Can I remodel a basement myself?

• <div><p>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:</p><ul><li><p>Replacing insulation </p></li><li><p>Replacing carpet or other flooring </p></li><li><p>Adding heating and cooling</p></li><li><p>Adjusting or adding walls and doors</p></li><li><p>Altering or adding plumbing elements</p></li></ul><p>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 <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/finished-basement-code-requirements.htm">code safety requirements</a>, like egress windows and proper ventilation. Therefore, leaving it up to a professional is often the best decision.</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: Does a finished basement count toward a home's square footage?

• <div><p>A finished basement does not always count as square footage, as this varies by state regulations. In areas that allow below-grade spaces to be included in a home's official square footage, the basement must typically meet certain conditions. These conditions often include having a functional egress and being a livable space with flooring, finished walls, and temperature control. To be certain, contact your local assessor to confirm your area's specific policies regarding basement square footage.</p></div>

Q: Would the newly raised basement ceiling need to be finished?

• <div><p>You can <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-paint-walls-ceiling-and-trim.htm">paint your ceiling</a> or install a drywall ceiling if the ceiling is unfinished, as they take up less headroom than drop ceilings. </p><p>If there are pipes in the way of ceiling installation, you can do one of two things: reroute the pipes or adjust the installation to fit, which will cost extra.</p></div>

Q: How much basement wall bowing is acceptable?

• <div><p>Any bowing in a basement wall indicates a problem that needs to be addressed by a professional. If your basement wall bows more than 1 inch, it's time for an inspection. Generally, a wall can bow up to 30% of its thickness (around 2.5 inches for an 8-inch-thick wall) before it becomes an urgent situation. Bowing of 2 to 4 inches is more straightforward to fix than bowing of more than 4 inches, which will require significant repairs. If the bowing is more than 6 inches, the wall will likely need to be replaced. The sooner you address the problem, the easier and less expensive the repair will be.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Basement Remodel pros in Elko, NV

*The Angi rating for Basement Remodel companies in Elko, NV 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 Elko, NV 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 December 23, 2023

Reviewed in December 2023
Formally retired from the construction & real estate industry, we highly recommend & vote Jon Dixon as the person to call for home inspections. If you seek the best of the best than look no further. His jovial personality makes everyone feel comfortable and relaxed. Jon is detailed...
Dixon Inspections, LLC
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Reviewed in February 2023
Very hard working, respectful and friendly crew !
Emergency Home Repairs
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Reviewed in November 2022
Installed xmas lights on roof and gutters. Very professional and friendly. Appointment was made and in on time . Wil be using his services in the future.
Wilson Works
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Reviewed in August 2022
We use Palacios for a variety of jobs. they always deliver quality, on time projects.
Palacios Professional Welding & Machining
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Reviewed in June 2022
Great Customer Service! Project was completed on schedule.
WOLF WORKS
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Reviewed in May 2021
Great job. Prompt! Would recommend this company.
Hernandez Camarena Lawn Service, LLC
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Reviewed in May 2021
They did a great job and the doors look awesome!
A+ Garage Doors
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Reviewed in February 2021
Emily was incredibly fantastic. She was able to come within a few hours, change out all of the locks in the house, make them all match, install a deadbolt the next day, fix some of my warped lock openings, and even climb over a fence to get to an area my former housemates had left locked off....
Delta Lock & Key
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Reviewed in March 2018
1st Rate Construction did a great job on our master bathroom remodel. I was very apprehensive with a big project but they did a great job. There was a little miss communication with a window replacement, but Luke took care of it. Nepo was also great.
1st Rate Remodeling, LLC
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Reviewed in May 2010
The first experience we had with Rod was a few years ago and it was two days before Christmas. The basement laundry room was full of water and I couldn't get a commitment from any other plumber as to whether they could make it out and if they could it was considered an emergency call and would...
Fielder Sewer & Drain
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Find Basement remodelers in Elko

Whitney Construction, LLC

5.0(

)

Basement - Remodel

Serving Elko, NV and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 1995

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"Very meticulous and a master of his craft! He had great ideas to elaborate on our ideas that worked out perfectly. The communication was very open and honest. I look forward to working with him on other home projects."

Response time2 days

3 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Serving Elko, NV and surrounding areas

In business since 2006

Credit card accepted

"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!

"

California Client Saves with HMD Designer Discounts

Recommended by54%of homeowners

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Hampton Enterprise LLC

3.7(

)

Basement - Remodel

Serving Elko, NV and surrounding areas

In business since 1989

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"They were good. They were pretty fast and came on time. My overall experience with them has been good."

Recommended by60%of homeowners

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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.

A finished basement does not always count as square footage, as this varies by state regulations. In areas that allow below-grade spaces to be included in a home's official square footage, the basement must typically meet certain conditions. These conditions often include having a functional egress and being a livable space with flooring, finished walls, and temperature control. To be certain, contact your local assessor to confirm your area's specific policies regarding basement square footage.

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.

You can paint your ceiling or install a drywall ceiling if the ceiling is unfinished, as they take up less headroom than drop ceilings.

If there are pipes in the way of ceiling installation, you can do one of two things: reroute the pipes or adjust the installation to fit, which will cost extra.

Any bowing in a basement wall indicates a problem that needs to be addressed by a professional. If your basement wall bows more than 1 inch, it's time for an inspection. Generally, a wall can bow up to 30% of its thickness (around 2.5 inches for an 8-inch-thick wall) before it becomes an urgent situation. Bowing of 2 to 4 inches is more straightforward to fix than bowing of more than 4 inches, which will require significant repairs. If the bowing is more than 6 inches, the wall will likely need to be replaced. The sooner you address the problem, the easier and less expensive the repair will be.

The Elko, NV 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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