Several factors that have to be considered before any serious basement renovations take place include ceiling height, stair pitch or steepness and emergency egress. All three of these requirements can differ considerably depending on where you live. You can call your local building department and they can tell you these requirements. As for what emergency egress is, it is basically an emergency escape. A door of at least 30” wide in most areas is considered a very safe egress but a window has to be a certain size and a minimum distance from floor in order to be considered safe. Believe it or not, way safe size and height of a basement window is calculated is by determining how easily an overweight elderly person (considered worst case scenario) can open and climb out of in case of a fire or another emergency. In reality, these building codes were put in place because no one is going to get out of one of those old metal framed 18” X 30” pull in basement windows very easily (especially an overweight elderly person) and they would probably die trying in unfortunate event of a fire.

Crystal like granite countertops and spa type bathrooms built with natural stone are all rage in home interiors, but not surprisingly it will lose its investment value fast if not properly maintained. Up to now, only ammonia based cleaners were granite cleaning choice outside of soap and water for homeowners, regardless of fact that these products in reality damage natural stone.

Marble Master’s stone cleaning product line safely cleans and conditions countertops, floors and wall surrounds made of granite, marble, travertine and other natural stone. For more information, visit www.marblemasteruk.com

"Ammonia-based products remove seal of natural stone, allowing stains to penetrate surface and set more easily," said Edward Green, Technical Director of Marble Master. "The damage caused by these products increases chance that stone will have to be refurbished or replaced, which is a costly undertaking."

Natural stone is hard-wearing, but still needs appropriate care to continue its inherent beauty. When treated correctly, it is a low maintenance surface that will hold its gleam longer than any other surface known to man, and can enhance value of your home.