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: How much more expensive is finishing a basement than framing it?

• <div><p>The cost of finishing a basement is about <b>$18,400 on average</b>. As you can see, the framing portion of this project costs less, because you&rsquo;re essentially just dealing with laying the foundation for a finished basement. The finishing portion of the project involves a lot more intricate work and design, as well as high-end materials. </p></div>

Q: How much does it cost to make bigger windows in a basement?

• <div><p>Making a window in a basement larger costs an average of $4,200. You&rsquo;ll need to pay an average of $550 to have a structural engineer plan the project, $500 to $1,500 for the installation labor, and an average of $2,200 for the excavation and window well installation. The remainder will go toward pulling permits, installing trim, and repairing drywall on the interior.</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>

Q: Does a bar in the basement add value?

• <div><p>Building a bar in the basement will likely add value to your home, although it&rsquo;s unlikely that you&rsquo;ll see a significant return on investment (ROI) unless you plan on using the space for you and your guests. If you think you&rsquo;ll use the area frequently, though, it&rsquo;s probably worth the investment, and you should see a bump in value if or when you sell your property.</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>

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Verified Reviews for Basement Remodel pros in Franklin, LA

*The Angi rating for Basement Remodel companies in Franklin, LA 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 Franklin, LA 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 01, 2025

Reviewed in November 2024
Ken (the owner) responded to my initial inquiry, came for an inspection and gave me an estimate within 24 hours of my call. Pricing was fair and reasonable. His crew, led by Billy, was courteous and very respectful of our home. They explained the job and did great work, cleaning up after. I...
DRY SPACE WATERPROOFING LLC
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Reviewed in May 2024
Cecil, gave a timely estimated time of arrival. Went above and beyond in not only fixing what I called him out for, but helped me locate the water shutoff, besides turning off at the meter as I was doing. Reasonably priced, kept area neat as he was working. Gave a explanation of what he found...
Passman Plumbing and Heating, LLC
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Reviewed in September 2020
Webster construction did more than the remodel on a bathroom and powder room. There were other things like sheetrock repair, removing mirrors from a wall and demolition of a kitchen as well as repair of a beam in the attic and adding insulation in the attic. His workmen were pleasant and...
Webster Construction
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Reviewed in January 2017
I hired this company to complete a remodeling job that another local contractor began over 3 months ago...and kept dragging his feet to complete. Prime Time Construction came in and completed the job in 2 days to my complete satisfaction. I would strongly recommend this company to anybody...
Prime Time Construction & Restoration, LLC
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Reviewed in June 2014
Mr. Chad Vicknair was the service tech for Rainbow International. He was absolutely wonderful. I had to have an air quality test done on a remodel I am supervising. He came to the house the first day I called. He had to come to the house several times and each time he kept his appointment....
Rainbow Restoration of Southeast Louisiana
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Reviewed in June 2014
I called Joel Voclain to help my sister get repairs done on her mobile home. He came out immediately and was so very nice and helpful. We couldn't afford to do all the work at once, so he helped us to determine what items we needed to have fixed right away and what we could do ourselves. We...
Pro Wash Pressure Washing
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Reviewed in October 2013
Our house was in need of an update, but we wanted to ensure we maintained the character of our historic home. Amedee Frederick of Fifth Generation Masonry and Construction worked with us on every complex detail of the design of the projecst, keeping the integrity of the structure and bringing...
Fifth Generation Masonry And Construction
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Ram & Stinger

Ram & Stinger

EDS Home Improvement

EDS Home Improvement

Asset Builders

Asset Builders

Southern Sewer And Drain

Southern Sewer And Drain

Trent Brown Enterprise LLC

Trent Brown Enterprise LLC

Legion Home Improvements, L.L.C.

Legion Home Improvements, L.L.C.

Hill's Remodeling & Handyman Service

Hill's Remodeling & Handyman Service

DW Renovations/Painting/Handyman Services

DW Renovations/Painting/Handyman Services

GLAMOUR-KRETE

GLAMOUR-KRETE

All Out Contracting

All Out Contracting

The Franklin, LA homeowners’ guide to basement remodels

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