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>

Get matched with top basement remodelers in Coldwater, MI

Q: What are the most expensive parts of finishing a basement?

• <div><p>Anything having to do with the structure of your home, such as raising the ceiling, is usually the most expensive part of finishing a basement. Another project component that could be a surprisingly high expense is adding an exterior entrance. </p><p>The <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/what-average-cost-add-exitwalk-out-my-finished-basement.htm">cost of a walkout basement</a> can be anywhere from $5,000 to $35,000.</p></div>

Q: How do I know if my basement walls are suitable for finishing?

• <div><p>To determine if your basement walls are suitable for finishing, assess their structural integrity and moisture conditions. Look for any signs of damage, such as cracks, bowing, or excessive moisture. Ensure proper drainage and address any underlying issues before proceeding. </p><p>Consult with a professional if you're uncertain about the structural stability or potential risks associated with finishing your basement walls.</p></div>

Q: Is finishing a basement worth it, and how much value does it add?

• <div><p>Yes, in most cases, finishing a basement is worth the cost. The project adds valuable, usable square footage to your home and typically provides a return on investment (ROI) of 70% to 75%. For example, an average basement refinishing project costing $32,000 could add between $22,400 and $24,000 to your property's value. The final value added depends on factors like your location, the quality of materials and workmanship, and the features you include, such as a living space, bedroom, or bathroom. To be officially counted in your home's total square footage, the finished space must comply with all local building codes, including requirements for points of egress. However, in areas prone to flooding, a finished basement might be seen as a liability by potential buyers and could potentially decrease your home's value.</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: 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>

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Verified Reviews for Basement Remodel pros in Coldwater, MI

*The Angi rating for Basement Remodel companies in Coldwater, MI 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 Coldwater, MI 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 May 24, 2026

Reviewed in May 2026
A1 Remodeling & More did two projects for us. Replaced our cedar siding with vinyl siding and did a roof replacement. Both projects went very well and they delivered exactly what they said they would.
A-1 REMODELING & MORE LLC
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Reviewed in August 2024
Tim did a great job on kitchen remodel including making me a custom walnut countertop and laying 2000sqft of flooring throughout kitchen living room and dining room, laundry room, showed up on time and followed through with everything we discussed without issue
TC Construction and Remodel
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Reviewed in June 2023
Very happy with the egress window that was installed in our basement. The company was very attentive to open communication and our needs as customers. The contractors kept me informed and ask for my approval/concerns throughout the project. Work was completed in a timely manner. The work site...
Crossroads Foundation Repair, LLC
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Reviewed in May 2023
We have interacted with a number of contractors in remodeling our home and Apex was, unfortunately, not what we thought they would be, based on assurances that they made. Communications were a persistent problem.
Apex Painting LLC
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Reviewed in October 2020
Sun Control did multiple projects in our condo. We first hired them to replace our lanai. Patrick helped us design a beautiful lanai that now is the best looking in our complex. We remodeled our kitchen doing a majority of the work ourselves. After shopping around, Sun Control also installed...
Sun Control Aluminum and Remodeling Co., Inc.
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Reviewed in July 2020
We had a basement that always had water in it almost year round. We decided to sell the house and move to North Carolina. Still trying to sell the home we decided to have a French Drain System put in with a bleeder line, as it would not sell as it was. The Stay Dry team was excellent from start...
Stay Dry Basement Waterproofing Inc
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Reviewed in April 2019
HIGHLY RECOMMEND Leeâ s Plumbing! Returned home, our sump pump had failed. Basement soaked. Heavy rains were predicted. Received a call five minutes after posting! He came over within half an hour, was efficient and professional. After 8 pm! Saved the day! Great service!
Lee's Plumbing, Inc.
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Reviewed in February 2017
Provides a lifetime guarantee on a dry basement. The guarantee stays with the house, even if you move, so the new owners will also have the guarantee. The work was done on time and only took a day.
Ayers Basement Systems
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Reviewed in March 2016
We worked with Mike and Neal to load a 26' Uhaul truck to the back edge with boxes and household furniture from our Wilmette home. We contracted for 4 hours with 4 movers- furniture included a 20' solid maple shuffleboard- easily weighing 700#- they moved this out of our basement window without...
Fallen Movers
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Reviewed in February 2015
We hired Paul Matthews because we needed to repaint a house inteior and basement to put it on the market quickly. Paul & his helpers worked four 12-hr days on the two jobs and did them both excellently and on time. He is a problem solver and worked around the snags encountered.
Busy Bee Painting
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Find Basement remodelers in Coldwater

Michael Gary Ottenbacher

New to Angi

Basement - Remodel

Serving Coldwater, MI and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2015

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

We pride our company on reliability, great communication, integrity, and quality work. We are experts in our trade and will do our best to keep you as educated as we can on your particular task or project. We look forward to earning your business! Book with us online or feel free to give us a call today!

+22

Response time1 day

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New Age Home Improvement

5.0(

)

Basement - Remodel

Serving Coldwater, MI and surrounding areas

In business since 2012

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

Hi my name is Joe Letson. Owner of new age home improvement. We specialize in home repairs like roofing, painting and drywall work, and installing trim. We have been in business for over 20 years . We are on time and neat and pay attention to the details of are work.

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Serving Coldwater, MI 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

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Hampton Enterprise LLC

3.7(

)

Basement - Remodel

Serving Coldwater, MI and surrounding areas

In business since 1989

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"They were good. They were pretty fast and came on time. My overall experience with them has been good."

Recommended by60%of homeowners

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Gothberg Construction and Design, Inc.

4.0(

)

Basement - Remodel

Serving Coldwater, MI and surrounding areas

In business since 2006

Free estimates

Warranties offered

"Contractor was on time and completed the job as described, very easy to work with."

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Serving Coldwater, MI and surrounding areas

We specialize in roofing and all phases of remodeling for your home, business, bathrooms, kitchens, finishing basements. We also specialize in power washing , interior & exterior painting and more! We guarantee your satisfaction, and we won’t leave until the job is done right. We pride ourselves on the quality work we provide, while delivering great customer service! Check out all the services we offer below and call -or- click to schedule a free estimate today!

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Taylors handyman services

New to Angi

Basement - Remodel

Serving Coldwater, MI and surrounding areas

Your reliable handyman, ready to tackle all your home repair needs! With expertise in bathroom/basement remodeling, painting, trim, drywall, flooring, siding, carpentry, fencing, decks, and tile , I deliver quality results. Let me handle your projects and make your home shine!

Serving Coldwater, MI and surrounding areas

In business since 2008

Free estimates

Been working in AZ, moved back to my hometown to improve people's homes

Serving Coldwater, MI and surrounding areas

In business since 1994

Free estimates

Vargo Woodworking is locally and operated business with over 20 years of experience. We specialize in professional home improvement services. Our commitment is 100% guaranteed customer satisfaction on every project. Call today for a free estimate.

Serving Coldwater, MI and surrounding areas

In business since 2017

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

We take great pride in our experience, expertise, quality and customer service that we provide to meet your needs. It is our mission to provide excellent workmanship and complete customer satisfaction from start to completion of a project. In order to understand the needs and expectations of our customers, we take great care to work and communicate with every customer a professional manner. Our reputation is based on service, safety and quality, regardless of how large or small the job.

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Showing 1-10 of 19

Basement Remodel questions, answered by experts

Anything having to do with the structure of your home, such as raising the ceiling, is usually the most expensive part of finishing a basement. Another project component that could be a surprisingly high expense is adding an exterior entrance.

The cost of a walkout basement can be anywhere from $5,000 to $35,000.

To determine if your basement walls are suitable for finishing, assess their structural integrity and moisture conditions. Look for any signs of damage, such as cracks, bowing, or excessive moisture. Ensure proper drainage and address any underlying issues before proceeding.

Consult with a professional if you're uncertain about the structural stability or potential risks associated with finishing your basement walls.

Yes, in most cases, finishing a basement is worth the cost. The project adds valuable, usable square footage to your home and typically provides a return on investment (ROI) of 70% to 75%. For example, an average basement refinishing project costing $32,000 could add between $22,400 and $24,000 to your property's value. The final value added depends on factors like your location, the quality of materials and workmanship, and the features you include, such as a living space, bedroom, or bathroom. To be officially counted in your home's total square footage, the finished space must comply with all local building codes, including requirements for points of egress. However, in areas prone to flooding, a finished basement might be seen as a liability by potential buyers and could potentially decrease your home's value.

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.

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 basement foundation, 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.

The Coldwater, MI 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]
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•
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.