"Nick was one of the best contractors I've ever worked with. I have done significant remodeling projects in the past and know the difference between the good, bad & ugly! He was creative, meticulous, and very easy to work with. His prices were reasonable and I was able to stay within my budget but still have an excellent finished product. Can't recommend him enough."
"Ian does an amazing job. He remodeled two of my bathroom and was easy to work with and careful to make sure everything was done exactly the way I requested."
"My job had many facets as I was selling the home. Dan bid all the work in a timely manner, handled all repairs structural and punch list on time and on budget. He documented all structural repairs with photos. Dan advised on how to proceed on repairs after the structural engineer had given his report. I had water damage that involved ripping the entire bath tub area and sub floor out with structural studs needing replacement. We never met face to face only by phone and email. Dan is honest true to his word and was a pleasure to work with. I would hire him again and again. My phone calls were always returned bids accurate and on time, job completed as scheduled."
"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!
"Fair on his pricing. When he said he was gonna do something he did it. He did a good job. He did a good job that's why we keep on using on him. He was professional."
You should plan on waiting at least a year and ideally two to three years after construction before finishing your basement. This will give the foundation time to settle in response to the weight of your home and the expansion of the surrounding soil. You can then repair your foundation and seal any cracks as needed before finishing it to reduce your risk of future leaks or other issues.
Yes, most general contractors require an initial down payment. A reasonable deposit is typically between 10% and 25% of the total project cost, although this can vary by project size and location. This upfront payment helps the contractor cover initial costs like materials, permits, licensing, and hiring subcontractors. The remaining balance is usually billed according to a schedule outlined in your contract, often tied to project milestones or completion dates. Be cautious of contractors who ask for a large deposit of 50% or more, as this could be a red flag for a scam.
Kitchens and bathrooms are typically the most expensive rooms to renovate. The high cost is due to several factors, including expensive appliances like ranges, hoods, and refrigerators, as well as costly fixtures. The 'bones' of the room, such as electrical and plumbing, are also expensive to move or replace. Because of the vast amount of prep work, finishing, and specialized labor involved in a relatively small footprint, these projects can cost double or more than a living space remodel. Even when trying to renovate on a budget, kitchens and bathrooms will likely carry a hefty price tag.
Rebar is an essential part of reinforcing a basement floor, as not having it can impact its structural integrity. It helps absorb the tension factors that contribute to cracks in your floor and strengthens its load-bearing capabilities by evenly distributing the weight. Not including rebar could lead to an unstable floor, so don’t skip it!
Making a window in a basement larger costs an average of $4,200. You’ll need to pay an average of $550 to have a structural engineer plan the project, $500 to $1,500 for the installation labor, and an average of $2,200 for the excavation and window well installation. The remainder will go toward pulling permits, installing trim, and repairing drywall on the interior.
The Broadford, ID homeowners’ guide to basement remodels
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
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.