Transforming a Leaky Basement Into a Family Room & Home Cinema — A Full-Service FreshGuard Project
Earlier this year, FreshGuard was contacted by a customer who had just purchased a new home — but had not yet moved in. The home included a large basement of over 60 m². The customer had big plans for the space: turning it into a family room and home cinema where the whole family could relax and enjoy quality time.
There was just one major problem: the basement was leaking in its current state and would not have been safe or usable without proper restoration. Before any design work or furnishings could be considered, the underlying moisture problems needed to be addressed — properly and permanently.
Every Basement — and Every Customer Plan — Is Unique
As with all FreshGuard projects, the first step was to listen carefully to the customer’s goals:
- How do they want to use the space?
- What is the long-term vision?
- What level of protection and finish is needed to support that vision?
In this case, because the plan was to create a family living space with electronics and furnishings (not just storage), it was critical to deliver a high level of water- and moisture-proofing, along with proper ventilation and preparation for interior finishing.
How We Approached This Basement Project
This project was a great example of how FreshGuard can provide a complete, integrated solution: from structural protection to finishing prep — all under one roof.
Here’s how we approached it:
Step 1: Full Surface Preparation
1. Removed all old plaster from walls to allow the original masonry to breathe
2. Removed skirting boards and other finishes to expose all structural surfaces
3. Identified and repaired areas of damaged cement or previous patchwork
Step 2: Structural Waterproofing
- Applied repair cement to restore structural integrity and provide a solid base
- Installed a full layer of cement-based watertight coating on the walls to stop both rising damp and lateral moisture
- Treated and sealed the floor with a waterproof mortar layer, fully integrating it with the wall treatments to create a sealed envelope
Step 3: Ventilation Installation
Good ventilation is critical in any basement — especially when it will be used as a living space. We installed a new ventilation system as part of the project, ensuring that future moisture is properly managed and the air stays fresh and healthy.
Step 4: Finishing Prep
FreshGuard’s own team also took care of plaster work:
- Applied a fresh plaster layer to the treated walls, preparing them perfectly for painting once cured and fully dried
A Complete Project, Delivered in Just Three Days
In total, the project took three full days to complete — coordinated by FreshGuard from start to finish:
- Structural preparation
- Waterproofing
- Ventilation installation
- Finishing prep
The customer was thrilled to have the project fully completed before moving into the new home — with the basement now ready to be transformed into the cozy, safe, and functional family room they had envisioned.
Why Full-Service Matters
This project is a great example of why FreshGuard offers more than just mold removal or isolated repairs. By providing complete basement solutions — including structural work, ventilation, and finishing prep — we ensure that:
- The root causes of problems are addressed
- The space is protected for long-term use
- The customer can proceed with their plans confidently — knowing the space is truly ready
If you’re considering transforming your basement — whether for storage, living space, or anything in between — FreshGuard can help.
Contact us for an expert assessment and a complete, honest solution — tailored to your space and your goals.
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