What are the pros and cons of finishing a basement?

• <div><p>When considering finishing your basement, take into account a few pros and cons:</p><p>Pros</p><ul><li><p>Can increase the value of your home</p></li><li><p>Separate space from the rest of the house </p></li><li><p>Customize and personalize the basement to suit your needs and style</p></li><li><p>Increase the amount of living space in your home</p></li></ul><p>Cons</p><ul><li><p>May not regain enough value to cover the cost of finishing</p></li><li><p>Lack of natural light if it’s below ground level</p></li><li><p>Moisture or flooding can cause costly damage</p></li><li><p>Installing plumbing and electrical can be messy and costly</p></li></ul><p></p></div>

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Q: What is the difference between a joist and a beam in a basement?

• <div><p><a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/joist-vs-beam.htm">Joists and beams</a> are both part of the flooring system above your basement, with the beams spanning the length of your home and getting support from vertical posts underneath, and joists usually spanning half the width of your home with no support posts underneath. The floor joists provide even support to the subflooring and flooring above, and they distribute that load to the beams. The beams then distribute that load down through the support posts to the foundation.</p></div>

Q: Can I convert a basement into a game room, and what are the challenges?

• <div><p>Basements are commonly converted into game rooms. The potential challenges you may run into include controlling moisture, working with low ceilings, limited natural light, and the need for additional electrical or HVAC work. Addressing these issues can add to the total cost, but it ensures a comfortable and functional space.</p></div>

Q: Is a walkout basement below grade?

• <div><p>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&rsquo;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&rsquo;s legal to do so.</p></div>

Q: How do I know if my basement walls are suitable for finishing?

• <div><p>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. </p><p>Consult with a professional if you're uncertain about the structural stability or potential risks associated with finishing your basement walls.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Basement Remodel pros in Underwood, MN

*The Angi rating for Basement Remodel companies in Underwood, MN is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Basement Remodel needs.

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Last update on November 01, 2025

Reviewed in September 2021
considering the randomness of what they did - some things were what the house inspector recommended when I bought the place; upgraded the lighting in the basement, and rewired the entry for a future project - I'm very impressed with their thoroughness and the knowledge to adapt to the wiring of...
Mid-Minnesota Electric, LLC
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Reviewed in October 2019
G&M did an excellent job. I called knowing I had some pretty odorous carpet that needed replacement. I had a few ideas in mind, but wasn't exactly sure how to go about it. They showed up, gave samples, provided multiple quotes for different areas, qualities, etc. and even offered additional...
G & M Flooring
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Reviewed in October 2017
Great job. They went the extra mile to get an extremely heavy piece of equipment out of the basement.
JT'S JUNK&TRASH REMOVAL, LLC
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Reviewed in March 2017
Rob and crew arrived and were all business and very professional. When they were done the basement was clean from their work.
Complete Basement Systems
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Reviewed in March 2015
If you have an older home definitely hire Buck Brothers Construction. They know how to work on older homes. Their workmanship and quality are outstanding. What I appreciate most is how they stand behind their work and their particular attention to detail! It was a pleasure working with Buck...
BUCK BROTHERS CONSTRUCTION
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Reviewed in June 2013
Dennis contacted us very soon after we placed our request. He provided a very competitive bid and provided a time frame for when he could complete the job. He completed the job as scheduled and performed a quality job. We plan on calling him next winter / spring for a similar job in our...
Den's Drywall
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Reviewed in June 2012
I was not home when he serviced my unit. My wife was. He came to the door and then went right to work. The unit is outside. He had to come in a couple of times to check on the unit in the basement. He finished in a timely manner. I would recommend A to Z for all your appliance repair needs.
A To Z Refrigerator AC & Appliance Service
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Reviewed in March 2011
The electrician was on time and courteous in answering my questions and concerns. He explained his reasoning for each thing asked about and made several suggestions that would make my remodel easier as I plan on doing the demo and most of the rebuild my self. Was not against DIYers and was very...
Quality Electric Service Inc
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Reviewed in October 2007
It turns out there was no problem. Our filter was very clogged from recent remodeling work. We paid $90 to be told "change your filter." While it's good to know there wasn't a bigger (more expensive) problem, it was a little frustrating to be charged the full trip charge amount for no work,...
Air Mechanical Inc
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Reviewed in October 2007
I already have a radon abatement system in place, but couldn't find out why the pipe was sweating. We were looking to finish the basement and wanted to enclose the wall, but couldn't with a wet pipe behind. Walt took a lot of time on the phone with me, listened to the problem and recommended a...
ADVANCED RADON SERVICES
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A+ Concrete

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NV Exteriors LLC

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