One of the most common worries among parents is that their children will fall on the stairs. In addition to installing gates and other protective devices, addressing any issues with the structure of the stairs themselves – especially the flooring around the stairway – can prevent injury.

A study published in March 2012 in the medical journal Pediatrics found that an estimated 932,000 children under the age of five were taken to hospitals for injuries received while falling down stairs between 1999 and 2008. In the subgroup of babies age one year or less, 25% were being carried by an adult at the time of the fall. As a homeowner, you should be aware of certain things to ensure that the stairs in your home are safe for you and your family.

With money tight and the economy sputtering along, you may be looking for affordable ways to add a man cave to your home. Finishing your basement is the least expensive way to get the space you need without breaking the bank. As a professional builder, I have learned several key measures that will keep down the cost of your new man cave while still keeping the cool factor. Let's explore some of these cost-saving secrets to help you get the best new space at the most affordable price.