Get matched with top basement remodelers in Hamilton, MS

In most cases, a contractor will ask you for a deposit that is a percentage of the total cost of your job, but you should never pay in full before work has begun. The up-front cost could be as much as 50%, or you might give a contractor as little as 10% up front. Discuss payment terms with your contractor before they begin the job to avoid surprises.

Generally, a wall can bow up to 30% of its thickness, or around 2.5 inches for an 8-inch-thick structure, before it becomes an urgent situation. If your basement wall bows more than 1 inch, it's time to have a basement inspection to determine if a repair is necessary, depending on the soil conditions and structural specifics. Walls nearing 4 inches of bowing will require significant repairs. More than 6 inches of bowing usually means the wall will need replacing.

Finishing a basement can provide a great return on investment, by increasing the market price of your home when you want to sell. Beyond that, there are many reasons to finish your basement. Doing so expands the usable square footage of your home, so you can enjoy it more, even as your family grows. Renovating your basement costs less in terms of time, energy, and money than having to search for and buy a new home.

Unless you have extensive experience in construction work, remodeling a basement is best left to a professional. There are several tasks associated with this project that require exact precision, including:

• Replacing insulation 

• Replacing carpet or other flooring 

• Adding heating and cooling

• Adjusting or adding walls and doors

• Altering or adding plumbing elements

If any of these elements is done incorrectly, it could severely impact the quality of your basement remodel and be dangerous. Changing a basement often comes with code safety requirements, like egress windows and proper ventilation. Therefore, leaving it up to a professional is often the best decision.