How Do I Disguise This?

13 years ago

last modified: 13 years ago

We recently had a crack sealed in our basement wall underneath a window well. The seal has held through many days of a great deal of rain, so we believe that this problem is solved. We plan to put our house on the market in about one more week and we need to fix the drywall. The problem is that this wallpaper is no longer available.

As we thought more about this, it would be nice for the new owner to have access to this space just in case there is a need to do so. We could patch it with drywall, but then what? We don't have the wallpaper to fill in the space. Maybe we could put in some kind of access door... but how, and what would it look like? We just need some brilliant ideas from all of you out there!

Thank you!

I apologize for the flipped picture... it was correct when I uploaded it. :/

Featured Answer

Ben

13 years ago

Drywall, tear down wall paper, fresh paint. Or wainscot over the paper and the hole but might be more expensive if you dont have scrap wood to do it with. Its concerning to see no insulation or vapor barrier. Room must be pretty cold and musty.

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Comments (10)

capamp
Original Author
13 years ago
The house was built in 1987, and the builder definitely cut corners in several places. The room is nice and cool in the summer, but is also fine (warm) in the winter with the heat on. There is also a fireplace in the room. No problems with it being musty.

I guess I didn't mention that we are hoping to not have to redo the whole room just because of the wallpaper in this one spot, although that might end up being the best option. I like your option of wainscoting, Ben. Thanks.
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abbyjean
13 years ago
last modified: 13 years ago
So someone is not scared of buying the house and having to deal with this in the lower level, taking down the wallpaper really should be done. I understand not wanting a lot of expense, but it can make a difference in how fast you sell and at asking price, too. A fresh coat of paint and a new neutral paper and that room will be a selling point.
capamp thanked abbyjean
fredm51
13 years ago
Disguising a problem is never a good thing. If you do it wrong you will be paying more to make it look right that doing it right from the start. First forget about an access door, call a pro and have him look at it. He may say it is right and in the future the buyer can not say you where hiding something. Then redo the wall.
capamp thanked fredm51
capamp
Original Author
13 years ago
last modified: 13 years ago
I just want to be clear that we are not trying to hide the fact that we have a crack. We will fully disclose that information. We just want to make the wall look good to sell, and in a short time. The reason we thought of making an access panel was so that we could be totally transparent about the fact that there is a crack, and to make it easier to check it for moisture.
capamp
Original Author
13 years ago
So, it sounds as though everyone is agreeing that we just need to repair the space, then take down the remaining wallpaper and then paint.
Ben
13 years ago
Even if only to paint that one wall as an accent wall. It cost like $25 for a can of paint and would have a bigger impact than old wallpaper. Personally I see wall paper and think, "grandma". No offense... But anyone can appreciate a well painted room but wall paper is a niche audience.
capamp thanked Ben
capamp
Original Author
13 years ago
Kinda funny, at least 4 different times now we thought we were done painting in order to get the house on the market, and then found something else and needed to paint some more. I think that maybe we just didn't want to face the fact that we do, indeed, need to do some more painting!
qam999
13 years ago
Take the paper down, drywall correctly, paint.
abbyjean
13 years ago
Paint is a cheap fix and makes a world of difference. Do it and you will be sooooo happy it is done!
capamp thanked abbyjean