"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."
"We are very pleased with the entire project--from demolition to final details. Our new basement is wonderful--everything we had hoped it would be. It was great to work with Brawny Builders. They are great at communicating throughout the entire process and are reliable. You can trust them to do great work!"
"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."
"The work was good for the most part. I was pleased with the actual work downstairs and the pricing but I was disappointed in a couple of things like they missed some of the door from the way out to the basement. They also said that there would be no dust or dirt in the kitchen but when we were out there, there was dust on the stove so I wasn’t pleased with that. I understand that workers have to use the bathrooms but water was shut off and no one could figure out how to turn on the water so they did their business, opened the toilets and never flushed them; all three toilets of the house. I was very not pleased with that. One would think that somebody that is in construction business could go in the basement area and figure out how to turn on the valve so that they could flush the toilets. It was gross. They ripped out everything down in the basement and that part of it was fine; I thought that they did a good job there. The price was very good."
"It was a small job. They sealed the vents to the crawlspace, then, since there was already solid insulation panels on the walls, put a vapor/moisture barrier, in the form of a tarp, 4 feet wide and as long needed, completely around the crawlspace. It was then sealed to the walls with "nails" and adhesive. This seals the wood frame of the house from the 'Outside", the ground, which is the floor of the crawlspace. A 20 mil thick, quite heavy, "floor" was installed, also in the form of a tarp, It went up the walls about 3 feet and was taped to the 'tarp" on the walls, using a tape made for this application. The piers were wrapped with the same stuff and taped to seal the inside from the outside. the "floor" is also a vapor/moisture barrier, but, heavy enough to walk on if needed. This basically makes the crawlspace another room, rather than the outside. Our house is one year old and was already getting mold on the floor joists. Since the air in the crawlspace will now be heated in the winter and cooled in the summer, just like the rest of the house, the mold and cold (52 degrees) floors we experienced last winter will hopefully be eliminated. We shall see when dumb winter gets here."
"The carpenter arrived upon time and examined problems that we had sent photos of ahead of time. He was very professional in all respects. The problems to be fixed were assessed and corrected in prompt fashion. The worked was approved by me and completed satisfactorily far more quickly than anticipated. "
Family owned business connected with all our people. Provide a safe working space with all your projects.We met your expectations with no problem our people communicate well. Have many years of customer service support we are a responsible and respectful rewarding trust ,safe company. Interior/Exterior Remodeling projects- kitchen and bath, room additions, dry wall, paint, flooring, roofing ,electrical, plumbing, etc.. \nWe are Bilingual
"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!
You technically can paint wires in a basement ceiling, but there are several important safety and code considerations. It's safe to paint non-metallic sheathed cable as long as the labeling remains visible. You can also paint low-voltage wires and conduit and junction boxes to help them blend into your basement.
However, you should not paint damaged or deteriorated wiring is a fire hazard because it poses a fire hazard. The same goes for painting over high-heat wires that connect to heat-generating appliances or systems. Be sure to avoid painting multiple coats onto any wires, as that traps heat and poses fire risks.
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.
A walkout basement is considered to be partially below grade because at least one wall is entirely exposed. In some cases and in specific municipalities, inspectors and appraisers will still count walkout basements as below grade, which means the space can’t serve as living space or be rented out. If you intend on using the area as living space or a separate apartment, you should check with your local building department to make sure it’s legal to do so.
When considering finishing your basement, take into account a few pros and cons:
Pros
Can increase the value of your home
Separate space from the rest of the house
Customize and personalize the basement to suit your needs and style
Increase the amount of living space in your home
Cons
May not regain enough value to cover the cost of finishing
Lack of natural light if it’s below ground level
Moisture or flooding can cause costly damage
Installing plumbing and electrical can be messy and costly
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.
The Union Pier, 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.
