"We had a great experience with the Lux Renovations and Owens Corning team. The whole process was very easy from designing the space, selecting colors, and having a contract manager who organized the entire basement remodel including all the trades and inspections. We were sold on the Owens Corning materials for the basement and that they were engineered specifically for a basement space. Would highly recommend this team for your basement remodel needs."
"Erskine did an excellent job rebuilding our deck stairs. He had helpful advice, he communicated clearly, the cost was reasonable, and he is a real craftsman. We're really pleased with the result, and highly recommend Unlimited Handiworks LLC!"
"Mr. Broadwater has remodeled 2 bathrooms, our laundry room, installed a double-oven in my kitchen, and added an amazing kitchen nook with 3 large garden windows. He worked closely with us to understand our visions then made them all realities. We love his work and will hire him when we identify the next project!"
"The project went very well, even though the hurricane. The guys were very professional and courteous at all times. I love the pantry they built. I would definitely hire them again for any new project!"
"Two of the Upgrade Remodeling pro's showed up and did the whole job in a excellent manner. The installed and cleaned up an in a superior manner. I would highly recommend for bathroom remodel or any other job you might have for them to do."
"I found A/C Home Improvements through Angie's list and my wife and I are glad we did! Tony and Terry was very professional and what impresses me the most is they stick by their word. Their work shows experience and will stand up with any contractors. They installed the floor, backsplash, a new microwave and under cabinet lighting as well as a ceiling light. We also re-faced our oak cabinets and it was sub-contracted out by Poff's Cabinetry in Martinsville VA and I highly recommend them as well!! We saved over half refacing the cabinets and they look brand new. Amazing work by both and will use them in the future for any kind of job we have!!"
"I bought a special offer (via Angie's List) for HomeMade Design to provide a design for one room in my house. I was in the process of moving into a new home, organizing it, etc. so really wanted help with some interior design. But I was so busy that the deal ended up expiring before I could use it. I contacted HomeMade Design and they told me that all they could do was give me credit for the amount of the deal toward a future purchase. The thing is, I can't afford their prices (even with the credit), so I ended up throwing money away. My fault, but I wish the deal could have been a little more flexible in terms of expiration. We (Homemade Design and I) had never started the project so what difference did it make if we started one year later? I still need a design and they have the money.....why can't we start now? Note: I would have gladly paid a little more to compensate for inflation of costs, etc. during the time lapsed."
"Vanguard Home Renovations updated two of my bathrooms- flooring, vanities, and showers. Excellent work, on time, fair pricing, and I received prompt responses whenever I had questions. I highly recommend their services!"
"Dennis is very knowledgeable in many fields. I hired his crew to paint 3 rooms , 2 hallways and repair plaster damage. The project only took a couple days even while battling snowy weather. Our realtor was so impressed she asked for his contact info. Thanks Dennis."
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.
It is generally more affordable to finish a basement than an attic, though it ultimately depends on how you plan to use the space. The average cost to finish a basement ranges from $7 to $23 per square foot, while attic renovation costs $30 to $60 per square foot. However, a simple attic conversion to a storage space will cost significantly less.
While framing a basement is not as difficult as finishing a basement, it's something you should typically leave to the pros. That’s because if something is installed correctly, it will affect your entire basement. However, you can take care of some of the smaller tasks, like filling holes or putting up some insulation.
A walkout basement is considered to be partially below grade because at least one wall is entirely exposed. In some cases and in specific municipalities, inspectors and appraisers will still count walkout basements as below grade, which means the space can’t serve as living space or be rented out. If you intend on using the area as living space or a separate apartment, you should check with your local building department to make sure it’s legal to do so.
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.
The Copper Hill, VA homeowners’ guide to basement remodels
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
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.
