Basement finishing services in CT

United Way Honors Connecticut Basement Systems.

Wed, May 2 2012, 00:00:00 -500

Seymour, CT. Connecticut Basement Systems is the recipient of three United Way Community Campaign Awards for 2011-2012. The presentations took place at the 44th Annual Meeting and Awards Dinner of Valley United Way on April 26th at the Grassy Hill Lodge in Derby, CT.

The awards were:

Larry Janesky, founder and owner of Basement Systems Inc., received the prestigious CVC Corporate Citizen of the Year Award given for Outstanding Leadership in Community Support.

The 2011-2012 Campaign Underwriter Award was given to Connecticut Basement Systems for Outstanding Community Support.

In the Employee Participation category, Basement Systems Inc. received the Silver Award for Outstanding Community Support.

Basement Systems is proud to work with United Way in their community efforts. In the past they have supported the Valley United Way by sponsoring Toys for Tots events, and each year helping with a major fundraising campaign to support local community groups.

The mission of Valley United Way is to improve lives by mobilizing the community to participate in philanthropy, volunteerism, and collaboration. They serve the lower Naugatuck Valley towns of Ansonia, Derby, Oxford, Seymour, and Shelton.

Connecticut Basement Systems provides homeowners with dependable, high quality services for basement waterproofing, crawl space encapsulation and foundation repair Fairfield, CT. In business since 1987, they are well-known and respected for their integrity and customer satisfaction. They are the flagship dealer of the Basement Systems network of more than 300 basement waterproofing and crawl space contractors throughout the United States and beyond. Located in Seymour, Connecticut Basement Systems serves Connecticut, Westchester County NY, and southwestern Massachusetts.

Larry Janesky is Connecticut SBA's Person of the Year

Tue, March 20 2012, 00:00:00 -500

Seymour, CT - Larry Janesky, founder and president of Basement Systems, Inc., has been named the 2012 Connecticut Small Business Person of the Year by the U. S. Small Business Administration. With 24 years of hands-on business experience, Janesky is recognized as an authority on business start-up and growth, an acclaimed speaker and innovative leader, an inventor with 27 patents, and the successful author of five books.

Janesky has been selected for this prestigious honor for “his outstanding work toward his customer base” said Bernard Sweeney, Connecticut SBA District Director. Mr. Sweeney went on to say that the company’s basement repair and finishing services offer “an alternative for young families, the option of expanding their home without moving.”

Early in his career, Janesky saw the need for basement waterproofing when one of the houses he built developed a cracked foundation wall that was leaking water into the basement. From this single observation and determination to find a solution, Janesky has grown his basement waterproofing and repair company into an award-winning, successful enterprise with 345 dealers and franchises in six countries.

Today, Basement Systems, Inc. has grown to include sister companies founded or co-founded by Larry Janesky. Connecticut Basement Systems Inc., CleanSpace, Total Basement Finishing Inc., Relia-Serve Corporation, Foundation Supportworks Inc., and Dr. EnergySaver LLC, are all located at the company’s corporate campus in Seymour CT, encompassing 210,000 square feet of office space and training facilities.

While building a successful organization using his intuition, technology, and hard work, Janesky has designed a fun place to work and to innovate. His business model, a philosophy actually, focuses on outstanding customer service, well-trained employees, and the development of businesses and their owners.

In addition to securing patents for dozens of innovative products, Basement Systems, Inc. has earned numerous awards for customer service and integrity including being a finalist for the Better Business Bureau’s National Torch Award for Marketplace Ethics and a three-time recipient of the same award from Connecticut’s BBB.

Janesky will represent Connecticut during National Small Business Week in May when all state and territory winners gather in Washington D. C. where the national SBA award recipient will be announced.

Connecticut Basement Systems specializes in basement waterproofing in CT. Visit them online for a free basement waterproofing estimate in Greenwich, Stamford, Darien, Danbury, Fairfield, Norwalk, and other surrounding areas.

Four Forces That Kill Sump Pump Systems

Wed, March 14 2012, 00:00:00 -500

What Leads To The End Of A Healthy Sump Pump System

1. Failing Sump Pump Float Switches

Many sump pump systems are activated by a floating part known as a float switch. As the water rises in the sump pump, the switch floats upwards. When it reaches a certain height, it automatically turns your system on. As the water level in the sump pit drops, the switch falls with it, and the system turns off.

One of the most notorious causes of sump pump failure is when this float switch is trapped in either the on or off position. This happens as the vibrations of the sump pump cause the unit to wander in the sump pit. As the pump reaches the edge of the pit, the switch can become stuck against the liner and will no longer automatically turn on or off.

If left in the on position, the system will run nonstop until it eventually burns out. If left in the off position, the system is disabled. If you don't have a battery backup in place, you'll most likely discover this problem the next time your basement floods.

2. Improperly Sized Sump Pits

A sump pit can be neither too small nor too large. If the pit is too small, then the sump pump will empty the pit quickly and shut off. More water will quickly fill the pit, and the cycle will repeat. This constant on/off cycle wears your system out and increases the likelihood of its overheating and breaking down.

A sump pit that's too large will also likely be too deep – and therein lies the problem. If your sump pit reaches deep below the floor, then it's gathering much more water than it needs to – and it's forcing your pump to work longer and harder to pump it out. This will unnecessarily shorten the life of your system, increase the likelihood of overheating, and cost you extra on your electric bill.

3. The “Mud Zone”

There are two places where a drainage system can be installed: on top of the foundation footing, or in the mud in front of the footing – known as the mud zone.

When a drain system is installed in the mud, it clogs. Even in cases where drainage stone is installed around the drain, the mud will eventually work its way through and cause a clog. When this happens, your system will be unable to direct water to your sump pump, and a flood will occur.

Typical PVC pipe is too large to be installed properly on ton of the footing without sticking out above the floor. Instead, it's important to use a drain system that's been shaped specifically for basement waterproofing. This system can rest directly on top of the footing, but is narrow enough to be covered with concrete as the floor is restored.

4. Iron Bacteria

One uncommon – but notorious – cause of sump pump system failure can be credited to iron bacteria in your water. This microscopic organism will feed on the iron and/or manganese present in your water. As they do, they create a thick, rust-colored slime deposit.

This is a terrible problem! This thick slime will completely clog a perimeter drain, and will permanently stain nearly anything it touches. The slime can have a foul, musty odor, and can ruin clothes and foul the taste of water.

Unfortunately, there is no ideal way to handle this problem. However, many contractors now offer a basement drain system that's custom-designed to handle this – complete with a removable lid (so the ochre can be scooped out as it builds up) and a powerful sump pump system that will continue to pump water out unabated.

No matter what challenge your wet basement holds, Larry Janesky's Connecticut Basement Systems has a solution that will work for you! Their experts serve throughout the state, as well as providing basement waterproofing in Yonkers, NY, and many other parts of Westchester County, NY. Our specialists are standing by to help you transform your basement into a space that's dry – all the time!

The Benefits Of Hiring A Professional Basement Waterproofer

Wed, March 14 2012, 00:00:00 -500

Why Hire A Waterproofing Contractor To Fix Your Wet Basement?

1. Regain A Floor Of Space In Your Home

Whether you're using your basement as storage or are planning on finishing it into additional living space, waterproofing the space will help you reclaim a substantial amount of usable space.

If a basement is worth having, then it's certainly worth it to make the space into a usable area. Basement flooding can lead to a series of expensive problems over the years, as appliances, utilities, and everything in the area is gradually destroyed by flooding water.

Conversely, a complete waterproofing system can be installed in a single day. When it's provided complete with a battery backup system, your space becomes reliably dry and ready for storage. The installation crew can do all the work, remove all the debris, and provide you an annual service plan – so you know your system is maintained in working order.

2. Create A Healthier Living Space

Moisture means humidity, and humidity means mold. As mold grows on everything in the space, it will damage personal property and create an ugly space.

More importantly, this mold will release allergenic and potentially toxic spores into the air, which will then be carried upstairs via the natural air movement in the building (commonly referred to as the “stack effect”). All mold spores are allergenic – even dead spores – and can hang in the air for days.

In extreme cases, thousands of mold spores may be present in a single cubic centimeter of air. A human breathes in 10-12 cubic meters of air each day, and it only takes 2-3 mold spores to cause an allergic reaction.

What is the likelihood of a resident having a mold allergy? Approximately 50% of homes have at least one resident with allergies – and 90% of individuals with allergies show mold spore sensitivity.

They key to eliminating mold is to dry the space out – mold needs relative humidity levels of 60% or higher to thrive. Waterproofing, sealing, and dehumidifying the space is a surefire way to address a mold issue and keep it under control in the future.

3. Restore Value To Your Home

Nobody wants a wet basement! And while you're stuck with your basement, home buyers have a choice. To entice them to consider the purchase, a homeowner will generally have to discount the home by 10% of its value or more.

In less common cases, a realtor may arrange a waterproofer to visit the home and write a proposal for the work to be done. In this case, the seller will often either agree to discount the home by the value of the waterproofing system, or will offer to waterproof the home before selling it to them. This is a great compromise all around.

However, if this is your plan, why not just waterproof the space now, and enjoy the benefits of a waterproofing system in the months, years, or decades before you sell your home? Many waterproofers offer a written warranty that can be transferred to the next homeowner at the time of sale – so you'd still have that selling edge.

When you're ready to look into a professional waterproofing job, be sure to consider Larry Janesky's Connecticut Basement Systems. Their experts serve throughout the state, as well as providing basement waterproofing in Westchester county, NY. We're standing by to help you transform your basement into dry, usable, valuable space!

Why Basement Remodeling in Greenwich, CT is a Great Idea

Wed, March 14 2012, 00:00:00 -500

Is your Greenwich, CT basement damp, musty, moldy, and currently unused? Is your family expanding, making the need for an extra room more and more pressing? Are you looking to improve your home's resale value? Would you like to make your home more eco-friendly, and, in doing so, lower your annual energy expenses?

If you answered yes to any of the questions above, then basement remodeling in Greenwich, CT, and surrounding areas, may be the perfect solution for you!

Top Reasons for Basement Remodeling

There are many reasons to remodel one's basement. Continue reading to discover four of the most popular!

1) To create a healthier home. A basement is often the most unused and neglected room in a home. As a result, basements can be unhealthy spaces that are home to mold, mildew, dust mites, and pests. If your basement has a damp, musty smell, it's important to utilize effective basement waterproofing systems, such as an energy-efficient dehumidifier, waterproof flooring and walls, sump pump with battery backup, and a perimeter drainage system. These basement waterproofing systems will not only help protect your home from leaks, floods, and water damage, they will also make your home a healthier living space by eliminating mold and mildew growth.

2) To increase usable square footage. Do you need more room in your home? Rather than pay tens of thousands of dollars for an exterior home expansion, choose basement remodeling! A basement remodel will increase the usable square footage in your home, without decreasing the size of your outdoor space or backyard. What's more, a remodeled basement will provide a clean, quiet space for virtually any use! (Continue reading to learn about popular basement remodeling ideas in Greenwich.)

3) To increase your home's resale value. Very few home remodeling tasks can increase a home's resale value more than a basement remodel. Why? Because no one wants to purchase a home with a wet, moldy, and unhealthy basement. So if you're looking to sell your home in the near future, basement remodeling in Greenwich, CT can result in an excellent return on investment!

4) To save money on energy bills. Basement remodeling in Greenwich, CT isn't just about making a more comfortable and usable living space. It's also about helping the environment! For example, installing basement insulation with a high R-value (i.e. resistance to heat flow) as well as replacement, eco-friendly windows can help you to use less electricity and/or natural gas, reduce your annual energy expenses, and decrease your overall carbon footprint. These eco-friendly basement remodeling ideas will also increase your home's resale value.

Popular Basement Remodeling Ideas

Need help deciding how to remodel your Greenwich basement? A certified basement remodeling contractor in Greenwich can help. Whether you'd like to transform your current basement into a colorful children's playroom, private home office, extra bedroom, home theater, sports bar, personal gym, game room, or soundproof music studio, your dream basement can now become a reality.

Total Basement Finishing of CT specializes in basement remodeling in Greenwich, CT and other surrounding areas. Visit them online for a free basement remodeling estimate.

Connecticut Basement Systems Hosts Basement Waterproofing Radio Contest

Tue, February 14 2012, 00:00:00 -500

Seymour, CT- Connecticut Basement Systems is hosting a radio spot contest looking for “Connecticut’s wettest basement.” The winner will get a $7500 basement waterproofing package from Connecticut Basement Systems.

Connecticut Basement Systems has been keeping basements dry in Connecticut for over 20 years. They are the largest basement waterproofing company in Connecticut and have served over 20,000 Connecticut residents.

For this contest homeowners will submit up to two pictures of their wet basement to WICC 600 or WEBE 108. After all of the submissions are received, the radio station will select 10 finalists and post them online. Then, everyone can vote on the finalist with “Connecticut’s wettest basement” online.

Connecticut Basement Systems specializes in basement waterproofing in Stamford, CT and other surrounding areas. Visit them online for a free basement waterproofing estimate in Connecticut.

If you are a homeowner that believes you have “Connecticut’s wettest basement” you can submit your images to WICC 600 or WEBE 108 for a chance to win!

Basement Systems Featured on Connecticut Style

Thu, January 19 2012, 00:00:00 -500

Larry Janesky's Connecticut Basement Systems reinvented the basement waterproofing industry by patenting numerous innovations and installing them in thousands of homes in Connecticut and Westchester County. Over the years basement finishing, crawl space sealing, foundation repair and home energy retrofits were added to the Team Basement Systems family of services.

Headquartered in Seymour, Connecticut, today they are the industry leader in each of these divisions throughout North America and in the UK. Next year they will be celebrating their 25th year in business.

Basement Systems Marketing Director Dan Fitzgerald spoke with WTNH show "Connecticut Style" on Wednesday, January 18, about the science behind basement waterproofing.

Connecticut Basement Systems specializes in basement waterproofing and basement remodeling in Shelton, CT and other surrounding areas.

Watch the interview below:

Waterproofing your basement: wtnh.com

Basement Systems Donates 30 Turkeys to Bridgeport Rescue Mission

Mon, November 21 2011, 00:00:00 -500

This is the time of year where everyone pauses to give thanks for the year's good fortune. Over this long weekend we will have time to spend with our family and friends and enjoy a good meal, but we must not forget those who are less fortunate.

At Connecticut Basement Systems, owner Larry Janesky has an annual tradition of giving a turkey to every employee as a way to start the Thanksgiving season. Every year we order a few extra turkeys to be able to share with local food banks and shelters to help the needy in our area. This year we were made aware that the Bridgeport Rescue Mission, a local mission to help those down on their luck, was substantially low on turkeys to help families in need. Many employees donated their holiday turkeys to share with others.

In total, Basement Systems donated over 30 turkeys! Connecticut employees put thankful hearts into action and helped make this Thanksgiving memorable for over 30 families in our area.

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone!

Larry Janesky Makes the Cover of the CT Post

Tue, November 15 2011, 00:00:00 -500

Basement Systems Founder and President Larry Janesky is no stranger to the media. He and his company, which specializes in basement waterproofing in CT, have been featured in newspapers, magazines, on television and on the radio. Recently, Janesky was featured on the front page of the November 13, Sunday edition of the Connecticut Post.

The article profiled Janesky's life from his start as a carpenter building houses to the multi-million-dollar basement waterproofing network he now maintains. Friends and family members were interviewed for the story to further delve into the life of one of Connecticut's most successful businessmen.

The story also offers a few nuggets of wisdom from the entrepreneur.

"You have to always do the right thing," Larry is quoted as saying in the article. "Ethics doesn't cost – it pays." Click here to read the full article from the CT Post.

POWER OUTAGE - Monday Oct. 31

Mon, October 31 2011, 00:00:00 -500

Connecticut Basement Systems is experiencing a power outage today, Monday, October 31 due to the winter storm. Use the email contact form to contact us.

Thanks from the Team from Connecticut Basement Systems.

Basement Systems Sponsors 10 Bangladesh Children

Fri, October 28 2011, 00:00:00 -500

Basement Systems is making an impact on many young lives living in poverty in Bangladesh. Larry Janesky, owner of Basement Systems, is sponsoring 10 children in Bangladesh through the Shapla Foundation.

The Shapla Foundation is the world's first transparent child sponsorship program where you can see exactly how your money is being spent on a sponsored child. You can actually click on a child's profile on the website and view a detailed spending report.

Each month the foundation collects money from donors, and then an assigned caretaker in Bangladesh uses it to buy food, clothing, school supplies, medicine, and other products the children need.

The foundation was launched in April by Evan Islam, who was born in Bangladesh and is the webmaster at Basement Systems. In total there are 21 children being sponsored so far, but Janesky is currently the biggest donor.

"This is BIG as he is making a direct impact on 10 lives," Islam said.

To learn more about the Shapla Foundation, or to sponsor a child, visit www.shaplafoundation.org.

Pink Day Comes to Basement Systems!

Wed, October 19 2011, 00:00:00 -500

It may be gray and rainy outside, but the colors are bright and cheerful inside Basement Systems headquarters today, the premiere experts for basement waterproofing in Connecticut.

The whole staff at Basement Systems donned pink shirts today to raise awareness of breast cancer. The town of Seymour, CT, celebrated "Seymour Pink Day" today, October 19. Seymour Pink was established to fundraise for breast cancer research, provide education, and to empower and assist breast cancer victims and their families.

Connecticut has a higher rate of people diagnosed with breast cancer than the national average, and Seymour's breast cancer incidence is higher than the state's average.

Larry Janesky, owner and founder of Basement Systems, ordered pink t-shirts for all of his employees to wear as well as pink balloons, which employees displayed around the office. Every department was "thinking pink" today! The production department even installed basement waterproofing systems today while wearing their pink shirts.

Larry Janesky Featured on Dream Room Makeover

Wed, October 12 2011, 00:00:00 -500

When the Fox 61 show "Dream Room Makeover" sent out a call for the worst living room in Connecticut, no one could have expected an almost completely bare space in South Windsor with just one broken chair and some old pink drapes. The show immediately enlisted the help of local contractors to change the appearance of the drab and empty room, but Larry Janesky's Seymour-based Connecticut Basement Systems and Dr. Energy Saver companies stepped in to save the room in a way that wasn't immediately visible. And, the work his crews performed benefitted the entire house!

The television show, hosted by Mar Jennings, takes a dull and lifeless-looking room and redesigns it to make it stylish and different. The contest winner's barren living room had nothing in it but a lamp, a chair, and old drapes and flooring from before he purchased the house. He was at a loss when it came to redecorating, so he contacted the show for help. A number of local companies pitched in to help by donating labor and materials.

Janesky and his team installed blown insulation into the contest winner's attic. Blow-in insulation is installed faster and more uniformly then other types of insulation. Blown insulation also has an R-value of about 3.4 per inch. It comes in dense blocks that are wrapped in plastic. To install the material, each block is cut in half and pushed into a combination shredder/blower machine that feeds a long, flexible installation hose.

Adding extra insulation to an attic is a surefire way to help keep a home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. Many times, the minimum amount of insulation required in a house is not nearly enough to keep the house comfortable. Energy experts can add more insulation and also seal any air leaks to prevent outside air from getting inside.

"What we want to do is keep more of the air we pay to heat and cool in the house longer by air sealing the attic," Janesky said. "You can expect lower fuel and electric bills and a more comfortable home."

To see this episode of Dream Room Makeover, visit http://www.ctnow.com/entertainment/contests/dream-room-makeover-contest.

Connecticut Basement Systems Sponsors Golf Tournament Fund Raiser

Mon, September 26 2011, 00:00:00 -500

Seymour, CT – On September 10th Connecticut Basement Systems, a local waterproofing contractor, sponsored a golf hole at the Loyal Order of the Moose Golf Tournament to allow underprivileged kids a vacation to New England.

The Loyal Order of the Moose is a service organization that works hand in hand with Mooseheart Child City & School. The Mooseheart Child City & School is a 1000 acre community located 40 miles west of Chicago for children and teens in need. The 10 boys going on vacation to New England from the Mooseheart Child City come from troubled families.

Connecticut Basement Systems has been serving the residents of Connecticut and Westchester County, NY for over 20 years. They specialize in basement waterproofing, crawl space repair, basement finishing and foundation underpinning repair in CT and other nearby areas. Connecticut Basement Systems has become the largest basement waterproofing company in Connecticut due to their honesty, integrity and high-quality workmanship. Call Connecticut Basement Systems for a free estimate today!

Connecticut Basement Systems Wins Awards at International Convention

Fri, September 23 2011, 00:00:00 -500

Seymour, CT – Connecticut Basement Systems was recently honored at a meeting of over 600 guests from all over the United States and Canada at this year’s Team Basement Systems Convention. The annual convention is held each year between Seymour, Connecticut, (where the Basement Systems headquarters is located) and Hartford, Connecticut, and brings together dealerships of the international network for classes, seminars, training, parties and networking.

This year Connecticut Basement Systems received 2 awards at the International Convention. They were the 1st ranked Basement Systems Dealer as well as the 1st ranked Total Basement Finishing Dealer. Connecticut Basement Systems also ranked as the 5th CleanSpace Dealer and one of the Top 50 Foundation Supportworks Dealers in the United States and Canada.

The convention also featured guest speakers Krish Duhnam (of the Zig Ziglar corporation), and the “Pit bull of Personal Development” Larry Winget. A sports-themed party at the Connecticut Convention Center ended the convention week with music, food and performances by the Harlem Wizards and the New England Patriots Cheerleaders.

Connecticut Basement Systems is a certified Basement Systems dealer specializing in crawl space repair, sump pump installation and foundation repair in CT and other nearby cities. They are accredited by the Better Business Bureau and have been waterproofing basements in Connecticut and Westchester, NY for over 20 years.

Basement Systems is an international network of basement waterproofing, crawl space repair and basement finishing contractors. The international headquarters, based in Seymour, Connecticut, also provides sales and service throughout Connecticut and Westchester County, NY. Larry Janesky's Basement Systems has been helping homeowners increase their usable living space for over 20 years across the United States, Canada, Ireland and the United Kingdom. They have 27 patented basement and crawl space products, designed to help homeowners get more out of their basements and increase their home's value.