"Lakewood does good work. They are generally conscientious and work to ensure customer satisfaction. The project took a little longer than expected, but that is the nature of these projects. Pleased with results!"
"They were very nice and professional. My gutters needed cleaning and they cleaned at no additional expense. They cleaned up all debris and hauled it away.. They did an excellent job."
"Finally got the garage I have always wanted! These guys definitely helped make a long time Dream come true! When we purchased the house the garage was completely outdated. Definitely was in need of some TLC but Iâ m happy that they were able to provide me a good amount of options! Love love love the finished product!"
"Tip top is an excellent company. I did not know there were still firms out there that took customer service as seriously as they do. They went above and beyond what most would have done to help me make my dream a reality. Their work was outstanding . They finished in two days and left my driveway as neat as they found it. I would highly recommend this company."
"This is a professional and convenient company. I couldnâ t have asked for a smoother experience. They did a free consultation for me and on the day of the installation they arrived on time. After the work was done, I could have feel the fresh cool air filling my house immediately. I will definitely go back to them for more essentials."
"My experience was fantastic with all the contractors and people from this company. Steve and Shannon were so receptive and on the ball as made sure that everything I needed, I got. The contractors were all very nice and made sure the house stayed clean and everything got done correctly and exactly how I wanted. We did a lot of things that were a bit unusual (a bookcase Murphy door, secret trap door in one room) and never had any complaints. They were a true pleasure to work with and I'll definitely use them again in the future. A+++ 5 big stars!"
Yes, it is possible to turn a regular basement into a walkout basement. Doing so involves excavating the land around at least one side of your basement foundation, installing retaining walls to create a permanent below-grade area outside your home, and then cutting into the foundation to install an exterior door that leads out to the new space. This is an expensive and time-consuming project, but it can add a lot of value and utility to your home.
Joists and beams are both part of the flooring system above your basement, with the beams spanning the length of your home and getting support from vertical posts underneath, and joists usually spanning half the width of your home with no support posts underneath. The floor joists provide even support to the subflooring and flooring above, and they distribute that load to the beams. The beams then distribute that load down through the support posts to the foundation.
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.
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.
Yes, most general contractors require an initial down payment, typically between 10% and 25% of the total project cost. This upfront payment helps cover the costs of materials, permits, and subcontractors. The remaining project costs are usually billed after specific project milestones are reached or on set completion dates, as outlined in your contract. Be wary of contractors who require a significant deposit of 50% or more upfront, as this could be a red flag for a scam.
The Richardson, TX homeowners’ guide to basement remodels
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Find out the average basement remodel cost in Dallas, TX. Learn what you can expect to pay for local basement finishing and get your new living space ready.
Need to fix basement water problems or safeguard your home in Dallas, TX from damage in the future? Use this basement waterproofing cost guide to budget appropriately.
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.