What is the hardest part of finishing a basement?

• <div><p>The most challenging part of finishing a basement is addressing moisture control. Basement waterproofing is an essential task that requires a professional’s skills and knowledge. If you don’t properly waterproof your finished basement, it’ll be vulnerable to dampness, water damage, and mold growth. Ensuring proper insulation and ventilation to combat these issues while meeting building codes adds complexity to your remodeling project.</p></div>

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Q: Does a finished basement need ventilation?

• <div><p>Although it&rsquo;s not required, air ventilation in a finished basement can help improve the air quality, prevent moisture and mold issues, keep musty odors away, and also maintain the air quality throughout the rest of your home. Proper ventilation will help maintain the value of your investment in finishing your basement. Try <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-improve-ventilation-basement-remodeling-project.htm">basement ventilation methods</a> like installing vents or a dehumidifier for best results.</p></div>

Q: What is the difference between a joist and a beam in a basement?

• <div><p><a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/joist-vs-beam.htm">Joists and beams</a> are both part of the flooring system above your basement, with the beams spanning the length of your home and getting support from vertical posts underneath, and joists usually spanning half the width of your home with no support posts underneath. The floor joists provide even support to the subflooring and flooring above, and they distribute that load to the beams. The beams then distribute that load down through the support posts to the foundation.</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 finish a basement with no windows?

• <div><p>Egress windows or doors are required in finished basements to meet safety and building codes. If your basement is unfinished and used as a storage space, egress windows are not required, but anything considered a habitable space must have an additional point of egress in addition to the stairs.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Basement Remodel pros in Cissna Park, IL

*The Angi rating for Basement Remodel companies in Cissna Park, 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 Cissna Park, 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 23, 2025

Reviewed in August 2025
I own a house which is around 90 years old. Its basement had compromised walls, one of which was seriously bowed. In addition, after heavy rain, the basement floor would be wet. I got estimates from three companies to correct these problems. Pivotal was a clear standout. The owner Jeff, his...
Pivotal Basement Solutions
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Reviewed in May 2025
This business did a full remodel of 25 units in 3 weeks. I plan on them doing many more.
Savage Renovations, LLC
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Reviewed in May 2024
The job done was exactly what we wanted. It was a remodel of an old deck and it looks great. The contract agreement was flexible to work with our needs and the quality of the workmanship was amazing. Very friendly and professional organization.
KODIAK IMPROVEMENTS, INC
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Reviewed in February 2016
The service I received from Family Waterproofing was phenomenal. Our basement rarely floods, but after a week or more of continual rains last summer, we got our first puddling, which kept my wife and I up in shifts for a few nights in a row working a shop vac to prevent any major damage. We...
Family Waterproofing Solutions
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Reviewed in July 2015
Went ok. Attic needed insulation, energy credits were good incentive. Illini Home Improvements was very clear about what they were going to do and what credits we would receive. Actually called on an earlier date than expected to come and complete job. Only problem was that I hadn't moved or...
Illini Home Improvements
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Reviewed in April 2014
I had some remodelling work done in the kitchen, getting new countertops. Kelly came to disconnect the old sink drains, faucet, and dishwasher in the morning before the countertops were installed. Following installation and allowing 24 hours for the silicone to dry, he returned to connect the...
Ameriplumb Plumbing Co.
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Reviewed in April 2011
Mr. Emery of Tremain Corp. was prompt, courteous, and professional in providing us with the information necessary to make the decision whether to go ahead with the project. A few days after the visit, we received a mailed formal mid-range estimate using a mid-tier tile giving us an idea of the...
Tremain Corp
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Reviewed in April 2008
In 2007, we bought a house out in the country that was built in 1992 and remodeled in 2003. There were several exterior doors that were in need of repainting. J&K came out to our home and gave us an estimate to do preparation work (including scraping the peeling paint, sanding and applying a...
J&K Painting
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Basement Remodeling

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Different level llc

Different level llc

My HandyMan Services

My HandyMan Services

Mennenga Construction, Inc.

Mennenga Construction, Inc.

Spectrum Design Group

Spectrum Design Group

2 Brothers Construction/Maintenance/Remodeling

2 Brothers Construction/Maintenance/Remodeling

City general contractors

City general contractors

Home Again Service

Home Again Service

JT Perfect Home Co

JT Perfect Home Co

Scofield Remodeling

Scofield Remodeling

Carroll Professional Contracting

Carroll Professional Contracting

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