Is it more affordable to gut a house than build a new home?

• <div><p>Whether it’s more affordable to gut a house than build a new one depends on the markets where you'd be buying and selling. However, it’s usually less expensive to renovate a home than to build new construction. </p><p>Most homeowners pay between <b>$100,000 and $200,000</b> for demolition and remodeling costs, whereas the average <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-much-does-it-cost-build-house.htm">cost to build a new home</a> is between <b>$139,000 and $531,300</b>. </p></div>

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Q: Can you put a summer kitchen in the basement?

• <div><p>Yes, you can install a summer kitchen or kitchenette in your basement. They serve similar purposes as outdoor kitchens, keeping the main floor of the house cool and providing another space to cook and congregate. Basement kitchens are also a worthwhile alternative for homeowners without much space in the backyard. They come with a few logistical questions to sort out, though, like ventilation and waterproofing.</p></div>

Q: Is it more affordable to gut a house than build a new home?

• <div><p>Whether it&rsquo;s more affordable to gut a house than build a new one depends on the markets where you'd be buying and selling. However, it&rsquo;s usually less expensive to renovate a home than to build new construction. </p><p>Most homeowners pay between <b>$100,000 and $200,000</b> for demolition and remodeling costs, whereas the average <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-much-does-it-cost-build-house.htm">cost to build a new home</a> is between <b>$139,000 and $531,300</b>. </p></div>

Q: Is it normal for a contractor to ask for a down payment, and how much should you pay up front?

• <div><p>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.</p></div>

Q: Can you finish a basement with no windows?

• <div><p>Egress windows or doors are required in finished basements to meet safety and building codes. If your basement is unfinished and used as a storage space, egress windows are not required, but anything considered a habitable space must have an additional point of egress in addition to the stairs.</p></div>

Q: What is considered a finished basement?

• <div><p>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.</p><p>Remodeling, as opposed to finishing, means altering an already finished basement by adding a bathroom, bedroom, or living area.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Basement Remodel pros in Richland, MO

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

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

Last update on January 24, 2026

Reviewed in January 2026
Communication. Anyone who is in business or has ran a business knows how important communication is and yet mad city windows and baths can’t communicate with their customers. This has been an extremely frustrating experience from the minute we signed the papers. Our bathtub leaked the first time...
Mad City Windows & Baths
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Reviewed in August 2024
Excellent service at reasonable price, I would recommend Ace Handyman and sons for any remodel project.
Ace Handyman & Sons
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Reviewed in February 2024
Josh has worked on my home three different times. He installed siding and windows, remodeled 2 bathrooms and plumbing work. He is reliable, honest and fair. I have personally recommended him to others who also were impressed. He stands behind his work
4S Construction
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Reviewed in September 2020
This is the second time I hired this company to do work in my home. They are fast in responding with an estimate as well as getting the job done!! To be fair my jobs were likely on the small side as I asked for one wall each time. I found other businesses were extremely high in their estimates...
Reyes Painting and Remodeling
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Reviewed in March 2020
He is a very hard worker, and the overall project turned out very well. He is remarkable trim carpenter and I had a lot of trim in the house. We restored a late 1800s Victorian house. The job took longer than I had anticipated but they say it always does when you are doing that kind of...
Done Rite Construction
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Reviewed in March 2018
I had John replace a bathtub / shower with a shower stall in a double wide mobile home. The tub had many repaired cracks requiring the sub flooring and 2x6.s to be relocated or replaced. Of course nothing was level including the walls. John gave me an estimate for four days to complete and he...
John Boy's Construction Services
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Reviewed in June 2016
My family's experience with this company has been not only disastrous, but severely emotionally distressing as well. As a military veteran with 22 years of distinguished service to this nation and with this being my 11th, and final relocation to retire, having the cumbersome task of dealing with...
EcoClean Carpet Cleaning
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Reviewed in May 2016
<p>Terrible from day 1. Two guys showed up at 9:45. By then, I already had everything disconnected and removed from the bathroom and taken outside. The only tear out left was for them to pull out the drywall on the two walls and bag it/remove it. Second worker was moved to a different job...
Bob The Handyman
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Reviewed in November 2013
In an emergency remodel situation, they were able to jump right on the project and had it completed within a months time!
Rocco's Remodeling and Restoration
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Reviewed in August 2013
I've known Tom for years and when we needed to do some construction, and our previous guy vanished after coming for estimates, we called Tom. The shed went great. It is as solid and any I've ever seen. Concrete floor, stick frame, matches the house perfectly. Built on time and on budget. <br />...
Wonder Werks LLC
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Serving Richland, MO and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2000

Free estimates

Small jobs welcome

"Joe is awesome. He does outstanding work and I highly recommend him to anyone looking for a builder."

2 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by92%of homeowners

Serving Richland, MO and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 1985

Free estimates

Warranties offered

"We had a kitchen and three bathrooms remodeled at the Lake of the Ozarks. It can be difficult to find reliable workers in that area. Communication and reliability were excellent from day one. Tony and Shelly were very responsive to any questions. The work was done on time and on budget. All of our little picky requests were satisfied quickly and without hesitation. We would definitely hire them again."

Response time1 day

9 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by90%of homeowners

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Able Renovations, LLC

5.0(

)

Basement - Remodel

Serving Richland, MO and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2004

Free estimates

Customers say: Quick response

"They are really easy to work with and figure out what you want and make it into reality"

Response time3 days

2 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Serving Richland, MO and surrounding areas

Approved

Emergency services offered

Small jobs welcome

Hi, I’m Elisha Malinski, and I specialize in maintaining and improving homes with care and precision.\n\nFrom detailed cleaning to repairs and remodeling, I provide high-quality work tailored to your needs. I focus on craftsmanship, reliability, and delivering results that elevate your space.\n\nMy goal is simple: to make your home cleaner, more functional, and something you’re proud of.

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Walker Home Inspections and Construction services

5.0(

)

Basement - Remodel

Serving Richland, MO and surrounding areas

Approved

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

Warranties offered

"Great Job, professional arrived early and took about 2 hours very detailed looked at everything I would use Walker again If you want a great detailed home inspection call these guys"

8 neighbors recently requested a quote

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Stoneys Home Improvements LLC

New to Angi

Basement - Remodel

Serving Richland, MO and surrounding areas

Approved

Free estimates

Small jobs welcome

Credit card accepted

My name is Kyle with Stoney’s Home Improvements. I offer a wide variety of constructions jobs. Contact me and we can get you taken care of.

Serving Richland, MO and surrounding areas

Approved

Small jobs welcome

I’m a young outgoing individual, I’ve had a full time job since I was 14 trying every trade you can think of I have several years of plumbing under my belt, I’m a skilled framer, I’ve done electric for several years and even done mechanical work, I found a love and passion for handyman work and decided I was ready to take the leap on my own! If you need anything done no job is to big or small don’t be afraid to reach out I’d love to come check it out for you!!

Serving Richland, MO and surrounding areas

Approved

Free estimates

Small jobs welcome

Hello, I am a recently retired educator and coach. I learned building trades from my father as a child and worked with him in construction for 8 years building houses from the ground up including plumbing, wiring, concrete, cabinetry, etc. from framing to finish. I have completed my own additions, remodeling, and repairs for the last 30 years. I'm a detail oriented perfectionist that enjoys working with my hands and providing a quality, reasonably priced service.

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Diederich Construction LLC

New to Angi

Basement - Remodel

Serving Richland, MO and surrounding areas

Approved

Free estimates

Warranties offered

Diederich Construction LLC is a bathroom remodeling and tile shower specialist serving Springfield, MO and surrounding areas. We focus on high-quality tile work, custom showers, and curbless shower installations using proven waterproofing systems. Whether you’re updating a bathroom or building a custom walk-in shower, we deliver clean, professional results with attention to detail. Free estimates available.

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Ahmed Construction LLC.

5.0(

)

Basement - Remodel

Serving Richland, MO and surrounding areas

In business since 2021

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"Excellent service and good quality work. Very professional. Highly recommend them for any construction work."

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Showing 1-10 of 68

Basement Remodel questions, answered by experts

Yes, you can install a summer kitchen or kitchenette in your basement. They serve similar purposes as outdoor kitchens, keeping the main floor of the house cool and providing another space to cook and congregate. Basement kitchens are also a worthwhile alternative for homeowners without much space in the backyard. They come with a few logistical questions to sort out, though, like ventilation and waterproofing.

Whether it’s more affordable to gut a house than build a new one depends on the markets where you'd be buying and selling. However, it’s usually less expensive to renovate a home than to build new construction.

Most homeowners pay between $100,000 and $200,000 for demolition and remodeling costs, whereas the average cost to build a new home is between $139,000 and $531,300.

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.

Egress windows or doors are required in finished basements to meet safety and building codes. If your basement is unfinished and used as a storage space, egress windows are not required, but anything considered a habitable space must have an additional point of egress in addition to the stairs.

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 Richland, MO homeowners’ guide to basement remodels

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.

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How Much Does a Basement Remodel Cost? [2026 Data]
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How Much Does It Cost to Frame a Basement? [2026 Data]
The first step toward a cozy finished basement is adding its framing. How much does it cost to frame a basement? Let's break down the numbers.
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Basement Remodel on a Budget: Yes, You Can Do It
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5 Questions to Ask About Basement Remodels
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These 8 Red Flags Will Help You Spot a Bad Basement Remodeler
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Aug 4, 2026Aug 4, 2026
Your Guide to Renovating a Basement From Top to Bottom
Take the mystery out of renovating a basement by following a simple plan to ensure your remodel goes smoothly from start to finish.