-story look? There are homes in Longwood Acres that were built with windows and very little earth against the home..

RM

Basement space is GREAT space to recapture for finished living area! Some of these conversions are quite simple, while others do indeed become more

I just had to show y’all this recently-completed project in Manakin-Sabot. It is a 1400 SF master suite addition - the second major remodel designed and built by HomeMasons at this property.

The first, a den extension with a sunroom, screened porch and exterior improvements, won a “Best of the South” Award in 2004. The Homeowner declares these new enhancements to be “HomeMasons’ best work ever”.

 

The addition echos the earlier improvements, completing a rear pergola with a similar colonnaded, sun-filled gallery. Other traditional design elements include a standing seam metal roof, oversized

Mason:

I’m a friend and neighbor of Jim and Marguerite Bruce and, having seen their home being built in the late 70’s - knowing it could be so much more than it was - love what you did for “the old Groseclose place”! I have a question - can you recommend someone experienced in cleaning and sealing an interior brick floor? My living room, approx. 16 x 40', is brick over concrete on grade. Installed in 1981, it was sealed with polyurethane. Most of that has deteriorated and peeled up over the years, except an area that was under a rug which still looks pretty good. I now want to remove the rug

hello,

I have Dryvit entry stairway on my house. They are cracking and peeling along the base and I would like to get it repaired. Can it be patched or is it a total redo? Any recommendations for a small repair?

Thanks,

kerry kelley

Kerry,

Dryvit is a brand name for EIFS (Exterior Finish and Insulation System), intended for use on vertical wall cladding. We’ve seen it used in other applications – some not so successfully. Due to the system’s limitations and potential problems if incorrectly applied, one must use extreme care and engage a professional applicator for all installations and repairs.