An unfinished basement has a lot of potential for a family room or guest suite. So how much does it cost to finish a basement? Read on for all cost factors.
How to Hire a Basement Finishing Pro
Transform your basement into livable space with the help of a basement finishing pro
Get quotes from basement remodelers near you
No obligation · 100% free
Get quotes from basement remodelers near you
No obligation · 100% free
Need Help With a Project? Connect With a Pro
Basement finishing contractors handle design, construction, insulation, electrical work, plumbing, and securing permits to transform your unfinished basement into functional living space.
Expect to pay $15,000 to $75,000 to finish your basement, with the contractor's fee around 20% of your total project cost.
Clear out your basement, set a realistic budget, and gather design inspiration before meeting with contractors to help your project start smoothly.
Hiring a local basement finishing professional ensures your project meets building codes, passes inspections, and protects your investment with quality craftsmanship.
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If you’re ready to turn your unfinished basement into a space to work, play, or relax, the best next step is to hire a local basement finishing pro. Licensing requirements for basement finishing pros vary by state, county, and city, but in most cases, they must hold a general contractor's license. These pros also have extensive knowledge of building code regulations, ensuring the job is done safely and legally.
Let’s review how to hire a basement finishing pro who has the qualifications and skills to complete the project successfully.
What Services Does a Basement Finishing Pro Offer?
A basement finishing contractor offers a range of services that transform an unfinished basement into a functional living space. Common core services include:
Design and Planning: The benefit of hiring a pro is that they can help you choose the best layout and design for your basement. They will also recommend which materials will be ideal for the project.
Completing Construction: Installing frames, drywall, doors, trim, and flooring are all finishing touches the pro will handle.
Insulation and Moisture Control: The pro will properly insulate and waterproof the basement to prevent moisture problems and increase energy efficiency.
Electrical and Plumbing: They handle installing new outlets, light fixtures, switches, plumbing for bathrooms, and wetbars.
Permits and Inspections: The pro will obtain the necessary permits and inspections to ensure the basement meets all building code requirements.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Basement Finishing Pro?
The cost to finish a basement depends on various factors, such as its size, the type of materials, and your location, but it can range from $15,000 to $75,000. The price you will pay a basement finishing pro is typically around 20% of the project’s total cost. Make sure you ask the pro how they charge for the project and the exact percentage you can expect to pay.
Tips for Hiring a Basement Finishing Pro
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Hiring a basement finishing pro doesn’t have to be difficult—you just need to take the right steps to lead you to the best one for the job. Here are some key tips for hiring a basement finishing pro.
Plan for Your Basement Finishing Project
Preparing for your project can help your pro save time and provide them with a clear vision of your ideal finished basement. Decide how you want to use the space, and gather inspiration and ideas from magazines or online sources.
Clear out the space of any items so it's ready for the pro to start working once you sign a contract. You also want to research the average costs for basement finishing jobs in your area and set a realistic budget.
2. Check Your Basement Finishing Pros' Qualifications and References
Taking the time to verify a basement finishing pro's credentials and references will ensure you receive quality craftsmanship and that the job is done safely. A licensed professional will obtain permits and adhere to local building codes. Checking references from past clients is also a must, as it helps confirm that the pro was professional, reliable, and completed projects on time.
3. Interview Pros and Get Multiple Quotes
It’s important to interview at least three different pros to compare their experience, qualifications, and cost. Each pro may offer different services and have varying levels of experience. You want to make sure you match up with a pro who has the expertise and credentials that will fulfill your expectations.
Getting multiple written quotes can help you compare costs and save you a bit of money. While you should never choose a pro solely based on price, it’s ideal to find one with the top qualifications that also align with your budget.
4. Get a Contract and Make Payment Arrangements With Your Basement Finishing Pro
After you decide which pro to hire, you need to obtain a detailed contract that includes contact information, the scope of work, an estimated timeline to finish the job, payment terms, and a termination clause. The payment terms should provide a breakdown of the project's total cost, including materials, labor, and other expenses. It should also include information for the deposit amount, progress payments, and the final payoff cost.
Questions to Ask a Basement Finishing Pro
Asking the right questions can help you feel confident in your hiring decision. Here are some important questions to ask before you commit to a contract:
How much experience do you have with basement finishing projects?
Can you provide proof of your license and insurance?
How do you deal with moisture or waterproofing issues?
Does the cost include clean-up and disposal of materials?
What are your payment terms?
Who is the main contact for the project?
What type of warranty do you offer on your work and the materials?
Can you provide an estimated timeframe for completing the job?
Choosing the Right Basement Finishing Pro
Finishing a basement is a complex project that requires extensive knowledge of local regulations and specialized skills. Unqualified contractors can make mistakes due to a lack of experience, leading to failed inspections and costly repairs.
Plus, a properly finished basement can boost your home’s resale value. In fact, the average return on investment for finishing a basement is around 70%. Hiring a qualified basement finishing pro near you will protect your investment and ensure the job is done right.
After Your Basement Finishing Pro Is Finished
There are a few tasks you need to do after the pro finishes before you can kick back and relax in your freshly finished basement. First, you should do a final walkthrough with the pro to test everything and verify that all the work is complete. Next, you need to confirm that all inspections have passed, permits are finalized, request written warranty information, and obtain copies for your records. Submit the final payment to the pro and get a receipt for proof of payment.
Don’t forget to leave a positive online review for your pro, and you can also offer to be a reference for them if you are satisfied with their work.
Basement remodels reviews from real Angi homeowners in Columbus, OH
4.4★ avg. • 8 total reviews
- Gina M.
Finished Basements Plus was wonderful from beginning to end! First, they came out quickly for an estimate. I had 4 estimates and theirs was by far the best. (2 of the estimates were more than $20K higher than for the exact same work). Beyond their fair pricing, the work was excellent. They...
Finished Basements Plus Inc. - Marguerite F.
1st Choice Renew is simply the best! We hired them for a complete home renovation, and they transformed our space into something truly amazing. The team attention to detail and commitment to quality were evident throughout the project. They were easy to work with, very responsive, and always...
Save A Dime - Kale T.
Amazing job. Efficient and quick without compromising quality. Basement feels brand new. Would use them again in a heartbeat.
AffordaPro Restoration - David E.
Window Depot did an amazing job installing the windows in my basement! The process from start to finish was by far more than what I expected. I would highly recommend Window Depot if you want professionalism from the the consultation to the installation. Dont settle for mediocre when you can...
Window Depot USA of Central Ohio - Darrin G.
Look forward to them getting started in our basement here soon. Extremely professional, very detailed and was a pleasure to have around. Anything we needed to work on or change in the middle of the project, they were open and willing to work with me.
Jones & Sons Construction LLC - Suzanne H.
They cleaned my very dirty basement. They were prompts, quick, thorough and their price was fair.
JDE House Cleaning LLC - Christopher W.
I am very pleased with the services performed by OTS. Bless my late Mother, but she was a bit of a pack-rat. The basement of her home was crammed with 40+ years of "stuff," and the other companies I contacted were concerned with possible mold contamination of the items due to the musty smell...
- Andrew G.
The company was very easy to work with. My family is now able to enjoy a space that at one point, only collected junk!!!! I feel like i have a whole new addition to the house!!! Wonderful work Blurock on our basement, will recommend!
BluRock Services, Inc. - Ed K.
first time using home advisor and Grace Remodel was positively the right choice!!!! it was a large job and mark did an excellent job. the price was right, he worked long and hard every day, his attention to detail is impressive, and he finished on time. i have worked with many contractors...
Grace Remodel & Paint, LLC - Laura C.
We met with Matt on July 1 to discuss a kitchen and bath remodel. We spent over an hour taking about what we wanted and shared our thoughts about timelines and budgets. It’s been over 3 months and we haven’t heard from him since. We would understand if there had been some communication, but...
Elite Home Remodeling Inc
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