Get matched with top basement remodelers in Lydia, SC

Q: Is it OK to live in a finished basement?

• <div><p>Living in a finished basement is acceptable, but only if the space has the proper points of egress and includes smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors to ensure the safety of the occupants. A good way to ensure your finished basement is suitable for use as living space is to get the basement finishing project properly permitted. </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: 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: 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: What adds the most value in a renovation?

• <div><p>Renovations that add functionality or more comfortable floor space generally add the most value when remodeling your home. Attic or basement finishing can add floor space without altering the home's structure, saving you renovation money while adding valuable space. Smaller improvements, such as installing smart-home components or replacing entry doors and windows, also experience high ROIs. </p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Basement Remodel pros in Lydia, SC

*The Angi rating for Basement Remodel companies in Lydia, SC 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 Lydia, SC 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 June 13, 2026

Reviewed in June 2026
I hired Knight?s Remodeling. The job was a rebuild of the bird boxing w/cosmetic upgrade to my wood workshop/carport-recreational building. Darryl came prior to doing the work to get measurements and assessment for materials needed to do the job. Darry &amp; his son Matt came back a weeks...
Knights Remodeling
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Reviewed in September 2022
We had kitchen counter tops changed, new sink and faucet and new stove installed. We had new counter tops installed in the bathroom and new sink, commode and new flooring installed. We were very pleased with the work done and would get Ussery Design and Construction to do other work for us. ...
Ussery Design & Construction LLC
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Reviewed in August 2022
We actually had 4 major renovations - the basement finished, master bath remodel, kitchen remodel, and garage finished. Started the projects on 6/1/2022 and finished on 7/31/2022 - amazing time frame. Projects flowed smoothly, attention to detail was awesome. All of our questions and concerns...
Clean Edge Construction, Inc.
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Reviewed in August 2021
Willie and Roy did an amazing job on our remodel. They were very quick and efficient. It only took them 1 day to complete the remodling.
West Shore Home Columbia
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Reviewed in August 2016
We had marble tile left over, from when Perez and his team at Discount Renovations remodeled our master bathroom, so we used it to re-face the brick fire place up to the mantel. The brick above the mantel was sealed and painted. It turned out great! The wood framing was replaced and the existing...
Discount Renovations
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Reviewed in March 2014
this is a roofing company that does siding and remodeling. they did a great job on the roof only thing is after they got down to the rafters did we find a lot of problems with the interior walls since the water was running all inside the walls and a lot of wood had to be replaced..they rebuilt...
WG Siding, Inc.
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Reviewed in January 2012
I had called the local paint store in 2009 for a painter. They told me about a new painter that people were saying was good. It was Josh Sides. He painted ourceilings, along with the kitchen, dining, pool table, and great rooms. He also painted all the doors going into the rooms. He insisted...
Josh Sides Painting
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Find Basement remodelers in Lydia

Serving Lydia, SC and surrounding areas

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"Top quality work, great prices and extraordinary people! I look forward to working with this Company again, so needless to say, I highly recommend them! Great work, and keep it up."

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Paramount Restoration

4.7(

)

Basement - Remodel

Serving Lydia, SC and surrounding areas

In business since 2005

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"It was great, very affordable, professional and friendly."

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Serving Lydia, SC 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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O'Sullivan Builders LLC

4.2(

)

Basement - Remodel

Serving Lydia, SC and surrounding areas

In business since 1978

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Sullivan painting was great! They showed up on time and did a great job painting our room. They paid attention to detail, were efficient, and cleaned up. We would definitely use them again!"

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Hampton Enterprise LLC

3.7(

)

Basement - Remodel

Serving Lydia, SC 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

Serving Lydia, SC and surrounding areas

We have the experience and dedication to get the job done right! Specializing in remodeling services; We guarantee your satisfaction, and we won't leave until the job is done right. We pride ourselves on the quality work we provide, while delivering great customer service! Call or click for your FREE estimate today!

+25

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JC & H Remodeling Company

New to Angi

Basement - Remodel

Serving Lydia, SC and surrounding areas

In business since 1996

Free estimates

Remodeling, painting, 30 years

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Intercoastal Remodeling LLC

New to Angi

Basement - Remodel

Serving Lydia, SC and surrounding areas

35 years Remodeling experience! We offer quality service at an affordable price. Contact us today about an estimate!\n

Serving Lydia, SC and surrounding areas

In business since 2023

Free estimates

We pride our company on reliability, great communication, \nintegrity, and quality work. We are experts in our trade and will do our best \nto keep you as educated as we can on your particular task or project. We look \nforward to earning your business!

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Olin James Remodeling

New to Angi

Basement - Remodel

Serving Lydia, SC and surrounding areas

In business since 1975

Free estimates

OJ Remodeling Company has been in service since 1975. With almost 40 years of superior residential services, customer services & satisfaction has always been our number one priority. Call Olin James today get your project started.

Response time3 hrs

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Showing 1-10 of 15

Basement Remodel questions, answered by experts

Living in a finished basement is acceptable, but only if the space has the proper points of egress and includes smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors to ensure the safety of the occupants. A good way to ensure your finished basement is suitable for use as living space is to get the basement finishing project properly permitted.

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.

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.

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.

Renovations that add functionality or more comfortable floor space generally add the most value when remodeling your home. Attic or basement finishing can add floor space without altering the home's structure, saving you renovation money while adding valuable space. Smaller improvements, such as installing smart-home components or replacing entry doors and windows, also experience high ROIs.

The Lydia, SC homeowners’ guide to basement remodels

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.

See all articles

Rachel Hoffman
•
Sep 23, 2026Sep 23, 2026
How Much Does a Basement Remodel Cost? [2026 Data]
A basement remodel can often cost as much as adding another room. However, homeowners should consider the usefulness and ROI of a remodel.
Haley Nothstein
•
Sep 8, 2026Sep 8, 2026
How Much Does It Cost to Frame a Basement? [2026 Data]
The first step toward a cozy finished basement is adding its framing. How much does it cost to frame a basement? Let's break down the numbers.
Amy Freeman
•
Jul 20, 2026Jul 20, 2026
Basement Remodel on a Budget: Yes, You Can Do It
Do you have a finished basement? If you want to give it a new lease on life, find out how you can do a basement remodel on a budget.
Melissa Graham
•
May 18, 2026May 18, 2026
5 Questions to Ask About Basement Remodels
These questions for professional contractors can help address your basement remodeling needs, design, and the best time to start the project.
Lawrence Bonk
•
Jul 9, 2026Jul 9, 2026
These 8 Red Flags Will Help You Spot a Bad Basement Remodeler
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.
Deane Biermeier
•
Aug 4, 2026Aug 4, 2026
Your Guide to Renovating a Basement From Top to Bottom
Take the mystery out of renovating a basement by following a simple plan to ensure your remodel goes smoothly from start to finish.