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>

What room is the most expensive to renovate?

• <div><p>It may not come as a surprise that the kitchen is the most expensive room in the house to renovate. This is due to the expensive appliances like the range, hood, and fridge, but also because the bones of the room—like electrical and plumbing—are expensive to move or replace. While there are ways to <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-much-should-kitchen-remodel-cost.htm">renovate a kitchen on a budget</a>, it will always carry a hefty price tag, even if you cut some corners.</p></div>

Does adding a bathroom to your basement increase home value?

• <div><p>Adding a bathroom to your basement can increase your home value since homes with multiple bathrooms sell for more. The return on investment (ROI) for a basement bathroom is <b>50% to 75%</b>. The actual return varies with your home and location. Adding a half bath to your home increases the value by 2.9% while finishing a basement increases the home value by 6.6%.</p></div>

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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: What adds the most value to a basement?

• <div><p><a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/finished-vs-unfinished-basement.htm">Finishing an unfinished basement</a> adds the most value, with an average return of 70% or $22,400. A bathroom addition in the basement will provide an ROI of 75%, but the higher cost will leave you with a lower actual return of $9,000, on average. Finishing a basement and adding a kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom to rent the space will leave you with the highest possible ROI, as you could see well over 100% if you rent the space out long-term.</p></div>

Q: How long does it take to finish a basement?

• <div><p>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.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Basement Remodel pros in Independence, IA

*The Angi rating for Basement Remodel companies in Independence, 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 Independence, 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 October 29, 2025

Reviewed in November 2024
Art House Remodeling exceeded my remodeling expectations. Would recommend 100% to anyone who has remodeling needs and not sure how to go about it. Jessica walks you thru the process and has years of experience and expertise.
Art House Remodeling
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Reviewed in March 2021
George is a amazing guy. Very punctual, says what he is doing very clearly and more importantly performs quality work. He will give a clear estimate and is flexible with any acceptable changes that we did not initially think abojt. I did my kitchen refinishing and some basement demolition work...
Supreme Drywall and Painting, LLC
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Reviewed in September 2013
I remodeled my kitchen and wanted an island. Before I had about 3' of counterspace. Ron and his wife came and measured, gave me an estimate and then it was only between 3-4 weeks and my cabinets were ready. I live in an old Victorian that was built in 1881, therefore I had little to no...
R W MILLER CUSTOM CABINETS
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Reviewed in September 2013
This last job Mr. Reed did for us was to do the electrical work in my newly remodeled kitchen. He ran electricity for several additonal plug ins. Especially he installed a strip of plug-ins under one of my cupboards. It has 5 outlets and runs the lenght of the cabinet. It is the...
REED ELECTRIC
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Reviewed in September 2013
Mr Pins was very prompt. He was here the day and time he said he would be here. He and the electrician were here at the same time and they both worked well with each other. Ron had to replumb the clothes washer to be able to move the water tothe island I had installed. He was very...
Ron's Plumbing & Heating & Air Conditioning
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Reviewed in April 2012
They were a delight to work with. I emailed them a sketch. They emailed back a plan. We discussed it a little, and then, they made the lights. We now have new sconces and chandeliers that show off our remodeled rooms in the best possible light.
Idaho Wood Lighting
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Basement Remodeling

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Arnold Home Services

Arnold Home Services

Macnora Construction

Macnora Construction

Wyatt Construct

Wyatt Construct

Zed Construction

Zed Construction

All Seasons Construction

All Seasons Construction

A&K Services of Iowa

A&K Services of Iowa

Next Level Construction

Next Level Construction

Heritage Flooring Concepts

Heritage Flooring Concepts

Potts Master Contractors

Potts Master Contractors

Steggall Construction

Steggall Construction

The Independence, IA homeowners’ guide to basement remodels

How Much Does It Cost to Finish a Basement Laundry Room? [2025 Data]

How Much Does a Basement Remodel Cost? [2025 Data]

How Much Does It Cost to Frame a Basement? [2025 Data]

Basement Remodel on a Budget: Yes, You Can Do It

Finished vs. Unfinished Basement: What’s the Difference?

How Much Value Does a Finished Basement Add to Your Home?

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