We are looking at buying a restored/updated Victorian home and the only thing that needs to be done to it is that the basement rec room needs flooring and a ceiling covering of some sort (it is already drywalled on the walls). We're thinking about cork as a flooring option and wonder if you have any experience with it.
More importantly, we're trying to get a sense of what the best option for the ceiling is (there are pipes and wires up there that we may need access to so we assume a suspended ceiling is the way to go).
Answer:
There is nothing wrong with cork flooring as long as it is installed according to instructions that come with it. The ceiling on the other hand, forces you to become a bit more creative because of obstructions and hieght. About the best I've done in situations like this is to pull plastic bags over electrical recepticles and plumbing valves. Now you can clean off everything with a strong vacuum cleaner and stiff floor brush before spraying a primer paint and then a finishing coat of whatever paint you might want on it. You lose no height, the room is brighter and you still have access to all the recepticles and valves - once you remove the plastic bags.
In the interests of retaining credibility and in fairness to all, I cannot recommend prices, people nor companies for various projects. Courtesy of Ren Molnar, Construction Consultant at HomeFocus.com. I can also be reached at (613) 748-3003 and Home Focus – The Radio Show is broadcast live 8 to 10 A.M. (Ottawa, Ont. time) on Saturdays on www.cfra.com.
Remember, even if you don’t do your own work around the house have to hire someone, you put yourself at a great advantage when you can intelligently discuss a project with the various trades people.
"Ren’s Ren-O-Vations Tips" is a monthly journal that talks everything to do with HOME OWNERSHIP & MAINTANENCE.
It is sent out in time to have it in your mailbox or on your computer by the 20th of the month – every month.
To order, simply send a cheque or money order to: Ren, P.O. Box 9411, Ottawa, Ontario, K1G 3V1
E-mail – 12 issues (1 yr.) $17.95. Regular mail – 12 issues (1 yr.) $33.95. (subject to change without notice) Credit card companies take a cut from payments so we are not credit card friendly - can't justify it. Ren’s Ren-O-Vations Tips makes the perfect gift any time for almost everyone: Be My Valentine, Easter, Christmas, Mothers’ Day, Fathers' Day, Birthday, Wedding, Congratulations New Home Owner(s), Thinking Of you, Good neighbour Ren
