Get matched with top basement remodelers in Ottawa, IL

Q: Can I convert a basement into a game room, and what are the challenges?

• <div><p>Basements are commonly converted into game rooms. The potential challenges you may run into include controlling moisture, working with low ceilings, limited natural light, and the need for additional electrical or HVAC work. Addressing these issues can add to the total cost, but it ensures a comfortable and functional space.</p></div>

Q: What renovations or features add the most value to a house?

• <div><p>Home improvements that increase value offer a high return on investment (ROI) and can enhance your quality of life. Upgrades to your home&rsquo;s curb appeal often add the most value, with garage door replacement having one of the best ROIs at 93%. Other high-value exterior projects include replacing your front door, upgrading siding and roofing, installing a stone veneer, adding new windows, and landscaping. For interior renovations, a fresh coat of paint provides an excellent ROI. Major projects like a kitchen remodel or upgrading appliances and HVAC systems also add significant value, as potential buyers appreciate the peace of mind that new equipment provides.</p></div>

Q: What room is the most expensive to renovate?

• <div><p>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.</p></div>

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: Would the newly raised basement ceiling need to be finished?

• <div><p>You can <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-paint-walls-ceiling-and-trim.htm">paint your ceiling</a> or install a drywall ceiling if the ceiling is unfinished, as they take up less headroom than drop ceilings. </p><p>If there are pipes in the way of ceiling installation, you can do one of two things: reroute the pipes or adjust the installation to fit, which will cost extra.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Basement Remodel pros in Ottawa, IL

*The Angi rating for Basement Remodel companies in Ottawa, 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 Ottawa, 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 June 03, 2026

Reviewed in June 2026
I can&#39;t say enough about Verlys Pro Moving . These guys were very professional, hard working and respectful of the property. This move was from Ottawa,IL to Peru,IL. They moved some very heavy, awkward pieces from a basement and packed into an enclosed trailer for me. I would definitely...
Verlys Pro Moving
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Reviewed in October 2025
Mr. Baldyga was very professional. He was up front about cost and timing of the work I needed done. I needed new carpets installed and the old removed, new floors in my kitchen and laundry room. He moved a wall to extend my master bedroom and moved my laundry room from the basement up to the...
BALD EAGLE CONSTRUCTION & WATERSCAPES LLC
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Reviewed in September 2024
Bryan was professional and meticulous completing the the interior of my upstairs living area as well as the basement utility area floors and walls. What a transformation!
Dixon Superior Painting, LLC
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Reviewed in February 2024
Highly dependable and highly skilled in a variety of trades from carpentry to exterior work including gutters. Worked along side of me on a variety of projects including new construction and residential remodels, Pays attention to detail and will recognize what needs to be done for highest...
L & C Renovations
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Reviewed in January 2023
They totally remodeled our bathroom first and did such a great job we had them do our kitchen.
Terry's Remodeling
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Reviewed in May 2022
We were interested in having an old concrete block shower in the basement relined with an insert, having the flooring redone and new fixtures installed. All had to be custom work since it was a larger space than normal. Joe and Will were great to work with, explaining the job and answering our...
Triple Service, Inc.
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Reviewed in October 2021
I called them they came right away provided a reasonable quote. Tuck pointed natural stone foundation, built a wing wall, repaired stone wall entrance to basement. Did a great job worked with me through out the process to achieve the results I wanted. Its beautiful and i will be hiring them in...
JL Masonry
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Reviewed in June 2021
Professional, reliable, and went over and beyond their workload. I highly recommend Everdry Waterproofing to seal and protect your leaky and damp basement.
Everdry Waterproofing of Illinois
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Reviewed in February 2021
Project: Waterproof a Basement. Pivotal Basement Solutions, Jeff, Andy, Jake, and their crew were awesome to work with. They did exactly what they stated they were going to do. Professional, courteous, and definitely customer oriented. Answered all my questions and cleaned up when job...
Pivotal Basement Solutions
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Reviewed in March 2019
Jeremy and his team came in, covered everything, moved the necessary furniture, and painted 4 big rooms for us in our home! Very efficient, clean, and quick! They were in and out in 2 days!! We are going to be using them for the rest of the house, as well as our garage and basement for dry...
Painters Plus
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Find Basement remodelers in Ottawa

Lavalle Construction

4.9(

)

Serving Ottawa, IL and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2013

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"Brian LaValle is a God Send!! Bought my home for under 20k and Brian has done everything from the basement to the roof!!! Drive by and Look at It. 705 Lundy St Streator. It sat for 5 1/2 years after a destructive foreclosure. There was no bathroom! Everyone Loves my bathroom now. The house looks Modern and heÃ¢Â Â s SO professional and comfortable and has been working on my home for well over a year so we pitched him keys to the house. I slept in the other day while him and his crew, always making sure my cats donÃ¢Â Â t get out, installed my laundry room floor. Never thought something like that could happen! Grade A work! Im So Proud of my house! This guy Checks My House to assure itÃ¢Â Â s sound and safe! The addition was attached to the original house. My roof was stressed and leaking. He Ã¢Â Â tiedÃ¢Â Â (their lingo) the 2 lil houses together. Now IÃ¢Â Â m saving up for him to do the roof. I flipped and remodeled 4 homes of my own when I was younger. This guy is the best. I humbly admit. Brian LaValle 815-674-8152"

+15

Response time1 day

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Klock Home Services

New to Angi

Serving Ottawa, IL and surrounding areas

Approved

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

Warranties offered

Hi, I’m Kevin with Klock Home Services, proudly serving the Fox Valley area. I provide reliable, detail-oriented handyman and home repair services at fair prices. From furniture and drywall repair to minor carpentry, fixture installs, and general maintenance, I treat every project like it’s in my own home. Whether it’s a small fix or a larger task, you can count on quality work done right the first time.

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Christensen Carpentry

3.7(

)

Serving Ottawa, IL and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2019

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"They went above and beyond. They treated my house like it was theirs. They wouldnâ t just put my roof on but they checked to make sure it was ok to put the new shingles on. They were respectful of my premises. They got the work done and cleaned up all their messes. I would hire them again because they are very honest!"

Response time6 hrs

Recommended by66%of homeowners

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Spittler Construction

New to Angi

Serving Ottawa, IL and surrounding areas

Approved

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

Warranties offered

I have been in some form of construction most of my adult life. And recently have started turning it into a business for myself. From grading to excavating work to remodel projects we can handle it. We are based in Hennepin and work all over the Illinois Valley. We pride ourselves on being prompt, upfront and honest with our customers to give the customer the best experience possible. \n\n24 hour emergency service available

7 neighbors recently requested a quote

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COMBAT VETS R US, LLC

5.0(

)

Serving Ottawa, IL and surrounding areas

In business since 2018

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"The prices were fair. They were on-time. The quality of work was good. There were a couple of drops of paint on the wall and they came back to touch it up. I thought they were very considerate when working and worked around a couple of days while I wasn't there. I would recommend them."

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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American Custom Homes

5.0(

)

Serving Ottawa, 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 Ottawa, 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

Serving Ottawa, IL and surrounding areas

In business since 1981

"The crew was punctual, did a good job cleaning up after and during the process, also were accommodating to with our schedule."

+29

Response time8 hrs

Recommended by87%of homeowners

Serving Ottawa, IL and surrounding areas

In business since 2003

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"We are so happy with the job Holague Services did for us! We have special needs grandchildren and they helped us extend a half wall to keep our babies safe. They were professional, on time,had great communication and respected us and our home. Highly recommend!"

+14

Recommended by28%of homeowners

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Watchmen Maintenance And Services

4.8(

)

Serving Ottawa, IL and surrounding areas

In business since 2018

Free estimates

"Very professional, very flexible scheduling, Brad did an excellent job for a small flooring project. I will use again."

Response time1 day

Response rate94%

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Showing 1-10 of 42

Basement Remodel questions, answered by experts

Basements are commonly converted into game rooms. The potential challenges you may run into include controlling moisture, working with low ceilings, limited natural light, and the need for additional electrical or HVAC work. Addressing these issues can add to the total cost, but it ensures a comfortable and functional space.

Home improvements that increase value offer a high return on investment (ROI) and can enhance your quality of life. Upgrades to your home’s curb appeal often add the most value, with garage door replacement having one of the best ROIs at 93%. Other high-value exterior projects include replacing your front door, upgrading siding and roofing, installing a stone veneer, adding new windows, and landscaping. For interior renovations, a fresh coat of paint provides an excellent ROI. Major projects like a kitchen remodel or upgrading appliances and HVAC systems also add significant value, as potential buyers appreciate the peace of mind that new equipment provides.

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.

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?

You can paint your ceiling or install a drywall ceiling if the ceiling is unfinished, as they take up less headroom than drop ceilings.

If there are pipes in the way of ceiling installation, you can do one of two things: reroute the pipes or adjust the installation to fit, which will cost extra.

The Ottawa, 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.