Get matched with top basement remodelers in Beaver City, NE

Lifting a house and adding a basement is one way to add usable square footage. Lifting or jacking a house is a complex process, and it can be expensive, not to mention that you won’t be able to live in your house while it’s lifted, due to safety concerns. Lifting a house should only be done by experienced professionals.

A finished basement does not always count as square footage, though this varies by state regulations. You may live in an area that allows for below-grade spaces to be considered in a home's official square footage. In those cases, the basement must meet certain conditions, like having a functional egress and being a livable space with flooring, finished walls, and temperature control. Your local assessor can confirm your area's policies regarding basement square footage.

Create a checklist, reimagine the space use, set a realistic budget, choose materials and aesthetic details, and get professional support for guidelines and troubleshooting.

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.