Which raising basement ceiling option is best for you?

• <div><p>If you’re not sure which method of raising the ceiling is best for you, here are a couple of considerations to help you make that decision. <a href="https://www.angi.com/nearme/ceiling-companies/">A professional ceiling company</a> will be able to help you determine the best option for your home.</p><ul><li><p>How long you are planning to live there: although raising the basement ceiling will increase the value of your home, if you’re planning to sell the house, then go for raising the house.</p></li><li><p>The condition of the foundation: to lower the floors, your foundation has to be intact whereas raising the house will allow you to restore the damaged foundation.</p></li></ul><p></p></div>

Can I add a door to my basement?

• <div><p>Yes, you can add a door to your basement—it might even be required, depending on building codes in your area and whether or not you’re using the basement as a bedroom. A <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/6-questions-ask-basement-waterproofing-contractor.htm">basement contractor</a> can give you some advice on installation and help you add a door to your basement.</p></div>

Get matched with top basement remodelers in Riverside, UT

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: Which raising basement ceiling option is best for you?

• <div><p>If you&rsquo;re not sure which method of raising the ceiling is best for you, here are a couple of considerations to help you make that decision. <a href="https://www.angi.com/nearme/ceiling-companies/">A professional ceiling company</a> will be able to help you determine the best option for your home.</p><ul><li><p>How long you are planning to live there: although raising the basement ceiling will increase the value of your home, if you&rsquo;re planning to sell the house, then go for raising the house.</p></li><li><p>The condition of the foundation: to lower the floors, your foundation has to be intact whereas raising the house will allow you to restore the damaged foundation.</p></li></ul><p></p></div>

Q: How long should you wait after a new build to finish a basement?

• <div><p>You should plan on waiting at least a year and ideally two to three years after construction before finishing your basement. This will give the foundation time to settle in response to the weight of your home and the expansion of the surrounding soil. You can then repair your foundation and seal any cracks as needed before finishing it to reduce your risk of future leaks or other issues.</p></div>

Q: What is the most challenging part of finishing a basement?

• <div><p>Physically, the most challenging part of finishing a basement is installing egress windows or doors when the space is below ground level. Mentally, the hardest part may be envisioning the project and planning around load-bearing and mechanical obstacles.</p></div>

Q: Can I add a door to my basement?

• <div><p>Yes, you can add a door to your basement&mdash;it might even be required, depending on building codes in your area and whether or not you&rsquo;re using the basement as a bedroom. A <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/6-questions-ask-basement-waterproofing-contractor.htm">basement contractor</a> can give you some advice on installation and help you add a door to your basement.</p></div>

Enter your zip and get matched with up to 5 pros

Need a pro for your basement remodel project in Riverside, UT?

Select your specific project to find the pro for you.

Verified Reviews for Basement Remodel pros in Riverside, UT

*The Angi rating for Basement Remodel companies in Riverside, UT 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 Riverside, UT 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 February 24, 2026

Reviewed in February 2026
Ruling crew did a fantastic job on our garage remodel and was very communicative on responding right away to our phone calls and very reasonable rates to our budget....Would hire him again.
Country Dynamics, LLC
Request a quote
Reviewed in January 2025
John and Zack did an incredible job on my remodel. There was a lot going on and it was not an eazy configuration, but it was no trouble for JZ Electric. They were reasonably priced, stuck to their timelines and very clean and efficient with their work. In fact, I remodels for other people...
JZ Electric LLC
Request a quote
Reviewed in November 2023
Chris did a fantastic job finishing our basement. He worked with us on our budget and had great communication throughout the process. He was very detail oriented and made sure he gave us a beautiful product. He and all of his contractors showed up on time and got everything done much quicker...
House of Gables Construction
Request a quote
Reviewed in July 2023
Jesse is exceptional at everything he did for us. He put in underground drains, sloped our yard (no more flooding in our basement), compacted soil, concrete pad prep, and so much more. All his work is quality and he takes the time needed to discover exactly what you want and offers thoughts...
ZR Contracting & Excavation LLC
Request a quote
Reviewed in May 2023
Dwellify impressed me with their attention to detail, expert planning, and exceptional craftsmanship. From start to finish, their professionalism and open communication made the remodeling process smooth and enjoyable. The team's meticulous work resulted in a beautifully transformed space that...
Dwellify
Request a quote
Reviewed in September 2020
Aurora has been polite and professional despite my need to reschedule several times due to frequently changing repair and remodeling schedules. She showed up on time (great communication) with a team of two other cleaners (all wearing masks) and whipped through some seriously messy and...
Northern Lights Housekeeping
Request a quote
Reviewed in October 2016
Came and measures basement and hadn't heard from since 3 weeks
Sears Home Improvements
Request a quote
Reviewed in September 2013
Jim Hill has done a wonderful job for us on several occasions. The largest project he has done for us was installing the plumbing for a new bathroom (toilet, shower and sink) in the basement, but he has also done other projects such as re-routing piping for our exterior house faucets and for...
Jim Hill Plumbing
Request a quote
Reviewed in March 2013
We bought a home and needed the entire interior painted quickly. We had only one week before the movers arrived with our furniture. With 4000 sq. ft. to paint, we knew we could not get the work done by ourselves in the time we had. We hired this company to paint our main floor, while we...
The Paint Maintenance Company
Request a quote
Reviewed in November 2012
He was punctual, clean, fast and does excellent quality work. Not the cheapest bid I received but definitely satisfied with the result. I will be calling him to do the tile a new bathroom remodel this spring. <br />
R H LARSEN CERAMIC TILE
Request a quote

Basement Remodel questions, answered by experts

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.

If you’re not sure which method of raising the ceiling is best for you, here are a couple of considerations to help you make that decision. A professional ceiling company will be able to help you determine the best option for your home.

How long you are planning to live there: although raising the basement ceiling will increase the value of your home, if you’re planning to sell the house, then go for raising the house.
The condition of the foundation: to lower the floors, your foundation has to be intact whereas raising the house will allow you to restore the damaged foundation.

You should plan on waiting at least a year and ideally two to three years after construction before finishing your basement. This will give the foundation time to settle in response to the weight of your home and the expansion of the surrounding soil. You can then repair your foundation and seal any cracks as needed before finishing it to reduce your risk of future leaks or other issues.

Physically, the most challenging part of finishing a basement is installing egress windows or doors when the space is below ground level. Mentally, the hardest part may be envisioning the project and planning around load-bearing and mechanical obstacles.

Yes, you can add a door to your basement—it might even be required, depending on building codes in your area and whether or not you’re using the basement as a bedroom. A basement contractor can give you some advice on installation and help you add a door to your basement.

The Riverside, UT 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

Marwa Hasan
•
Apr 4, 2026Apr 4, 2026
What Is the Cost to Raise a Basement Ceiling?
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.
Haley Nothstein
•
May 30, 2026May 30, 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.
Lyle Hendriks
•
May 30, 2026May 30, 2026
How Much Does It Cost to Build a Bar in a Basement? [2026 Data]
A basement bar can add value to your home and serve as a great place to entertain. Use this guide on the cost to build a bar in your basement to get started.
Kyle Schurman
•
Mar 19, 2026Mar 19, 2026
The Ultimate Basement Renovation Checklist
Thinking about a basement renovation? Here’s a master checklist to get your project started off right.
C.E. Larusso
•
May 21, 2026May 21, 2026
8 Stylish Ways to Remodel Your Unfinished Basement
An unfinished basement is often the final frontier of home design. While the uses of other rooms are often preordained, the basement can be so many different things, from a playroom to a home office to a bar.
Deane Biermeier
•
May 2, 2026May 2, 2026
12 Exposed Basement Ceiling Ideas
Discover several exposed basement ceiling ideas, whether yours is low or high, for inspiration to make your home's lowest level a place to enjoy.