Get matched with top basement remodelers in Apple River, IL

Q: What should I consider when designing a bar in my basement?

• <div><p>Envision the type of bar experience you'd like to create for your guests. For example:</p><ul><li><p>Does your basement have enough finished space for bar stools or seating?</p></li><li><p>What type of additional lighting would set the tone for the room?</p></li><li><p>Are there basement windows or an HVAC system?</p></li><li><p>Do you need new plumbing in your basement for a proper wet bar?</p></li><li><p>Could you be happy with a built-in wall cabinet bar rather than a full-scale wet bar?</p></li></ul><p></p></div>

Q: Is it less expensive to finish a basement or add an addition?

• <div><p>It&rsquo;s less expensive to finish your basement than it is to build an addition to your home. The average cost to refinish a basement is <b>$32,000</b> (between $7 and $23 per square foot) while building an addition to your home costs $50,325 ($80 to $210 per square foot). Depending on the size of your basement and other factors, like moving plumbing and electrical, refinishing a basement is a more cost-effective option in most cases.</p></div>

Q: Can you put a summer kitchen in the basement?

• <div><p>Yes, you can install a summer kitchen or kitchenette in your basement. They serve similar purposes as outdoor kitchens, keeping the main floor of the house cool and providing another space to cook and congregate. Basement kitchens are also a worthwhile alternative for homeowners without much space in the backyard. They come with a few logistical questions to sort out, though, like ventilation and waterproofing.</p></div>

Q: Is it normal for a contractor to ask for a down payment, and how much should you pay up front?

• <div><p>It is common for a contractor to ask for a down payment before starting a project, especially for jobs that require purchasing materials and equipment or hiring a crew. The deposit amount can range from 10% to 50% of the total job cost. While a request for up to 50% is not unusual, a contractor should not ask for more than that, and you should never pay for a project in full before the work has begun. To protect yourself, always discuss payment terms before starting and have a written contract that outlines the project timeline and expectations. Additionally, be sure to hire reputable contractors and check their licensing and insurance before the project begins.</p></div>

Q: What adds the most value in a renovation?

• <div><p>Renovations that add functionality or more comfortable floor space generally add the most value when remodeling your home. Attic or basement finishing can add floor space without altering the home's structure, saving you renovation money while adding valuable space. Smaller improvements, such as installing smart-home components or replacing entry doors and windows, also experience high ROIs. </p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Basement Remodel pros in Apple River, IL

*The Angi rating for Basement Remodel companies in Apple River, IL 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 Apple River, IL 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 November 05, 2025

Reviewed in November 2025
Andrew did a great job. He remodeled my whole living , kitchen, dining room. He installed all new windows, 1 front door with storm door.
Drew Pro Carpentry
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Reviewed in October 2025
Worst company I have ever worked with. John made many promises that were never followed through. They destroyed my yard and took zero accountability. On top of that, all of their plumbing and wiring in the basement are crooked and look like like the work was performed by someone with zero...
Apple River Well And Pump Company
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Reviewed in May 2025
I recently had Mike from the Loft completely update a 30 year old, outdated and ugly bathroom. It was a complete redo. The whole bathroom needed to be gutted. The planning of everything was a bit overwhelming with so many choices to make about flooring, faucets, fixtures, tiling, etc. Mike made...
The Loft Remodeling and Architectural Salvage, LLC
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Reviewed in April 2018
This is an update to my previous review since this bathroom remodel is truly the gift that keeps on giving. Since the door handle was installed incorrectly it subsequently broke. I tried to take it off to replace it but the screws I'm the handle had been torqued down to such a degree I had to...
Downs Home Improvement
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Reviewed in January 2015
I was looking for someone to replace some light fixtures for me and ended up getting some additional work done. Installed ceiling tile and crown molding and a bath fan. Kevin was very helpful and had some great advice and ideas on other things I needed to have done. You have to get creative...
Linden Lawn Care & Landscaping
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Reviewed in March 2013
I paid a significant premium compared to competition. I was told by the sales person that there was a strong warranty so when I signed the contract I did not thoroughly review the warranty. Mistake! At the first annual inspection I did review the warranty and was stunned at how weak it is! It...
MidAmerica Basement Systems
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Find Basement remodelers in Apple River

American Custom Homes

5.0(

)

Serving Apple River, IL and surrounding areas

In business since 2000

Emergency services offered

Credit card accepted

"I would like to start off with precise, warm welcome and highly responsible of what they are doing. They really know what they are doing and from start from start to end it has been a great project with new experiences and great craftsmanship. Thanks again guys and i hope to have more work for you soon...
"

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Serving Apple River, IL 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 Apple River, IL 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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Green Earth Enterprises Inc

4.7(

)

Serving Apple River, IL and surrounding areas

In business since 2009

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"I hired the company to do a make ready [clean up & prep] on a single apartment in a building which I own in the town where I live. I needed the property to be cleaned up so I could rent it again. I have been a landlord for over 20 years & hadn't found a vacated property in such a mess in all my years. They did the complete interior clean-up which took about five hours. And, the complete prep of the property. they took out all the trash & junk, and cleaned up all debris left in the yard. They did such a great job with that I decided to use them for the yard maintenance also. They cleaned all my flowerbeds & got them ready for spring, placed mulch & trimmed the shrubs and flowering trees. On the inside they made everything look brand new! Cleaning the walls, painting, cleaned the carpets & stripped & polished the wood floors...making them look brand new. The appliances that stayed were cleaned inside & out. They even remembered to get all the light fixtures clean for me. Dusted all window seals & doorways. Shine mopped all they tile floors. To top it all off they even gave the bathrooms a fresh clean look by putting a new caulk seal around the tubs, sinks & shower...which gave the bathrooms a fresh face. All in all I found it to be a very stress free pleasant experience. And, I will definitely call on them for the next project because if they could do so well with a nightmare like that I'm sure the less difficult will be equally affordable and easily handled. Everything just looked so nice when they were finished. Thanks, Green Earth
"

Recommended by71%of homeowners

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Cummings Construction, Inc.

3.5(

)

Serving Apple River, IL 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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Hampton Enterprise LLC

3.7(

)

Serving Apple River, IL and surrounding areas

In business since 1989

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"They were good. They were pretty fast and came on time. My overall experience with them has been good."

Recommended by60%of homeowners

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Olson Remodeling

New to Angi

Serving Apple River, IL and surrounding areas

In business since 1999

Free estimates

Offers commercial services

With over 20 years of experience in the construction industry, Olson Remodeling is your industry leader from Desoto and everywhere in between. We pride ourselves on our extreme professionalism and attention to detail. As a family owned and operated business, you can trust we will treat your project as we would treat our own. Our satisfaction guarantee will assure you that we will not leave your property until you are completely satisfied with our work. Give us a call today, we look forward to working with you!

Serving Apple River, IL and surrounding areas

In business since 2013

Free estimates

"Easy to work with. He did a great job on our kitchen remodel. Would use him again."

Response time1 day

Response rate94%

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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K & P Mobile Home Specialist

New to Angi

Serving Apple River, IL and surrounding areas

In business since 2008

Free estimates

K & P Mobile Home Specialist, have been serving the Freeport, IL and surrounding areas for over four years. We are family owned business and our specialties include mobile home demolition and remodels. We also specialize in bathroom remodels. Our rates are very competitive and our finished product is immaculate!

Serving Apple River, IL and surrounding areas

In business since 1998

Free estimates

At Johnson Construction we have over 10 years of experience in the business. We pride our company on reliability, great communication, integrity, and quality work. We are experts in home remodeling and will do our best to keep you as educated as we can on your particular task or project. We look forward to earning your business!\n\n

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Showing 1-10 of 16

Basement Remodel questions, answered by experts

Envision the type of bar experience you'd like to create for your guests. For example:

Does your basement have enough finished space for bar stools or seating?
What type of additional lighting would set the tone for the room?
Are there basement windows or an HVAC system?
Do you need new plumbing in your basement for a proper wet bar?
Could you be happy with a built-in wall cabinet bar rather than a full-scale wet bar?

It’s less expensive to finish your basement than it is to build an addition to your home. The average cost to refinish a basement is $32,000 (between $7 and $23 per square foot) while building an addition to your home costs $50,325 ($80 to $210 per square foot). Depending on the size of your basement and other factors, like moving plumbing and electrical, refinishing a basement is a more cost-effective option in most cases.

Yes, you can install a summer kitchen or kitchenette in your basement. They serve similar purposes as outdoor kitchens, keeping the main floor of the house cool and providing another space to cook and congregate. Basement kitchens are also a worthwhile alternative for homeowners without much space in the backyard. They come with a few logistical questions to sort out, though, like ventilation and waterproofing.

It is common for a contractor to ask for a down payment before starting a project, especially for jobs that require purchasing materials and equipment or hiring a crew. The deposit amount can range from 10% to 50% of the total job cost. While a request for up to 50% is not unusual, a contractor should not ask for more than that, and you should never pay for a project in full before the work has begun. To protect yourself, always discuss payment terms before starting and have a written contract that outlines the project timeline and expectations. Additionally, be sure to hire reputable contractors and check their licensing and insurance before the project begins.

Renovations that add functionality or more comfortable floor space generally add the most value when remodeling your home. Attic or basement finishing can add floor space without altering the home's structure, saving you renovation money while adding valuable space. Smaller improvements, such as installing smart-home components or replacing entry doors and windows, also experience high ROIs.

The Apple River, IL 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.