Get matched with top basement remodelers in Dubuque, IA

Q: How do I save money on basement remodeling costs?

• <div><p>Since DIYing a basement remodel isn't typically advised, there are some ways that you can still save money on this project without putting yourself in danger. Some <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/budget-basement-remodel.htm">ways to save money on a basement remodel</a> include:</p><ul><li><p>Painting walls yourself versus including in the cost of the remodel </p></li><li><p>Installing light fixtures yourself</p></li><li><p>Choosing prefabricated fixtures, like cabinets, over custom ones</p></li><li><p>Choosing a budget-friendly flooring option, like laminate or vinyl flooring, and add rugs where necessary</p></li></ul><p></p></div>

Q: What type of wood should I use for framing a basement?

• <div><p>You should always use high-quality lumber for your framing in order to ensure it will last the test of time and resist moisture. Use 2-foot by 4-foot lumber that is pressure-treated for your framing.</p></div>

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>

Q: Do general contractors require a down payment and what is the typical payment schedule?

• <div><p>Yes, most general contractors require an initial down payment, typically between 10% and 25% of the total project cost. This upfront payment helps cover the costs of materials, permits, and subcontractors. The remaining project costs are usually billed after specific project milestones are reached or on set completion dates, as outlined in your contract. Be wary of contractors who require a significant deposit of 50% or more upfront, as this could be a red flag for a scam.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Basement Remodel pros in Dubuque, IA

*The Angi rating for Basement Remodel companies in Dubuque, IA 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 Dubuque, IA 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 May 24, 2026

Reviewed in May 2026
Hired for a concrete patch job outside of a leaking basement window. Payton was very friendly and willing to listen to my specific request. A few weeks and heavy rains later, no leak! Reasonable price and even sealed a hole in my downspout for free (not pictured). Thank you!
Mckenna Services
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Reviewed in December 2022
Mr Rooter showed up and spent 3 hours augering on our kitchen sink drain that was draining very slow. The tech gave up and started instructing me to find where the drain line ran in the basement and start cutting inspection holes in the drywall ceiling and walls to cut into pipe in the basement....
Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Dubuque
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Reviewed in September 2021
So disappointed with this company. I own a house for my daughter to live in while she is in college. The house is 5 hours from my residence. The house has been having water in the basement. I turned to Angi to get a reliable list of waterproofing companies. When MidAmerica Basement Systems...
MidAmerica Basement Systems
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Reviewed in September 2021
This was, wirhout a doubt, the best experience we've had with a remodeling project--and this was a big one. Ivan and Kevin A. were iour installers and they were helpful, progessional and efficient. They kept us informed of what they were doing during the entire process. We would definitely...
Dreamstyle Remodeling of New Mexico
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Reviewed in November 2017
They did what they were suppose to do very good. very satisfied with there service of cleaning up mold in basement area under a porch and sealing up a big crack tha5t probably was causing the mold. They are coming back next spring to do the house and deck etc... Thank you Key city
Key City Powerwash & Maintenance
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Reviewed in September 2017
Basement contactor put in a series of drainage ditches, PVC pipe for the downspouts, repaired, rotted boards, and added a, tar-like substance to seal all the crevices should water get past the drainage ditches. It was an excellent plan/execution and I fully expect to have a dry basement for the...
Absolutely Dry Basement Waterproofing
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Reviewed in June 2017
We had our basement waterproofed and we had to dig up around the perimeter so I had to turn off the water to all the bathrooms, fixtures downstairs and the laundry. They did not do the waterproofing. They did the disconnecting and connecting.
Molo Plumbing & Heating
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Reviewed in November 2016
Completed all basement waterproofing work as scheduled, and did a very good job cleaning up afterwards. The quality and finish of the work was likewise good. Very pleased, and will use them again for additional basement improvements.
Mid America Basement Systems
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Reviewed in March 2016
<p>The work went exceptionally well, The cost was somewhat higher because there was a need to break up concrete floor in basement for a drain pipe and then re-cement the floor. Also, wood trim was replaced on floors, the bathroom painted and a new door with hardware installed.</p> <p><br></p>...
DONOVAN CONSTRUCTION & REMODELING
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Reviewed in November 2015
Allen was very helpful. I was very worried because I had a leak in my basement that I couldn't determine what it was. He came, was prompt and worked with my schedule. He found the cause right away and fixed it on the spot. <br />
Allen's Plumbling
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Find Basement remodelers in Dubuque

Next Gen Construction

4.7(

)

Serving Dubuque, IA and surrounding areas

Approved

Super Service Award Winner

In business since 2024

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Quit simply, the best! Fair price, cordial, and on time. In addition, he assisted with another project I needed done that day. Hired again to install a ceiling fan on a high ceiling. I will reach out time and time again for the assuredness of a job well done!"

Response time2 days

21 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by33%of homeowners

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Modern Edge Construction, LLC

4.4(

)

Serving Dubuque, IA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2011

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"I am very pleased with how professional and courteous Cade is. When he was done he told me to let him know if he missed something or I had an issue with something. There were just a few things I thought could have been done more to my liking and he was here the next day and put my issues right. If I could rate my experience more than 5 stars, I would definitely give it a 10."

+48

3 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by78%of homeowners

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Modern Edge Construction, LLC.

5.0(

)

Serving Dubuque, IA and surrounding areas

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"It was excellent! They did a good job. I will hire them again."

+83

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Dave Navarro Construction

5.0(

)

Serving Dubuque, IA and surrounding areas

In business since 2010

Free estimates

"The workmanship was excellent. The work was completed within the time frame agreed upon as well as the price quoted. Everything was done very professionally from start to finish. I HIGHLY recommend Dave Navarro Construction for any interior remodeling. I will definitely use him again - without hesitation."

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Modern Edge Construction

4.3(

)

Serving Dubuque, IA and surrounding areas

In business since 1990

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"There aren’t enough words to express how happy we are with Cade and Modern Edge Construction! Cade helped us finish our basement and lay down new flooring on the main level. He was at our house within 24hrs to give us an estimate and started working on the house the very next day! Cade always communicated the plan, was extremely fair with pricing, and took a lot of pride in his work! We have a couple more projects and can’t wait to work with him again! Highly recommend! 😃"

+29

Response time2 days

Recommended by75%of homeowners

Serving Dubuque, IA 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!

"

California Client Saves with HMD Designer Discounts

Recommended by54%of homeowners

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Driftless Irrigation & Lighting, LLC

4.6(

)

Serving Dubuque, IA and surrounding areas

In business since 2019

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"It went very well. Matt did a good job; the shelves looked great. He kept me informed of his schedule and did things in a timely manner. His quote for the project was right on."

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Home Creations By Tom Hilby, LLC

4.2(

)

Serving Dubuque, IA and surrounding areas

In business since 2003

Free estimates

"Personable, he did take me to a house where they planned moving in to. I think he built my house they way he would of done it for himself. He did a really good work."

Response time2 days

Recommended by80%of homeowners

Serving Dubuque, IA and surrounding areas

In business since 2024

Free estimates

Small jobs welcome

"We hired Vault Enterprises for a home remodel that included adding a mud room, home office, and bunk area. The work was completed on time, within budget, and to a very high standard. The mud room is functional and well-designed, the office is exactly what we needed for a quiet work space, and the bunk area turned out great ? perfect for guests or kids. Communication throughout the project was clear and consistent. The crew was professional, respectful of our home, and kept the workspace clean. Overall, a solid experience and great results. We?d gladly work with them again."

+16

Response time4 days

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Cummings Construction, Inc.

3.5(

)

Serving Dubuque, IA and surrounding areas

In business since 2005

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Surpass your expectations with uncommon luxury." We are a full-service design build construction company offering new custom home construction, home remodeling, and all your other home Improvement needs, as well as commercial construction services.

+66

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Showing 1-10 of 26

Basement Remodel questions, answered by experts

Since DIYing a basement remodel isn't typically advised, there are some ways that you can still save money on this project without putting yourself in danger. Some ways to save money on a basement remodel include:

Painting walls yourself versus including in the cost of the remodel
Installing light fixtures yourself
Choosing prefabricated fixtures, like cabinets, over custom ones
Choosing a budget-friendly flooring option, like laminate or vinyl flooring, and add rugs where necessary

You should always use high-quality lumber for your framing in order to ensure it will last the test of time and resist moisture. Use 2-foot by 4-foot lumber that is pressure-treated for your framing.

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.

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.

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.

Yes, most general contractors require an initial down payment, typically between 10% and 25% of the total project cost. This upfront payment helps cover the costs of materials, permits, and subcontractors. The remaining project costs are usually billed after specific project milestones are reached or on set completion dates, as outlined in your contract. Be wary of contractors who require a significant deposit of 50% or more upfront, as this could be a red flag for a scam.

The Dubuque, IA 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

Rachel Hoffman
•
May 2, 2026May 2, 2026
How Much Does a Basement Remodel Cost? [2026 Data]
A basement remodel can often cost as much as adding another room. However, homeowners should consider the usefulness and ROI of a remodel.
Haley Nothstein
•
May 30, 2026May 30, 2026
How Much Does It Cost to Frame a Basement? [2026 Data]
The first step toward a cozy finished basement is adding its framing. How much does it cost to frame a basement? Let's break down the numbers.
Rachel Hoffman
•
Jul 9, 2026Jul 9, 2026
How Much Does It Cost to Finish a Basement? [2026 Data]
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.
Amy Freeman
•
Apr 10, 2026Apr 10, 2026
Basement Remodel on a Budget: Yes, You Can Do It
Do you have a finished basement? If you want to give it a new lease on life, find out how you can do a basement remodel on a budget.
Melissa Graham
•
May 18, 2026May 18, 2026
5 Questions to Ask About Basement Remodels
These questions for professional contractors can help address your basement remodeling needs, design, and the best time to start the project.
Lawrence Bonk
•
Jul 9, 2026Jul 9, 2026
These 8 Red Flags Will Help You Spot a Bad Basement Remodeler
Hiring a bad basement remodeler can wreak havoc on the look and longevity of your unfinished space. Here are red flags to look for as you vet basement contractors.