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>

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Q: Would the newly raised basement ceiling need to be finished?

• <div><p>You can <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-paint-walls-ceiling-and-trim.htm">paint your ceiling</a> or install a drywall ceiling if the ceiling is unfinished, as they take up less headroom than drop ceilings. </p><p>If there are pipes in the way of ceiling installation, you can do one of two things: reroute the pipes or adjust the installation to fit, which will cost extra.</p></div>

Q: Is it less expensive to finish a basement or add an addition?

• <div><p>It&rsquo;s less expensive to finish your basement than it is to build an addition to your home. The average cost to refinish a basement is <b>$32,000</b> (between $7 and $23 per square foot) while building an addition to your home costs $50,325 ($80 to $210 per square foot). Depending on the size of your basement and other factors, like moving plumbing and electrical, refinishing a basement is a more cost-effective option in most cases.</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>

Q: How long does a typical basement remodel take?

• <div><p>Project timelines vary significantly, typically from weeks to months, depending on design complexity and active permitting processes.</p></div>

Q: What are the hardest parts of finishing a basement?

• <div><p>Roughing in and connecting utilities are the hardest parts of finishing a basement, and they&rsquo;re the parts we typically don&rsquo;t recommend doing as a DIY project. Unfortunately, your finishing timeline can be extended by weeks while you wait for contractors and inspectors to install electrical wiring, plumbing lines, and heating/cooling equipment and carry out inspections.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Basement Remodel pros in Ridgecrest, CA

*The Angi rating for Basement Remodel companies in Ridgecrest, CA 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 Ridgecrest, CA 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 November 01, 2025

Reviewed in March 2025
We loved working with Kent Construction. They were very attentive and timely. They always answered our phone calls and were very responsive. Our remodel turned out beautiful and we have had no problems with any of the craftmanship or construction. Kent Nickel is extremely knowledgeable and...
Kent Nickell Construction, Inc.
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Reviewed in February 2024
Excellent work and follow up. My ordered cabinets were a challenge but Paul made them work as best they would. My kitchen is odd shaped He and his crew were always on time or would let me know if they were going to be later. They were all courteous and made sure I was pleased with their work....
HARD WIRE ELECTRICAL
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Reviewed in August 2021
Tom did excellent work on our kitchen cabinets and counters! Work was done very professionally, on-time, and at a fair price! I would definitely hire again for other remodeling projects!
Tinas Cabinet Installation Company
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Reviewed in March 2015
When I first bought my home, it was a time capsule from the 70's and 80's with wood paneling and dirty white shag carpeting wall to wall. The the vision of Peter Woodburn, his wife Sheila, Martin, and the rest of his crew, my house is slowly transforming to a modern version of its old self. The...
Brits R Us
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Reviewed in February 2013
I chose MOE because of their long-standing reputation in the community, and because Jeff Hachey, who came to do the original estimate, was very knowledgeable and professional in his assessment of my plumbing needs. I had an unusual situation, where laundry facilities were being installed on the...
H.L. Moe Co., Inc
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Reviewed in October 2012
It was a good experience. There's always a little anxiety,but it went really well. The workers were very patient, friendly and punctual. I highly recommend Lapham Construction for your remodeling!
Lapham Construction
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Reviewed in October 2012
We wanted to remodel our 80-year old kitchen and had a tough time finding contractors who would a) timely return a phone call, b) submit an estimate that properly reflected the scope of work, or c) show up on time for an appointment. I turned to Angies List and found Mike at BMO. What a dream...
BMO Kitchen & Bath Renovations
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Reviewed in April 2009
They Giombetti guys (one electrician and one helper, costing a total of $100 per hour) showed up when they said that they would. I was so pleased with their work that I asked them to run some wires for in-wall speakers and also a couple of new outlets. A Deck House is the worst possible kind...
GIOMBETTI ELECTRIC, INC.
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