"We hired matrix because we had a huge basement that was not finished. I researched many companies and got several quotes, and we ultimately went with Matrix. I can say from start to finish, the experience was awesome."
"Donavan and Mike were great. They totally stripped my bathroom and then installed new drywall and ceiling., painted it. New tub and shower, vanity, fan, lighting. Fixed a major plumbing issue discovered by a 3rd party. All for about the same money we were quoted for just the tub area."
"I would like to thank Community construction for the work they did with the remodel / rework job they did on my manufactured home in the Yankee Springs / Middleville Michigan area. I recently have expanded my family and need to convert an extra living room space into a bedroom and a smaller sitting / tv room. The Gentleman "Nate" who worked on my home did a great job. Nate communicated with me every step of the way to make sure I was always informed of what was going on. thanks again."
Mills Design and Management, LLC is a family owned company, providing quality service to home owners in southwest Michigan. We pride ourselves on our expert ability to handle each situation. With over 25 years of experience, our staff is highly skilled, and trained. We specialize in basement remodeling, additions, custom barns and garages, and disaster restoration services, from smoke, fire, water, and storms. Our work is never finished until you are completely satisfied and happy. Please call us today, we are looking forward to serving you.
"Matrix did an excellent job installing a bathroom in my basement. Steve was incredible in coordinating the different work that needed to be completed and there were many variables for him to juggle. My bathroom shower is probably the nicest in Southeastern Michigan (not bragging - I'd post pictures if I could). Steve's teams did an excellent job getting everything done and making it look as luxurious as possible. The only constructive feedback I have for the company is that the pricing was very steep considering that I believe many steps in the process may have been eliminated; the sales rep was not familiar with every scope of work necessary which made things confusing for Steve (the Project Foreman), and there was an additional individual whom I never corresponded with which made me wonder if there are too many folks involved to keep the pricing affordable. I paid to install the bathroom what I wanted to pay to complete the entire basement and I had to complete some of the work myself to include painting and flooring installation. Overall the quality of the work is tremendous, however, I still think there's opportunity to restructure the approach to completing projects that could drop the pricing down for the consumer. I would definitely hire the company again as they do incredible work and I couldn't be happier with my completed bathroom."
"It went outstandingly! Kyle and his team were fast, professional, proficient, and extremely nice. We loved working with them, and would continue to use them as projects come up. Could not recommend more!!!"
"I gave Andrew some blueprints for a mud kitchen I had found on Etsy and he put it together and stained it within a day! It was the perfect birthday present for my daughter. Would hire again!"
"Rob and his brother did a fantastic job on our basement. They were prompt and professional. They also made a point of cleaning up at the end of every day they worked so I didn't have drywall dust tracked through the rest of the house. Rob did a fantastic job finishing the drywall and making it ready to prime and paint. The price quoted was very reasonable. I would use them again if I needed any construction. "
You should always use high-quality lumber for your framing in order to ensure it will last the test of time and resist moisture. Use 2-foot by 4-foot lumber that is pressure-treated for your framing.
It is generally more affordable to finish a basement than an attic, though it ultimately depends on how you plan to use the space. The average cost to finish a basement ranges from $7 to $23 per square foot, while attic renovation costs $30 to $60 per square foot. However, a simple attic conversion to a storage space will cost significantly less.
When choosing materials for finishing basement walls, consider factors such as moisture resistance, durability, and fire resistance. Opt for materials specifically designed for basement environments, like moisture-resistant drywall or cement board. Insulation with vapor barriers can help regulate temperature and prevent condensation. Consider using mold-resistant paints or coatings.
Research and consult with experts to select materials that are suitable for your specific basement conditions and intended use. Prioritize quality and compatibility to achieve long-lasting and aesthetically pleasing results.
Yes, most general contractors require an initial down payment. A reasonable deposit is typically between 10% and 25% of the total project cost, although this can vary by project size and location. This upfront payment helps the contractor cover initial costs like materials, permits, licensing, and hiring subcontractors. The remaining balance is usually billed according to a schedule outlined in your contract, often tied to project milestones or completion dates. Be cautious of contractors who ask for a large deposit of 50% or more, as this could be a red flag for a scam.
Unless you have extensive experience in construction work, remodeling a basement is best left to a professional. There are several tasks associated with this project that require exact precision, including:
Replacing insulation
Replacing carpet or other flooring
Adding heating and cooling
Adjusting or adding walls and doors
Altering or adding plumbing elements
If any of these elements is done incorrectly, it could severely impact the quality of your basement remodel and be dangerous. Changing a basement often comes with code safety requirements, like egress windows and proper ventilation. Therefore, leaving it up to a professional is often the best decision.
The Portage, MI homeowners’ guide to basement remodels
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
If your basement ceiling is low, there are ways to raise it. Learn more about the cost to raise a basement ceiling to be able to enjoy your basement and create a more usable space in your home.
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.