Get matched with top basement remodelers in Mifflin, PA

Q: Why do some old houses have a toilet in the basement?

• <div><p>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.</p><p>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.</p></div>

Q: Do general contractors require a down payment, and what is the typical payment schedule?

• <div><p>Yes, most general contractors require an initial down payment. A reasonable deposit is typically between 10% and 25% of the total project cost, although this can vary by project size and location. This upfront payment helps the contractor cover initial costs like materials, permits, licensing, and hiring subcontractors. The remaining balance is usually billed according to a schedule outlined in your contract, often tied to project milestones or completion dates. Be cautious of contractors who ask for a large deposit of 50% or more, as this could be a red flag for a scam.</p></div>

Q: What is the hardest part of finishing a basement?

• <div><p>The most challenging part of finishing a basement is addressing moisture control. Basement waterproofing is an essential task that requires a professional&rsquo;s skills and knowledge. If you don&rsquo;t properly waterproof your finished basement, it&rsquo;ll be vulnerable to dampness, water damage, and mold growth. Ensuring proper insulation and ventilation to combat these issues while meeting building codes adds complexity to your remodeling project.</p></div>

Q: Does a finished basement need ventilation?

• <div><p>Although it&rsquo;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 <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-improve-ventilation-basement-remodeling-project.htm">basement ventilation methods</a> like installing vents or a dehumidifier for best results.</p></div>

Q: How much does it cost to make bigger windows in a basement?

• <div><p>Making a window in a basement larger costs an average of $4,200. You&rsquo;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.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Basement Remodel pros in Mifflin, PA

*The Angi rating for Basement Remodel companies in Mifflin, PA 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 Mifflin, PA 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 September 15, 2026

Reviewed in September 2026
Darren did both my house and my daughter's house plumbing. He even had to come back to fix a pipe that broke downstairs in my basement. His job was exceptional and his prices was real reasonable. Very professional and very very reliable. He is very knowledgeable of what he does and he also...
Zigs East Coast Plumbing
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Reviewed in August 2026
I hired him to correct a problem with one of my gutters he corrected that problem but he also disconnected all the others around the house. He disconnected one to check it but he did not get it connected back up properly after he left we did not get any rain so I could not tell if it was...
Ralph the Little Job Guy
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Reviewed in September 2025
Caleb is excellent. Went the extra mile for two bathroom remodels, entryway and kitchen. No short cuts, just excellence the entire project. I couldn’t be more pleased. A gem.
Grand Street Handyman LLC
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Reviewed in August 2022
My husband and I are thrilled and amazed with the team that worked on our basement. It looks phenomenal and we are excited to be able to keep our historic house both free of water and structurally sound. Thank you so much Lukas S, Steven S, Dalton B, Henrey M, Brian L, Garrette W, and Daren A!!
Groundworks
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Reviewed in May 2022
I highly recommend Focal Point for your remodeling. There work is excellent and SCOTT RIGGS is the best. He took his time and sure everything was perfectly done.
Focal Point Remodeling, Inc.
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Reviewed in May 2022
Had 3 water floods in my basement prior to Brackens internal french drain and sump pump construction. This system has totally eliminated any water evidence in my basement. This past weekend we had 5 inches of rain which in the past before Brackens construction would have meant approximately 10...
Bracken Waterproofing
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Reviewed in October 2021
Grant and Nate K did a fantastic job and we would highly recommend them to anyone looking to do a walk-shower or any remodel project.
West Shore Home Chattanooga
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Reviewed in August 2019
All workers on site were friendly, polite & professional. All debris was hauled away & the basement sweep cleaned afterwards. The work was completed on schedule.
Precision Waterproofing, LLC
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Reviewed in May 2018
He was very polite, he always had time to answer phone to answer questions about project and was on time. He gave great estimates and also finished before estimated time of finishing. The remodel of my bathroom and kitchen exceeded my expectations. I highly recommend this contractor and if I...
Remodeling by Reginald W Murdock
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Reviewed in May 2015
I do most of my own home renovations because I'm very particular about how work is done in my home. However this job was out of my realm so I hired PA Basement Waterfroofing to do it. I initially thought the estimate was high, but compared to the 3 other estimates they were next to the...
PA Basement Waterproofing, Inc.
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Find Basement remodelers in Mifflin

Tradesman Construction

4.7(

)

Basement - Remodel

Serving Mifflin, PA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2008

Free estimates

Warranties offered

"Tradesman was a great company to work with. They were very hardworking and did a beautiful job on our basement finishing!"

+108

Response time1 day

Response rate86%

62 neighbors recently requested a quote

Serving Mifflin, PA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2000

Free estimates

Warranties offered

"The crew came to the house and modified their way of working to accommodate the tight work space. They were friendly and went above what they had to do by saving my flowers out of my flower bed before they began digging out the space. They answered my questions and explained how things were going. The company owner often checked in by phone and in person to communicate with me regarding the job."

+24

Response time7 hrs

2 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Serving Mifflin, PA and surrounding areas

Approved

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"Matt and Laura at Millstone had great ideas for my renovation. Their team did excellent work and did it all with professionalism and courtesy. I will definitely call Millstone for my next project."

27 neighbors recently requested a quote

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Jim McDonnell Contracting LLC

4.9(

)

Basement - Remodel

Serving Mifflin, PA and surrounding areas

In business since 1980

Free estimates

Warranties offered

"Everything was done correctly with no problems. Yes hire this contractor."

+33

Response time1 day

Recommended by85%of homeowners

Serving Mifflin, PA and surrounding areas

In business since 2020

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

We have 15+ years of experience. A wet basement is terrible for your health and the health of your home. Today’s technology makes it easier than ever to turn a problem area into a prosperous area. It doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. I’m a contractor who will do the same job for a lot less than the other guys. Save a ton of money on your Brand New Basement.

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Serving Mifflin, PA 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

Serving Mifflin, PA and surrounding areas

In business since 1986

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"Great value, friendly service. Would hire again."

Response time4 days

Recommended by87%of homeowners

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R.E. Sweger Construction

5.0(

)

Basement - Remodel

Serving Mifflin, PA and surrounding areas

In business since 1970

Free estimates

"If you want it done right, Russell Swegger is your guy!"

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Serving Mifflin, PA and surrounding areas

In business since 2008

Free estimates

"They respond super quick, got me in right away and are hard workers"

Response time8 hrs

Response rate96%

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Serving Mifflin, PA and surrounding areas

In business since 1990

Free estimates

Toliver Inc. is a true building and remodeling professional with over 20 years of experience in all aspects of basement remodeling. We have a special focus on basements, and would love the opportunity to make yours spectacular!\n\nGive us a call... We look forward to serving you!

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Showing 1-10 of 28

Basement Remodel questions, answered by experts

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.

Yes, most general contractors require an initial down payment. A reasonable deposit is typically between 10% and 25% of the total project cost, although this can vary by project size and location. This upfront payment helps the contractor cover initial costs like materials, permits, licensing, and hiring subcontractors. The remaining balance is usually billed according to a schedule outlined in your contract, often tied to project milestones or completion dates. Be cautious of contractors who ask for a large deposit of 50% or more, as this could be a red flag for a scam.

The most challenging part of finishing a basement is addressing moisture control. Basement waterproofing is an essential task that requires a professional’s skills and knowledge. If you don’t properly waterproof your finished basement, it’ll be vulnerable to dampness, water damage, and mold growth. Ensuring proper insulation and ventilation to combat these issues while meeting building codes adds complexity to your remodeling 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.

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 Mifflin, PA homeowners’ guide to basement remodels

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