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: Does a finished basement count toward a home's square footage?

• <div><p>A finished basement does not always count as square footage, as this varies by state regulations. In areas that allow below-grade spaces to be included in a home's official square footage, the basement must typically meet certain conditions. These conditions often include having a functional egress and being a livable space with flooring, finished walls, and temperature control. To be certain, contact your local assessor to confirm your area's specific policies regarding basement square footage.</p></div>

Q: Are walkout basements included in square footage?

• <div><p>Walkout basements are not generally included in a home&rsquo;s square footage, although they may be if they meet certain conditions that depend on local regulations. A finished walkout basement used as a living space may be counted toward square footage in some locations as long as all codes for livable space are met.</p></div>

Q: What are the benefits of remodeling a basement?

• <div><p>Renovation enhances functionality, increases home value, and can add new space for personal or family needs. It typically modernizes older unfinished basements for new uses.</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: Is it cheaper to build up or add a basement?

• <div><p>Building up by adding square footage to the top of your home is often less expensive than adding a basement, but it depends on the specifics of your house, your property, and supply costs. Because building a basement requires excavation, it can be a more expensive option than building up.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Basement Remodel pros in Honokaa, HI

*The Angi rating for Basement Remodel companies in Honokaa, HI 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 Honokaa, HI 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 September 27, 2025

Reviewed in September 2025
Hired to mow mac not orchard, remove 3 dying trees, and trim dead branches on everything visible. Most of the slash was power mulched and spread out, simply disappeared. Larger stuff removed. On time, efficient, and all within estimated cost, no surprises. Highly recommended.
Big Island Yard Works
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Reviewed in March 2024
Courtney and Kai are both so friendly and helpful. They embody the meaning of Aloha. I recommend them highly!
Pohaku Appliance Repair
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Reviewed in November 2023
Reed was a pleasure to work with. On time and on budget. Good with communication and kept me informed on the status of the project. Works well independently. Great job!!!
R&L Hauling LLC
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Reviewed in September 2023
Excellent service and communication. They provided us with a fair estimate and did the work in a timely manner. Having people work inside your home for two weeks is not easy but Sean and crew were such a blessing, respectful, and provided us with a remodeled bathroom, new floors in our...
Moss Delete Hawaii
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Reviewed in May 2023
pacific tech cleaned up the area more than we agreed to which was a pleasant surprise! The owner is a man with a great sense of humor which made the whole experience great. Did a good job within the price guidelines we had discussed.
Pacific Tech Tree Experts, LLC
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Reviewed in April 2023
The work was good and I was very satisfied. They were nice, friendly, and very professional.
Lemon Cleaners LLC
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Reviewed in November 2022
Truly they were wonderful to work with and they did a beautiful job...every cut was precise! Quick and efficient!
Empire Today - Los Angeles
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Reviewed in June 2021
Great response time. Great customer service. Happy with the price.
D & K Plumbing Enterprises, LLC
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Reviewed in December 2020
They were professional and got the work done in a timely manner.
Emerald Builders, LLC
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Reviewed in June 2020
Very professional, quality work, & at a good price.
A Clean View, LLC
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Find Basement remodelers in Honokaa

Serving Honokaa, HI and surrounding areas

In business since 2021

Free estimates

Warranties offered

"Good, quality work, but the workers do not speak english well. You need to watch and pay attention to make sure instructions were relayed correctly."

+14

Response time2 days

Response rate98%

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Serving Honokaa, HI and surrounding areas

In business since 2006

Credit card accepted

"Amanda was really very good! At first I was very skeptical, thinking why did I pay money to just speak with someone on the phone about my kitchen remodel project... but after just a few minutes of her addressing some of the issues/questions I emailed to her earlier, I knew it was worth it. It was very clear that she knew her business and she gave me several ideas that I had not even thought about. I told her that I would definitely recommend her to friends and I will very likely use her again myself for my next home project!

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Recommended by54%of homeowners

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Highly Skilled Help, LLC

New to Angi

Basement - Remodel

Serving Honokaa, HI and surrounding areas

In business since 2004

Free estimates

Highly Skilled Help has been fixing up and beautifying the west side of the Big Island for years. With over 20 plus years of experience, licensed, and insured, assures you that you are getting the best man for your project. Call us today, and we�ll be right over. Mahalo!

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Omega Construction of Kona, Inc.

New to Angi

Basement - Remodel

Serving Honokaa, HI and surrounding areas

In business since 2000

Free estimates

At Omega, we are the total package. We provide a complete features including flexible plans, site preparation, materials, general contracting, outstanding interior options, and project management!

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Basement Remodel questions, answered by experts

A finished basement does not always count as square footage, as this varies by state regulations. In areas that allow below-grade spaces to be included in a home's official square footage, the basement must typically meet certain conditions. These conditions often include having a functional egress and being a livable space with flooring, finished walls, and temperature control. To be certain, contact your local assessor to confirm your area's specific policies regarding basement square footage.

Walkout basements are not generally included in a home’s square footage, although they may be if they meet certain conditions that depend on local regulations. A finished walkout basement used as a living space may be counted toward square footage in some locations as long as all codes for livable space are met.

Renovation enhances functionality, increases home value, and can add new space for personal or family needs. It typically modernizes older unfinished basements for new uses.

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.

Most homeowners pay between $100,000 and $200,000 for demolition and remodeling costs, whereas the average cost to build a new home is between $139,000 and $531,300.

Building up by adding square footage to the top of your home is often less expensive than adding a basement, but it depends on the specifics of your house, your property, and supply costs. Because building a basement requires excavation, it can be a more expensive option than building up.

The Honokaa, HI homeowners’ guide to basement remodels

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.

See all articles

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