"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 !!!!"
Kitchens and bathrooms are typically the most expensive rooms to renovate. The high cost is due to several factors, including expensive appliances like ranges, hoods, and refrigerators, as well as costly fixtures. The 'bones' of the room, such as electrical and plumbing, are also expensive to move or replace. Because of the vast amount of prep work, finishing, and specialized labor involved in a relatively small footprint, these projects can cost double or more than a living space remodel. Even when trying to renovate on a budget, kitchens and bathrooms will likely carry a hefty price tag.
Although homeowners often use the terms basement remodeling and basement finishing interchangeably, they are quite different terms.
Finishing a basement is the process of taking a basement space that is not habitable and adding elements to make it usable. This includes adding plumbing, flooring, and insulation.
Remodeling a basement means taking an already existing finished basement and changing it, often by adding or removing walls, adding plumbing, or changing the existing flooring.
In addition to overseeing new home builds, construction managers work on large renovations and major remodels. For example, they may work with designers and oversee the construction of a finished basement, kitchen renovation, or a home addition. They may also oversee large-scale remodels, such as the update of a historic home. Construction managers step into small projects for more specific assistance, such as building budgets and compiling the team.
Some older homes have toilets in the basement to combat sewage backups. This type of toilet, also known as a Pittsburgh potty, acted as a safety valve over the incoming sewer line. If a line backed up, it would back up into the toilet because it was the lowest fixture in the home, keeping it out of sight and away from the finished areas of the house.
Basement toilets were also used by workers with messy jobs, like those who worked in coal mines or steel mills. This way, they could clean up and avoid tracking dirt through their home.
A finished basement must have a heat and electrical supply with an entrance that meets building code requirements, such as a stairwell to the home's main living space. It often must include finished walls, ceilings, and floors. If the finished basement includes a bedroom, it should have a heat source, an egress window, and a closet.
Remodeling, as opposed to finishing, means altering an already finished basement by adding a bathroom, bedroom, or living area.
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.
