"We recently completed a basement finishing project with Matrix and are happy with the final result. As with many large remodeling projects, we ran into a few issues along the way. A flooring material delivery delay pushed the project timeline back by a few weeks. The shower panel was scratched during plumbing installation and had to be replaced, and there were several electrical items shown on the plans that required follow-up visits to complete correctly. We didn't discover until after the drywall and painting were finished that the framing team had missed the wood backing specified in the plans for our TV mounts, which was never resolved. Despite these challenges, our site manager, Jim, was responsive, professional, and easy to work with throughout the project. He was available when questions came up and helped address issues as they arose. While the project wasn't without hiccups, Matrix worked to resolve concerns, and we are enjoying our new basement."
"This was a remodeling job. Ed finished 800 sq ft of basement. Framed walls, drywall, insulation, electrical outlets, suspended ceiling, lights, installed doors. (Flooring was done by a company he recommended.) He impressed me by carefully listening to what I wanted and provided valuable advice throughout the design and execution of the work. He started work promptly and skillfully coordinated the work of his employees and subcontractors so that there was very little downtime. Workers were very competent, friendly, and respectful to us, the homeowners. I highly recommend him for any type of remodeling or new construction project and would use him exclusively in the future. I want to recognize him for his quality work, competence, helpfulness, honesty and integrity."
"Bronson was really easy to communicate with and answered all questions and concerns in a timely manner. Work was done efficiently and professionally. Most important no LEAKS!!!"
"Rob does quality work and he also has good ideas that helped us on our remodeling plans. He always kept us well informed of his schedule. Rob is also very good at keeping the work area clean. He is very good at cleaning up at the end of the work day."
"Precision Interior was very professional and got this job done very quickly. This was time sensitive and they didn't disappoint. I would recommend them to anyone needing work done around their house or business."
"Gerardo is a very professional businessman, kept me updated on his arrival time and went the extra mile to provide the necessary services. I will call on him for future tasks around my new home."
"The repairs went well, the quality was great. The repeated calls to actually get them to show up was very unprofessional. I will not hire them again."
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.
"I feel extremely fortunate to have found Vicki through Angie's List ! She is an extremely talented person who is very easy to deal with. She has a breath of knowledge that allows her to accommodate my tastes, but also ensure that the overall design is in sync with the design and location of my home. She has a very diplomatic way of suggesting when I'm going astray with my choices and in every case where she has told me "Trust Me" I have been delighted ! She is very aggressive in helping me find the best pricing and often times will work with the vendors directly hence saving me the time. She also has excellent local contacts. Everyone I've worked with through Vicki has been timely, professional, and highly competent. My project is far from complete. I intend to continue to use Vicki and her expert advice until the end !!!!"
If you have the woodworking experience to build a bar from scratch and you have the time, DIYing the work is a no-brainer and can save a few thousand dollars. However, if you’re looking to include a sink, additional lighting fixtures, or high-end bar tops and cabinets, it’s usually a better idea to call in a pro. It will cost more, but the finished product will likely be worth it.
Roughing in and connecting utilities are the hardest parts of finishing a basement, and they’re the parts we typically don’t recommend doing as a DIY project. Unfortunately, your finishing timeline can be extended by weeks while you wait for contractors and inspectors to install electrical wiring, plumbing lines, and heating/cooling equipment and carry out inspections.
Walkout basements are not generally included in a home’s square footage, although they may be if they meet certain conditions that depend on local regulations. A finished walkout basement used as a living space may be counted toward square footage in some locations as long as all codes for livable space are met.
Home improvements that increase value offer a high return on investment (ROI) and can enhance your quality of life. Upgrades to your home’s curb appeal often add the most value, with garage door replacement having one of the best ROIs at 93%. Other high-value exterior projects include replacing your front door, upgrading siding and roofing, installing a stone veneer, adding new windows, and landscaping. For interior renovations, a fresh coat of paint provides an excellent ROI. Major projects like a kitchen remodel or upgrading appliances and HVAC systems also add significant value, as potential buyers appreciate the peace of mind that new equipment provides.
Framing a basement takes three to five days, on average, when completed by a professional, though it may take longer for a larger space. Keep in mind this doesn’t include the time to complete the design, obtain permits, and install the drywall on the framing. On average, fully finishing a basement takes an average of 45 days.
The Sodus, MI homeowners’ guide to basement remodels
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
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.