"Dan and his team were very professional and knowledgeable about the work. The planning and estimation process was very transparent. No hidden costs or surprises. All work is done legally with a professional contractor for plumbing and electrical work. Different options and recommendations are shared through out the project work. Crew was very polite, respectable and professional. They made sure no unnecessary noise was created and kept the house & working area clean. They would clean up after the work. I will recommend Beautiful Basements for any remodeling work and especially for the basement remodeling."
"John and his crew did a great job remodeling our basement. They were very organized, professional and did quality work. The Project was finished ahead of schedule. I would not hesitate to recommend John Grabenstetter for your basement remodel."
"I am happy with the job that was done. They did a full basement remodel. Added a full bathroom to my first floor. Put new flooring down on the first floor and turned a half bath into a closet."
"Very professional and reliable service! Everything Aaron does is quality workmanship and built to last! We are very happy with both the deck and basement projects."
"Looks great! Braden had custom cabinets made and stained to match our existing cabinets. The installation took only took one day. Braden was very easy to work with and would hire again."
"Brandon and his team are thorough and professional. Most importantly honest, and ethical. He always presented options based on my needs for the project at hand and was open to suggestions and my constant communication. I would hire him again in a heartbeat as the work he does is lasting, effective and rewarding aesthetically."
"Had such an amazing experience with Loyal Construction Management. Turned my vision into a reality. The work that was done on my basement exceeded my expectations. I would and have highly recommended them to others. The professionalism and communication was outstanding. I will be using them again for upcoming projects."
The time it takes to finish or remodel a basement can vary significantly, ranging from a few weeks to several months or even up to a year. On average, the construction phase can take four to eight weeks, but the total project time can extend to three or four months when including planning and permits. The timeline depends on several factors, including the basement's size, design complexity, the scope of the work, and your contractor's availability. A more detailed breakdown for an average-sized basement might include: framing (3-5 days), electrical and rough-in plumbing (3-5 days), drywall installation (5 days), flooring (2-3 days), and final touches like painting and trim (about a week). If preliminary work like installing a waterproofing system or addressing structural issues is needed, the timeline could extend to six to twelve months. Factors like difficult access, material transport, and ventilation needs can also add to the project's duration.
Whether it’s more affordable to gut a house than build a new one depends on the markets where you'd be buying and selling. However, it’s usually less expensive to renovate a home than to build new construction.
Most homeowners pay between $100,000 and $200,000 for demolition and remodeling costs, whereas the average cost to build a new home is between $139,000 and $531,300.
Some older homes have toilets in the basement to combat sewage backups. This type of toilet, also known as a Pittsburgh potty, acted as a safety valve over the incoming sewer line. If a line backed up, it would back up into the toilet because it was the lowest fixture in the home, keeping it out of sight and away from the finished areas of the house.
Basement toilets were also used by workers with messy jobs, like those who worked in coal mines or steel mills. This way, they could clean up and avoid tracking dirt through their home.
Basements with persistent moisture problems or flooding shouldn’t be finished until the moisture issues have been fixed. In addition, if your foundation is cracked, you have unmitigated radon levels, or you have asbestos or lead pipes, remediate the underlying problem before finishing your basement. Turning a basement into living space before fixing these issues can lead to serious health risks or structural damage.
Basements are commonly converted into game rooms. The potential challenges you may run into include controlling moisture, working with low ceilings, limited natural light, and the need for additional electrical or HVAC work. Addressing these issues can add to the total cost, but it ensures a comfortable and functional space.
The Wadsworth, OH homeowners’ guide to basement remodels
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
If your basement ceiling is low, there are ways to raise it. Learn more about the cost to raise a basement ceiling to be able to enjoy your basement and create a more usable space in your home.