Is it more affordable to gut a house than build a new home?

• <div><p>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. </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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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>

Q: Can you turn a regular basement into a walkout basement?

• <div><p>Yes, it is possible to turn a regular basement into a walkout basement. Doing so involves excavating the land around at least one side of your <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/basement-foundation.htm">basement foundation</a>, installing retaining walls to create a permanent below-grade area outside your home, and then cutting into the foundation to install an exterior door that leads out to the new space. This is an expensive and time-consuming project, but it can add a lot of value and utility to your home.</p></div>

Q: Is a walkout basement below grade?

• <div><p>A walkout basement is considered to be partially below grade because at least one wall is entirely exposed. In some cases and in specific municipalities, inspectors and appraisers will still count walkout basements as below grade, which means the space can&rsquo;t serve as living space or be rented out. If you intend on using the area as living space or a separate apartment, you should check with your local building department to make sure it&rsquo;s legal to do so.</p></div>

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: How long should you wait after a new build to finish a basement?

• <div><p>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.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Basement Remodel pros in Wellington, KS

*The Angi rating for Basement Remodel companies in Wellington, KS 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 Wellington, KS 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 03, 2025

Reviewed in October 2023
Very good work ethics and professional. Job was completed in very speedy time frame. I have already recommend Chad Farmer's company to family and friends for plumbing, remodeling, and yard services. I will hire them again.
Farmer's Remodeling and Yard Maintenance
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Reviewed in July 2020
Of all the trades professionals that have been a part of my 110 year old house remodel, Tim @ Ben Franklin Plumbing is one of the most professional, thorough, and patient people I’ve ever encountered. He always over communicates and goes the extra step to make sure that I’m getting best deal.
Ben Franklin Plumbing Wichita
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Reviewed in October 2016
They gutted our basement due to flooding. The service was excellent. We plan to have them back to redo our sheet rock and the rest of the finishing work.
ICT roofing and remodeling
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Reviewed in July 2016
I was happy with the service provided. Cory and his crew did a great job removing the mess that I had in my basement.
Stover's Restoration
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Reviewed in May 2014
The last but not least remodel was the washer and dryer were moved from the basement to a closet on the ground level. It went perfectly when they built the closet out, installed the washer and dryer with a shelving unit above them and closed everything behind folding doors. They painted the...
The Best Home Guys
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Reviewed in May 2014
The plumber first came and did a walk-through of basement and utility room to get an idea of what he needed for the job. The following week, he came and replaced the stock builder provided sump pump (1 yr warranty) with a more robust cast iron sump pump (3 yr warranty) and a battery backup sump...
Masterplumb Inc
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Reviewed in July 2013
We got a quote from them but decided not to use them because they were a little high on their quote. Higher than what we wanted to pay. He was polite and okay but we had asked about maybe putting a bathroom in the basement and that was a job you could tell he really didn't want to do. I know...
Farha HomeTrends, LLC
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Reviewed in April 2013
The man from Stateline Ultimate Remodeling took a deposit of half the work estimated but took off and we never saw the money again. We went to his house and he gave us all kinds of excuses singing the blues so we thought we would give him the benefit of the doubt by him signing a note stating...
Stateline Ultimate Remodeling
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Reviewed in April 2013
Rob the Pest tech arrived on time. He and I discussed the plan of attack to administer the treatment on each floor & garage & attic. He did his work thoroughly throughout the house, especially in the basement above the drop ceiling. The price is very reasonable, verses a spider bite and then...
Guardian Pest Control
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Reviewed in June 2008
He arrived right on time on the morning of the job. He began the task of drilling tiny holes in the floor of the basement, garage, sidewalk, and all around the house. This was made more difficult because he had to move everything away from the walls in the garage and pull the carpet back in the...
JIM MORGAN PEST CONTROL
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Basement Remodeling

Handyman for Multiple Small Project Service

Bathroom Remodeling

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Superior Remodeling

Superior Remodeling

Handyman

Handyman

7B Services

7B Services

Barnes Speedy Home Repair LLC.

Barnes Speedy Home Repair LLC.

Wynne Construction & Restoration

Wynne Construction & Restoration

Dick's handy services

Dick's handy services

Compass Construction

Compass Construction

J&J construction

J&J construction

C/U Painting

C/U Painting

Sons of Lumber

Sons of Lumber

The Wellington, KS homeowners’ guide to basement remodels

How Much Does It Cost to Finish a Basement? [2025 Data]

How Much Does a Walkout Basement Cost? [2025 Data]

How Much Does a Basement Remodel Cost? [2025 Data]

Finishing a Basement: Everything You Need to Know

12 Cellar Renovation Ideas for Your Home

11 Drywall Alternatives for Your Basement

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