Get matched with top basement remodelers in Tehachapi, CA

Lifting a house and adding a basement is one way to add usable square footage. Lifting or jacking a house is a complex process, and it can be expensive, not to mention that you won’t be able to live in your house while it’s lifted, due to safety concerns. Lifting a house should only be done by experienced professionals.

The most challenging part of finishing a basement is addressing moisture control. Basement waterproofing is an essential task that requires a professional’s skills and knowledge. If you don’t properly waterproof your finished basement, it’ll be vulnerable to dampness, water damage, and mold growth. Ensuring proper insulation and ventilation to combat these issues while meeting building codes adds complexity to your remodeling project.

Finishing a basement normally takes four to eight weeks, but the timeline depends on the size of your basement, your contractor's availability, and the extent of finishing work. Framing the basement will take three to five days, while adding electrical and rough-in plumbing can be another three to five days. Adding drywall can take five days, and floor installation can take two to three days. Final touches, like painting and adding trim, will take another week.

It costs an average of $32,000 to finish a basement, and most projects total between $15,000 and $75,000. If you just want to make the space look a bit nicer and don’t need to convert the basement to legal living space, you could spend as little as $3,000 to install drywall and flooring. On the other end of the spectrum, your costs could rise to $100,000 if you want to make structural changes to the space, repair existing structural damage, waterproof your basement, or install a kitchen and bathroom along with living space.