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Expert Contribution

Basement Remodel But…What Is That Smell?

Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors, October 2022

When a home changes ownership from the multi-decade original owner to a new, young family with a small child, the time comes to rehab for another generation. Phase I started on the exterior, even before waterproofing the basement den/laundry room. Work done by the previous owner prior to selling the home, such as plumbing and roofing, was not adequate. And what was that smell? The adjacent crawl space consisted of a dirt floor, with miscellaneous trash scattered about. Clean-out with a proper vapor barrier helped significantly, but the smell remained.

Upgrading the gutters and lawn grading kept the water away from the foundation walls. Two water tight/thermal basement windows with screen vents were added to let fresh air circulate, making an immediate improvement. Even with these comprehensive steps, letting their one year old to play on the tile/carpet floor while they were doing laundry still didn’t seem advisable…and that smell.

Phase II was to move on with a new ’empty space’ at the lower level. Demolition of the walls, insulation, flooring and ceiling was long overdue after 45+ years. Surprisingly, the basement walls, unlike the raw stone crawl space walls, were in very good condition. So where was that nasty smell emanating from? 

The drop ceiling was demolished in the den area and no issues were found. However when the paneled ceiling was removed, acorns came pouring down, revealing a squirrel’s “nut stash” for winter. Without a complete demo and clean out, as well as a thorough cleaning of the floor into the new French drain and sump pump, this odor wouldn’t have been discovered and would have prevented a successful basement remodel.

Getting the enthusiastic owners involved and emphasizing the importance of routine exterior maintenance helped in giving the homeowners confidence to get full use out of all three stories of their stone colonial. A multi-section, open space offered them a healthy, well lit area with multiple functions, the best of which was a safe play area for the baby. Happy family, plenty of smiles and equity growth too – accomplished!


About The Author

Waterproofing & Weatherization
David Linn Cook & Joe Soster
Waterproofing One
610-325-0596

As a longtime Marple Newtown resident, David Linn Cook, a working partner of Waterproofing One, is well-known among Marple and Newtown Township residents as the local expert for all matters related to basement waterproofing and home weatherproofing. Owner Joe Soster’s dedication to quality service is obvious when you consider that more than half of their ongoing business comes from client referrals. Dave and Joe’s expertise is legendary across the entire tri-state region, where for over 30 years, their company has been fixing weather-related water leakage and weatherproofing problems in homes and businesses throughout the Greater Philadelphia area, Delaware and Chester Counties, as well as Delaware and New Jersey. Respected for free expert advice and free estimates, their clients witness unparalleled expertise and ability to craft economical remedies that come with a lifetime guarantee.  For personal service and discounts offered to Senior Citizens and Veterans, there are no better home weatherization experts than David Linn Cook and Joe Soster of Waterproofing One.

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