
When storm season is approaching, ensure you’re ready to go in case of an emergency. Explore our guide to budgeting for bulkhead replacement costs.
Aka the Under-Budget Basement


Welcome to Nosy Neighbor, where we ask all the questions you can’t about home projects and money. From incredible deals to domestic dramas, we’re bringing you real stories—and the real numbers.
Want to (anonymously) share your own story? Let’s get honest, neighbor.
Age: 38
Location: Crown Point, Indiana
$250,000–$500,000

Finishing a basement to add more liveable space to the home.
Four quotes
$68,650
$67,919

We decided to buy the cabinet handles ourselves instead of having the contractor buy them.
Savings

Murphy doors ($4,000), smart switches ($1,000), and soundproofing in the ceiling ($3,500).
Nothing really! We feel pretty good about pricing overall.
I don't think so.
I wasn't surprised by much of it—we had done quite a bit of research.
Our contractor was not as meticulous as we needed him to be, so we had to micromanage him. It was very stressful—and the project dragged out for two extra months.

Make sure you check your contractor’s work along the way. Advocate for yourself if something isn't done exactly how you want it.
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.

When storm season is approaching, ensure you’re ready to go in case of an emergency. Explore our guide to budgeting for bulkhead replacement costs.

A basement remodel can often cost as much as adding another room. However, homeowners should consider the usefulness and ROI of a remodel.

The first step toward a cozy finished basement is adding its framing. How much does it cost to frame a basement? Let's break down the numbers.

Finishing a basement isn’t always ideal. Learn about the differences between a finished and unfinished basement and which is right for you.

Creating ceilings in a finished basement can make the space more enjoyable, but also introduce some challenges. Understanding all your basement ceiling options is helpful.

Transforming your basement into the game room of the year? Here's what to know about finished basement code requirements before you get started.