Get matched with top basement remodelers in Polo, IL

Q: Why do some old houses have a toilet in the basement?

• <div><p>Some older homes have toilets in the basement to combat sewage backups. This type of toilet, also known as a Pittsburgh potty, acted as a safety valve over the incoming sewer line. If a line backed up, it would back up into the toilet because it was the lowest fixture in the home, keeping it out of sight and away from the finished areas of the house.</p><p>Basement toilets were also used by workers with messy jobs, like those who worked in coal mines or steel mills. This way, they could clean up and avoid tracking dirt through their home.</p></div>

Q: 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&rsquo;s skills and knowledge. If you don&rsquo;t properly waterproof your finished basement, it&rsquo;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>

Q: Are walkout basements included in square footage?

• <div><p>Walkout basements are not generally included in a home&rsquo;s square footage, although they may be if they meet certain conditions that depend on local regulations. A finished walkout basement used as a living space may be counted toward square footage in some locations as long as all codes for livable space are met.</p></div>

Q: Does a finished basement count toward a home's square footage?

• <div><p>A finished basement does not always count as square footage, as this varies by state regulations. In areas that allow below-grade spaces to be included in a home's official square footage, the basement must typically meet certain conditions. These conditions often include having a functional egress and being a livable space with flooring, finished walls, and temperature control. To be certain, contact your local assessor to confirm your area's specific policies regarding basement square footage.</p></div>

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>

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Verified Reviews for Basement Remodel pros in Polo, IL

*The Angi rating for Basement Remodel companies in Polo, 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 Polo, 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 December 04, 2025

Reviewed in December 2025
I usually have good service from Farley, not yesterday. I called as soon as they opened because Furnace wasn't working right. Lady was friendly. Told me she could send someone but couldn't give me a time. Understandable. The guy showed up without calling me first that he was on...
FARLEYS APPLIANCE
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Reviewed in May 2023
Terrible time management said they would be here within the hour and it's already been 3. Our basement was flooding and we had no idea what was wrong. My cat has better time management.
Sauk Valley Plumbing
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Reviewed in March 2023
M y wife and I had used Cherrytree Kitchens a few times in the past to reface our kitchen cabinets and install countertops at our house and at another house that we had purchased to rent out. The final product was flawless on both of those and when you walked into the kitchens it was wow. That...
Cherrytree Kitchens
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Reviewed in October 2022
Chris and his crew did a fantastic job, completing the project on time and on budget. They provided up front ideas and recommendations that fit in with our vision and it was clear that they are experienced in their trade. I would recommend UpperDeck to anyone who is looking to add a new deck...
Upper Deck Design and Construction
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Reviewed in May 2020
LRD came to the rescue when my mother's basement flooded. They were prompt, kind and always professional. They had to remove the carpeting and part of the drywall. They showed great care when moving her personal treasures. Dave and his crew from LDR did an outstanding job cleaning the mess and...
LDR Cleaning & Restoration
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Reviewed in July 2018
Exceptional service, very professional, very knowledgeable and honest from the initial contact to finishing the job! Very impressed with this company! My basement now looks great as they sealed the cracks to reduce the radon levels and lined the walls.
MidAmerica Basement Systems
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Reviewed in May 2017
Terry Blitsch tackled our challenging interior remodel of an Illinois 1970's manufactured family home, while we were living in Nebraska. Yes, he took on this project with us two states away, and we were fine with that! My husband and I selected Terry's Remodeling to handle this job...
Terry's Remodeling
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Reviewed in July 2014
I would highly recommend Rogers Remodeling for any roofing needs. They were extremely punctual, neat, and did not waste time. They started and finished on time. I came home for lunch at different hours of each day the crew was working, and work was always being performed. I was impressed how...
Rogers Remodeling Inc.
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Reviewed in February 2013
I apologize that it has been 14 months since the move, so I don't remember some details, including exactly what we paid. What I do remember, however, is that the team was really great! Communication was good from the start, estimate was just what we paid. The movers worked quickly and...
J & P Moving Service, Inc.
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Reviewed in January 2013
Plumbers appeared on time. Did the work promptly, neatly and well. Thorough cleanup after. Mr. Reaver was very helpful in providing ideas for completion of basement bathroom and type and location of utility sinks. <br />
Reaver Plumbing & Heating
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Find Basement remodelers in Polo

E Squared Construction LLC

5.0(

)

Serving Polo, IL and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2023

Free estimates

Small jobs welcome

"Very good job remodeling our basement!"

+11

Response time5 hrs

Response rate100%

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Tyler Gucciardo

New to Angi

Serving Polo, IL and surrounding areas

Approved

I am a local carpenter who has been in the trades for about 10 years now. I can do almost anything from framing houses to laying flooring. And it is my mission to deliver a quality service at a quality price.

Serving Polo, IL and surrounding areas

In business since 2014

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"He's a very good worker, a very knowledgeable person. Friendly and respectable guy."

+69

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Kirt Johnson Construction

3.8(

)

Serving Polo, IL and surrounding areas

In business since 2011

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"Kirt did a great job. He figured out how to straighten out the kitchen floor. Can't tell there was ever a hump there. Kirt and his partner showed up every day on time. Started the job when he said he would and kept the cost to the estimate. I was kept informed of what they were doing and how they were going to do it the entire way. They ran a couple days over the estimated time but they stayed here til it was finished. I love the job they did. My kitchen and bath look great
"

Recommended by85%of homeowners

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J&M Contracting Services LLC

4.1(

)

Serving Polo, IL and surrounding areas

In business since 2012

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"It's a group of people that come in and they take care of the job. They're knowledgeable because they know exactly what they're doing. The guy that came in with them had an answer in any question I asked. All things went very well. They good in cleaning everything out so I can't say anything bad about them."

Recommended by83%of homeowners

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BNK Property Services

5.0(

)

Serving Polo, IL and surrounding areas

In business since 2022

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Fixed electrical issues in my hog barns."

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Serving Polo, IL and surrounding areas

In business since 2019

Free estimates

"BKL Construction was very prompt to respond to my initial request for quoting work. Quote was fair. Work was satisfactory and done in good time. Would definitely hire again."

+52

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Westward Carpenter Contractors Inc

4.2(

)

Serving Polo, IL and surrounding areas

In business since 2012

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"In the home repair world, it's always difficult to find professional people that do quality work without charging an arm and a leg. Westward took on our complicated carpentry projects by listening to our needs and ideas, offering up various options to complete the tasks and then made it work. We found Westward to be very professional and knowledgeable. They performed the work in a timely fashion and showed up when they said they would. We highly recommend Westward Carpenter Contractors and will certainly use them again!"

+13

Recommended by81%of homeowners

Serving Polo, 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 Polo, 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

Response time1 day

Response rate98%

Recommended by28%of homeowners

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Showing 1-10 of 33

Basement Remodel questions, answered by experts

Some older homes have toilets in the basement to combat sewage backups. This type of toilet, also known as a Pittsburgh potty, acted as a safety valve over the incoming sewer line. If a line backed up, it would back up into the toilet because it was the lowest fixture in the home, keeping it out of sight and away from the finished areas of the house.

Basement toilets were also used by workers with messy jobs, like those who worked in coal mines or steel mills. This way, they could clean up and avoid tracking dirt through their home.

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.

Walkout basements are not generally included in a home’s square footage, although they may be if they meet certain conditions that depend on local regulations. A finished walkout basement used as a living space may be counted toward square footage in some locations as long as all codes for livable space are met.

A finished basement does not always count as square footage, as this varies by state regulations. In areas that allow below-grade spaces to be included in a home's official square footage, the basement must typically meet certain conditions. These conditions often include having a functional egress and being a livable space with flooring, finished walls, and temperature control. To be certain, contact your local assessor to confirm your area's specific policies regarding basement square footage.

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.

Most homeowners pay between $100,000 and $200,000 for demolition and remodeling costs, whereas the average cost to build a new home is between $139,000 and $531,300.

The Polo, 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
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•
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How Much Does It Cost to Frame a Basement? [2026 Data]
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•
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.
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•
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.
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•
May 18, 2026May 18, 2026
5 Questions to Ask About Basement Remodels
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•
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.