"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."
"Kyle and his guys did a wonderful job . I contacted him on a Wednesday and he was there the next day to work on my roof . Him and his team did a great job and had the job done in less than 24 hours of contacting him. Well worth the money and have had him do multiple other jobs for me. Being a home owner something new always comes up and he’s my go to guy for any project I may need help with. Not only is he efficient and does a great job but he’s a great guy and is always willing to help. Would definitely recommend him for any project big or small."
"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!"
"Wonderful! Rob met with us and listened to what we wanted to do. He presented us with a detailed proposal at a fair price. He followed the proposal document carefully throughout the project and helped us focus on what we had agreed to do. Both Rob and Tom were very professional and courteous. They were respectful of our home and were a pleasure to be around. By the end of the project they felt like part of the family! Our bathroom was very ugly and outdated. They removed the old cabinets, repaired the plaster, painted, installed new cabinets, tub surround and toilet. It looks beautiful now! In our kitchen they removed wallpaper, repaired plaster, painted walls and ceiling and removed our existing flooring. We found unexpected hardwood underneath so we hired The Sandman to refinish our floors because the damage was more extensive than Rob could repair. Our stairwell was covered with stucco. They removed it, repaired the walls, including a large hole in the plaster and then painted. It looks great. We will definitely hire them again! "
It is common for a contractor to ask for a down payment before starting a project, especially for jobs that require purchasing materials and equipment or hiring a crew. The deposit amount can range from 10% to 50% of the total job cost. While a request for up to 50% is not unusual, a contractor should not ask for more than that, and you should never pay for a project in full before the work has begun. To protect yourself, always discuss payment terms before starting and have a written contract that outlines the project timeline and expectations. Additionally, be sure to hire reputable contractors and check their licensing and insurance before the project begins.
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.
There are several small, inexpensive upgrades you can make to upgrade your basement. Although you still need to adhere to building codes and obtain permits when necessary, you can complete small but mighty tasks like painting the masonry walls and installing entertainment devices to make the space more usable.
Professional remodelers streamline the process, manage permits, and handle renovations efficiently—significantly mitigating risk while maintaining standards.
Basements with persistent moisture problems or flooding shouldn’t be finished until the moisture issues have been fixed. In addition, if your foundation is cracked, you have unmitigated radon levels, or you have asbestos or lead pipes, remediate the underlying problem before finishing your basement. Turning a basement into living space before fixing these issues can lead to serious health risks or structural damage.
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.