"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!
Although it’s not required, air ventilation in a finished basement can help improve the air quality, prevent moisture and mold issues, keep musty odors away, and also maintain the air quality throughout the rest of your home. Proper ventilation will help maintain the value of your investment in finishing your basement. Try basement ventilation methods like installing vents or a dehumidifier for best results.
It’s less expensive to finish your basement than it is to build an addition to your home. The average cost to refinish a basement is $32,000 (between $7 and $23 per square foot) while building an addition to your home costs $50,325 ($80 to $210 per square foot). Depending on the size of your basement and other factors, like moving plumbing and electrical, refinishing a basement is a more cost-effective option in most cases.
Adding an extension or addition to your home costs more than a loft conversion in all but the rarest cases where the home's structural integrity is lacking. Because a home addition requires a new foundation section or significant structural upgrades to handle a cantilevered portion, the cost compared to almost any loft conversion is significantly greater for the same square footage.
For most basement remodels, you’ll want to hire a general contractor. This is for a number of reasons, but the main two are that general contractors have dedicated teams they are comfortable with, and hiring one means you only have to deal with one pro. You may also get a better project quote since they can lump all their work and subcontracting into a single quote.
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.
The Lovelock, 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.