Do you like your basement?
Do you really use your basement?
Do you think it is time for a basement makeover?

If there is smell of mildew in the air you may have a moisture problem. This could be caused by incorrect grading and drainage around the home. Remember the water should always drain away from the house. If see if you have a problem, examine the soil around your foundation. Does water accumulate? Then you should check with a profession for advice.

To check your gutters. Clogged, warped, broken, gapped, ineffective or missing gutters will send rainwater to your foundation.

Examine the land around your downspouts. Even if your gutters work properly, they may drain water into areas that can't absorb or remove it. In mild cases, moving your downspouts may go a long way toward fixing your mildew problem.

Use a dehumidifier in your basement. It may seem elementary, but many people never try it. Mildew is caused by excess moisture. And a dehumidifier removes the moisture.

When you water the yard regularly, make sure not to get too close to the house. When soil dries out, it pulls from the foundation, allowing water to get in.

If you have cracks in te foundation walls, you need to get professional help. You could have a qualified civil or structural engineer determine your problem. They are familiar with residential foundation problems and grade and drainage issues. They might even be able to tell you of a reputable company or expert how could help fix your problem.

Maybe all the basement needs is a paint job on the exposed foundation walls and the floor, with a foundation paint that is designed to seal water out. Not only will this paint job help with any mildew issue, it will give the basement a new bright look.

Then your ready to see what else your basement might need to turn it in to a family area, or work shop, or a clean storage area, there a lots of ideas.