Finishing Basements Frequently Asked Questions

Offering Home Remodeling Services in and around Hagerstown Maryland Since 2003.

What is the time frame for starting the project?

The time lapse between the design consultation and the start of basement refinishing varies according to each customer's needs and dealer's schedule. However, you can count on the ceiling, flooring and wall system will be done, with all necessary electrical, within two weeks. This time frame will only increase if a bathroom addition is planned or if our contractors cannot get into the home when scheduled.

Does Basement Refinishing Really Add Value a Home?

It sure does and there have been studies to back up that basement refinishing does increase the appreciation of a home. In fact, an average of 73.9% of the cost of a basement remodeling project is recovered when the property is sold, offering one of the biggest returns of investment among most common home remodeling projects (according to Remodeling Online's 2008/09 Cost vs. Value Report). Add to that the significant savings in heating and cooling costs, provided by adequate basement insulation, which according to the U.S. Department on Energy can be anywhere between $200 and $400 a year. Basement finishing by the Whittington Construction Group means you’re basement will be completely mold-resistant, which is an excellent selling point to say the least!

Despite the housing market ups and downs, according to the U.S. Census bureau, property values have been increasing steadily nearly doubling every 20 years, for the past 60 years. So any improvement made to an existing home will pay for itself in the long run.

Are your basement systems eco‑friendly?

Absolutely! Both basement systems are manufactured with recycled materials or recyclable materials, through processes that minimize energy consumption, ozone depletion, and harmful chemical emissions.

What about labor and material warranties?

Our Impressive Basement Systems carry a ten-year material warranty and a five year labor warranty as well as a Class‑A fire protection ceiling system that also comes with a ten‑year warranty. Our Alligator Basement Systems warrant the basement panels to be free from defects that make it unsuitable for its intended use for a LIFETIME to the original homeowners. Alligator also warrants all other components used in manufacturing basement panels to be free of defects for a LIFETIME to the original homeowner. 100% of the cost of material for warranty replacement will be assumed by Alligator Basements.

My basement is already waterproofed, why should I consider basement refinishing?

A dry basement is still surrounded by wet soil and is still susceptible to some levels of moisture that can seep in through the porous concrete floor and walls. Our basement systems are engineered to withstand all conditions of moisture while maintaining a completely mold free environment. Don't settle for drywall, fiberglass insulation and carpeting when you can have superior protection from moisture, mold and mildew. For a FREE basement finishing estimate using, contact Whittington Construction Group.

Do I need a permit to finish my basement?

As a qualified basement finisher and dealer, Whittington Construction Group is required to have knowledge and work in compliance with our respective local building and fire codes. We will inform you of all required permits and even oversee the process of obtaining them for you.

Do I need to hire another contractor to install plumbing, flooring or electrical?

No. The Whittington Construction Group are all the basement finishing contractors you'll need. We'll take charge of all the aspects of the project from windows and lighting to flooring and electrical and everything in between. This is another reason why we can guarantee your basement remodeling is complete within only two weeks.

What kind of disruption will occur in my home?

We pride ourselves on making each and every basement remodeling process as clean and neat as possible. But that isn't very difficult for us to achieve because our basement systems contain no drywall so there is virtually no dust. The prefabricated basement panels and products can be installed quickly and swiftly to finish your basement without disturbing household routine or neighborhood. No mess, no fuss...just a superior basement system within two weeks!

Why don't you refinish basements with fiberglass insulation?

Moisture problems in basements have lead experts to recommend against using fiberglass batt or blanket insulation in a basement. The old standard installation of fiberglass batt insulation between framed stud walls on the basement interior with a vapor barrier over the studs is no longer recommended because of excessive problems with mold, mildew, decay and rot. To maintain its effectiveness, fiberglass must not be exposed to high‑moisture conditions such as a damp basement. Moisture will negate the insulation value of fiberglass batts and promote mold and mildew which degrade indoor air quality. Installing a vapor barrier over the interior of the fiberglass will prevent the foundation walls from drying to the interior, a problem with mitigating capillary rise, groundwater leakage and construction moisture. Batts with no vapor barrier will not be effective either as interior humidity will still be a problem.

Why don't you refinish basements with drywall?

For years drywall has been used in basements because nothing else was available. Panelling alone is just a food source for insects and mold so something had to be used. But recent innovations in basement systems has produced specially made basement panels consisting of a combination of Magnesium Oxide Board with Polystyrene Foam. These panels are vastly superior to drywall systems because they are completely mold‑resistant. Even if your drywall finished basement appears to be mold free, you can't be sure that there is no mold growing behind the drywall, between the drywall and in the foundation of the basement. With our basement systems, you can be sure.

Even if a drywall finished basement was able to offer you all of the features and benefits of our basement systems, the drywall finished basement would actually cost more. Additionally, when someone decides to go with a drywall finished basement becuase they think that it costs less, they can count on spending more money in their basement at a later date ‑ due to damage from moisture. For a FREE basement finishing estimate using, contact Whittington Construction Group.

What is Expanded Polystyrene Foam ‑ EPS?

Expanded polystyrene (EPS) or breadboard, has been used as common household insulation since the 1950s. EPS is environmentally friendly as it is not manufactured using *CFCs or HCFCs‑ both ozone‑depleting chemicals. In addition to insulation, EPS is commonly used to make coffee cups and packing peanuts for shipping. EPS is closed‑cell foam made from polystyrene (a type of plastic) beads mixed with pentane and steam, used as a blowing agent, to expand the beads under pressure into foam, which forms thousands of tiny air pockets in the finished board. As air is a poor conductor of heat, these tiny air pockets will block the transfer of heat through the foam and trap expanding warm air. EPS is molded into large sheets with R‑values ranging from 3.8 to 7 per inch, depending on the density of the material.. In comparison, the EPS used in Alligator Panels is a CLOSED CELL insulation, Air within the system is permanently trapped, giving the EPS its rigidity and preventing any air or moisture leakage whatsoever.

What is Magnesium Oxide Board ‑ MgO?

Magnesium Oxide Board is a factory made sheathing board like plywood, drywall or cement board but with superior characteristics such as Water Proof, Fire Resistant, and resistance to mold and mildew.

When oxygen is combined with magnesium naturally under heat and pressure a stone‑like material is produced. This material is Magnesium Oxide or better known as MgO. MgO exists in gigantic deposits as raw “rock” and is mined like other minerals. This “rock” is then ground up into a powder and combined with water to form a cement like slurry. This slurry is poured onto casting trays and allowed to cure at ambient temperature forming magnesium oxide boards. A micro fiber reinforcement is added during curing and is separated from the surface finish coat.

Are your basement systems really mold‑resistant?

Yes! Our basement systems Do Not Feed Mold or Mildew. With a traditional basement system, your basement is a damp and moist environment. Wood studs in your basement are a food source for mold and drywall is made up of paper and cellulose ‑ organic materials that are also food sources for mold. Our basement systems are manufactured using EPS to create a CLOSED CELL insulation in which air within the system is permanently trapped, giving the EPS its rigidity and preventing any air or moisture leakage whatsoever. Magnesium Oxide Board is the sheathing board like plywood, drywall or cement board but with superior characteristics such as Water Proof, Fire Resistant, and resistance to mold and mildew. You just can’t get that kind of mold‑resistance from traditional basement systems. For a FREE basement finishing estimate using, contact Whittington Construction Group.

Do I have to paint my basement walls after they are refinished?

The short answer is NO. Whittington Construction Group offers two basement systems: the Alligator Basement systems can be painted any color you choose. During installation the Whittington Construction Group will paint your basement for you. If you choose Impressive Basements system, you’re panels will come from the manufacturer already painted in one of the 25 colors to choose from. And Impressive Basements panels will never need to be repainted making them virtually maintenance free!

What are egress windows and do you install them?

An egress window is a window that is large enough to allow a person to get out of the basement in case of an emergency. Egress windows are ideal for any kind of basement because they provide a second way out of the room. Most building codes require homeowners to install an egress window only if the basement or part of it will be used as a bedroom, others will demand an egress window if you plan to use your basement as additional living space, no matter what kind of room you are to build. The Whittington Construction Group is familiar with all the local code requirements and will suggest and install the best available egress windows if needed.

Another benefit to of installing an egress window in a basement is that it dramatically brightens an otherwise dark room.

What is the EPA Indoor airPlus Program and can it be applied to an existing home?

The EPA has created the “Indoor airPlus” program to address indoor air quality issues, as well as other requirements for a healthy home. Unfortunately, this program doesn't apply to the over 130 million existing homes in the United States. However, the good news is…the new guidance on how to build a healthy home, can be applied to existing homes as well. Click to learn more about the Indoor airPlus program!