Below Grade Life

Honest, practical advice on basement finishing and below-grade living from a veteran Indianapolis contractor.
35 chronicles

Waterproofing & Drainage

Essential guidance on keeping your basement dry — foundation cracks, dimple board, weeping tile, sump pumps, vapor barriers, and drainage systems that actually work long-term.

01
Dricore Subfloor Installation: A Contractor's Step-by-Step GuideDricore subfloor installation step-by-step from a contractor: tools, prep, mistakes, and exact costs...
Waterproofing & DrainageBen Harlow Aug 13, 2026
02
How to Lay Insulation in Ceiling (The Right Way, From a Basement Contractor)How to lay insulation in ceiling joists correctly: cut noise, stop heat loss, and avoid moisture tro...
Waterproofing & DrainageBen Harlow Aug 12, 2026
03
Spray Foam Insulation Basement Ceiling: What I’d Actually Do (and Skip)Spray foam insulation basement ceiling: should you spray the joist bays or skip it? A contractor's h...
Waterproofing & DrainageBen Harlow Aug 11, 2026
04
Mold Resistant Paint for Basement Walls: What Actually Works (and What Doesn't)Learn how mold resistant paint for basement walls can stop mold growth, what it can't do, and the pr...
Waterproofing & DrainageBen Harlow Aug 10, 2026
05
Bathtub Rough In Framing: How to Build a Tub Alcove That Will Actually LastLearn bathtub rough in framing step by step: stud spacing, tub support, valve blocking, and the erro...
Waterproofing & DrainageBen Harlow Aug 09, 2026
06
Where to Buy Vinyl Faced Insulation (Without Getting Ripped Off)Need to know where to buy vinyl faced insulation for your basement? We cover the best big box stores...
Waterproofing & DrainageBen Harlow Aug 08, 2026
07
Fiberglass Batt Insulation for Metal Buildings: A Contractor's GuideNeed fiberglass batt insulation for metal buildings? This guide covers the right R-value, vapor barr...
Waterproofing & DrainageBen Harlow Aug 07, 2026
08
Foam or Fiberglass Insulation: What I'd Actually Put in a BasementFoam or fiberglass insulation: which is better for basement walls? Compare R-value, moisture resista...
Waterproofing & DrainageBen Harlow Aug 06, 2026
09
Blueboard Insulation: The Right Way to Insulate a Basement WallBlueboard insulation: a guide to insulating basement walls with rigid foam — R-values, vapor barrier...
Waterproofing & DrainageBen Harlow Aug 04, 2026
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