"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 When we purchased the house the garage was completely outdated.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!"
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.
Renovation enhances functionality, increases home value, and can add new space for personal or family needs. It typically modernizes older unfinished basements for new uses.
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.
Walkout basements are not generally included in a home’s square footage, although they may be if they meet certain conditions that depend on local regulations. A finished walkout basement used as a living space may be counted toward square footage in some locations as long as all codes for livable space are met.
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.
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.
Find out the average house renovation cost in Dallas, TX. Learn what you can expect to pay for local home remodeling services and plan your budget today.
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.