"Amanda was really very good! At first I was very skeptical, thinking why did I pay money to just speak with someone on the phone about my kitchen remodel project... but after just a few minutes of her addressing some of the issues/questions I emailed to her earlier, I knew it was worth it. It was very clear that she knew her business and she gave me several ideas that I had not even thought about. I told her that I would definitely recommend her to friends and I will very likely use her again myself for my next home project!
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’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’s legal to do so.
There are several small, inexpensive upgrades you can make to upgrade your basement. Although you still need to adhere to building codes and obtain permits when necessary, you can complete small but mighty tasks like painting the masonry walls and installing entertainment devices to make the space more usable.
Building a bar in the basement will likely add value to your home, although it’s unlikely that you’ll see a significant return on investment (ROI) unless you plan on using the space for you and your guests. If you think you’ll use the area frequently, though, it’s probably worth the investment, and you should see a bump in value if or when you sell your property.
Building up by adding square footage to the top of your home is often less expensive than adding a basement, but it depends on the specifics of your house, your property, and supply costs. Because building a basement requires excavation, it can be a more expensive option than building up.
Making a window in a basement larger costs an average of $4,200. You’ll need to pay an average of $550 to have a structural engineer plan the project, $500 to $1,500 for the installation labor, and an average of $2,200 for the excavation and window well installation. The remainder will go toward pulling permits, installing trim, and repairing drywall on the interior.
The Carlin, NV homeowners’ guide to basement remodels
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Hiring a bad basement remodeler can wreak havoc on the look and longevity of your unfinished space. Here are red flags to look for as you vet basement contractors.
