Should I buy or build a custom basement bar?

• <div><p>If you have the woodworking experience to build a bar from scratch and you have the time, DIYing the work is a no-brainer and can save a few thousand dollars. However, if you’re looking to include a sink, additional lighting fixtures, or high-end bar tops and cabinets, it’s usually a better idea to call in a pro. It will cost more, but the finished product will likely be worth it.</p></div>

Is it more affordable to gut a house than build a new home?

• <div><p>Whether it’s more affordable to gut a house than build a new one depends on the markets where you'd be buying and selling. However, it’s usually less expensive to renovate a home than to build new construction. </p><p>Most homeowners pay between <b>$100,000 and $200,000</b> for demolition and remodeling costs, whereas the average <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-much-does-it-cost-build-house.htm">cost to build a new home</a> is between <b>$139,000 and $531,300</b>. </p></div>

How much basement wall bowing is acceptable?

• <div><p>Generally, a wall can bow up to 30% of its thickness, or around 2.5 inches for an 8-inch-thick structure, before it becomes an urgent situation. If your basement wall bows more than 1 inch, it's time to have a <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-to-inspect-your-basement.htm">basement inspection</a> to determine if a repair is necessary, depending on the soil conditions and structural specifics. Walls nearing 4 inches of bowing will require significant repairs. More than 6 inches of bowing usually means the wall will need replacing. </p></div>

What should I consider when designing a bar in my basement?

• <div><p>Envision the type of bar experience you'd like to create for your guests. For example:</p><ul><li><p>Does your basement have enough finished space for bar stools or seating?</p></li><li><p>What type of additional lighting would set the tone for the room?</p></li><li><p>Are there basement windows or an HVAC system?</p></li><li><p>Do you need new plumbing in your basement for a proper wet bar?</p></li><li><p>Could you be happy with a built-in wall cabinet bar rather than a full-scale wet bar?</p></li></ul><p></p></div>

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Q: Why do some old houses have a toilet in the basement?

• <div><p>Some older homes have toilets in the basement to combat sewage backups. This type of toilet, also known as a Pittsburgh potty, acted as a safety valve over the incoming sewer line. If a line backed up, it would back up into the toilet because it was the lowest fixture in the home, keeping it out of sight and away from the finished areas of the house.</p><p>Basement toilets were also used by workers with messy jobs, like those who worked in coal mines or steel mills. This way, they could clean up and avoid tracking dirt through their home.</p></div>

Q: Is it more affordable to gut a house than build a new home?

• <div><p>Whether it&rsquo;s more affordable to gut a house than build a new one depends on the markets where you'd be buying and selling. However, it&rsquo;s usually less expensive to renovate a home than to build new construction. </p><p>Most homeowners pay between <b>$100,000 and $200,000</b> for demolition and remodeling costs, whereas the average <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-much-does-it-cost-build-house.htm">cost to build a new home</a> is between <b>$139,000 and $531,300</b>. </p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Basement Remodel pros in Highland Home, AL

*The Angi rating for Basement Remodel companies in Highland Home, AL is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Basement Remodel needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Basement Remodel companies in Highland Home, AL is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Basement Remodel needs.

Last update on October 27, 2025

Reviewed in January 2025
Dalton and his crew with Southern Elite Roofing & Remodeling came out and quoted putting a new roof on our new home. They were one of four quotes we received for the same job. During the quote they were very courteous and knowledgeable about roofing and explained everything very well. When we...
Southern Elite Roofing & Remodeling, LLC
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Reviewed in September 2024
Great customer service and reasonable price. I do not get water in my basement now. So happy.
Liberty Gutters & Covers
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Reviewed in May 2023
Carlos has done a wonderful job each time they have done work on our home. Their employees are always on time, professional and work hard to get the job done in a timely manner. I highly recommend Rivera home builders for roofing and new or remodeling construction!! I will book again!
Rivera Home Improvements LLC
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Reviewed in September 2022
Very professional and pleasant to work with. We plan to use them again when we remodel our bathroom.
Morin Tile
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Reviewed in December 2021
It did not go well at all. I had hired them before and had no problems with very small 1 day jobs. But when I agreed to let them do all of the work to remodel an entire house the problems began. Their work showed problems and I found materials missing from my home. They committed to having all...
Watkins Home Improvement
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Reviewed in August 2021
Victorias Construction did a great job on our master bath remodel. Kevin was quick to respond and they completed the work in a timely manner. I would trust them with any job on our house.
Victorias Construction LLC
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Reviewed in November 2020
Ox Fdn waterproofed basement. Arrived when they said and completed the job as promised. Could not have asked for a better crew. When they finished there was nothing to clean up, everything was perfect. Appreciate their work ethic and would recommend them.
OX Foundation Solutions
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Reviewed in August 2016
South Point One exceeded all of our expecations on this high end remodel. We gave them our vision and it turned out better than we could have ever expected. We even requested and earlier finish half way through the project and they were able to work overtime to complete. Can't wait to use them...
South Point One
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Reviewed in March 2013
I received Mark's number from a friend and had him come out to give me an estimate on a new patio and an in ground pool. His price wasn't the lowest I received, but the quality of work was truly worth the money. I went with Remodeling Associates because of the great things I heard about...
Remodeling Associates Inc
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Reviewed in October 2012
I just purchased my first home. I saved for years and put everything I had into this house. I hired him to paint 2 bedrooms. I told him I was moving in Saturday 29th and that it had to be completed by Friday 28th. He didn't even start until 3pm on Friday afternoon and claimed he got sick and...
Sean D Brooks
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R&M Building and Remodeling

R&M Building and Remodeling

Southern Roofing and Renovations

Southern Roofing and Renovations

USA Roofing LLC

USA Roofing LLC

Dixie Construction Consulting & Home Improvements

Dixie Construction Consulting & Home Improvements

Georgia Cabinet Co.

Georgia Cabinet Co.

A & P Services

A & P Services

American Construction and Development LLC

American Construction and Development LLC

Davis Unlimited LLC

Davis Unlimited LLC

Watleyconstruction

Watleyconstruction

Alfred's flooring and remodeling

Alfred's flooring and remodeling

The Highland Home, AL homeowners’ guide to basement remodels

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Finished Basement Code Requirements: A Complete Guide

What Is a Walkout Basement?

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