Get matched with top basement remodelers in Pierce, NE

Walkout basements are not generally included in a home’s square footage, although they may be if they meet certain conditions that depend on local regulations. A finished walkout basement used as a living space may be counted toward square footage in some locations as long as all codes for livable space are met.

Although homeowners often use the terms basement remodeling and basement finishing interchangeably, they are quite different terms. 

Finishing a basement is the process of taking a basement space that is not habitable and adding elements to make it usable. This includes adding plumbing, flooring, and insulation.

Remodeling a basement means taking an already existing finished basement and changing it, often by adding or removing walls, adding plumbing, or changing the existing flooring.

Assuming you are going for a full remodel for an average-sized basement with a reputable contractor, the process can take up to two weeks or more. Remember that basements have many stairs and often difficult access—it’s not like working in the entryway. The shuttling of materials, increased need for ventilation and safety precautions, and making sure everything can be removed through a doorway all increase time and cost.

While framing a basement is not as difficult as finishing a basement, it's something you should typically leave to the pros. That’s because if something is installed correctly, it will affect your entire basement. However, you can take care of some of the smaller tasks, like filling holes or putting up some insulation.