I haven't been able to pry the drainplate off, but could probably chip out enough concrete to do that if I thought I could get the muck out of the well by removing it.

Covering the basement stairs is a possibility, but not an easy one in this case.

Any suggestions?

There's a lot of prep work to do when finishing a basement - sealing it and making it damp-free, adding adequate heat and ventilation etc.

Is your basement cozy enough for a master bedroom? Have you done it? Let us know your thoughts!

***Bonusadded: it will also reduce street noise too***

Ourtwo car garage is right underneath our upstairs bedrooms, and rightnext to our bedroom, so we knew we had to do something about that.

Replacingthe garage doors would be nice, but not necessary, so the very nextbest thing was to insulate the garage doors.

Weread a lot of info, and what we settle on

doingwas using this a reflective foil insulation. It comes in rolls andit's easy to cut

(scissorsor knife).

Forthis to work properly, there is a need to create an "air pocket"between the actual door and the insulation.

For the step instructions click on link