Now that we have dug ourselves out of the snow, we can finally get started on those spring projects that need to done. I know doing chores is the last thing you want to do now that it's finally warm out but hey these things need to be done. Sorry.

The first task you should undertake will be to waterproof your basement. The spring rains combined with melting snow increases the risk of your basement flooding. It's not a hard job and won't take very long either. You'll be outside enjoying the warm springtime sun in no time.

In order for you to properly waterproof your basement you will need to do all of the following steps:

• Stopping Leaks and Seepage

• Repairing Holes and Cracks Before Waterproofing

o You may need to position a weep pipe through the wall to permit the outside water trapped against the wall under pressure to escape.

o Use regular patching mortar to fill the crack, starting at the top and working toward the bottom. This permits a more secure bonding of the new mortar.

o Using a pointing trowel, completely fill the crack with mortar to where the weep pipe is installed and let the mortar set until it is completely dry. If water entering through the weep pipe has slowed to a trickle, you can probably remove the pipe, fill the hole and eliminate the problem. If water is still coming through the pipe with considerable force, leave the weep pipe in place and run the water into a sewer drain with a hose.

o Treat the cracked area right down to the spot where the wall and the floor come together. Next, make a cement plug from the mortar mix.

o Roll a plug and place the small end of the cone in the hole where the pipe was removed and pack it into place.

o Hold the cement plug in place with your fingers for three-to-five minutes, allowing for time to set. You can also place a heavy object over the plug during this three to five minute period to give it plenty of time to dry before it is exposed to the full water pressure.

o After this, you can stop holding the plug in place. The mortar plug should be dried sufficiently to close off the hole and prevent outside water from entering.

• Closing Cracks and Holes When Water is Entering Under Pressure

• Waterproofing the Wall and Floor After Making Patching and Repairs

o First, moisten the wall with a fine spray before applying the waterproofing mix. Try a garden hose with the nozzle set to a fine spray. Although, you would like the walls to be damp when you apply the waterproof mix, no water should be left on the wall surface.

o You can buy epoxy or latex waterproof mixes for treating basement walls and floors. Most of these mixes require you to add only water, just be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully. It is also important to remember that no epoxy or latex waterproof coatings will bond to wet surfaces. Apply these materials to a completely dry surface.

o You could also make your own wall coating mixture of plain cement and water. The mix should form a mixture with the consistency of cream.

o Using a stiff brush, make a circular motion to rub the waterproof mix into the wall and fill every pore in the wall.

o First, apply the coating at the bottom of the wall. This is where the water pressure is likely to be greatest.

o Now brush the waterproofing mix to the top, and move back to the bottom, slowly applying additional layers of the mixture.

o Brush the waterproofing mix only over the areas where leakage is a problem. Feather the mix out at the edges until you have completely covered the area where the leakage occurred.

o When the coating has dried so that it does not come off, spray the area completely with water. Soak it thoroughly and let it set overnight.

o After the wall has dried, wet it down thoroughly with a garden hose and apply a second coat of the waterproofing mixture. Use the same techniques for brushing on the second coat as you did for the first coat.

o Always use two coats in all cases. One coat simply will not correct the problem under normal conditions.

• Packing a Leaking Floor Joint

The key to a successful and well executed project is a great design. It is up to you to make the initial decision about the way you want your home to look and feel.