"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."
"Randy, our electrician, was excellent. He was professional, polite, and efficient. He explained what he was doing and was very ingenious when we discovered that the screws to hang the fixture were not long enough. He problem-solved the situation on the spot and was able to hang the fixture with a few minor adjustments. It looks great. When he replaced the basement light switch, he explained why it went bad. I was concerned that there was a wiring problem in our basement and he assured me that the rest of the wiring was done very well."
"Ferguson Home Improvements did a fantastic job. All the work that needed to get done, was finished beyond my expectations. The workers were very friendly. The job took a little longer that expected, but Ferguson Home Improvements were not at fault, the weather played a major factor with the deck stain and door installation. At the time the work was getting done, we received a lot of rain and storms. All in all, I would highly recommend Ferguson Home Improvements. "
"We are very pleased with Sky Home Improvements/Ben Meffley's work and communication. The work was done at a rental home so we really appreciate Ben's great communication and keeping us updated. Ben sent before and after pictures. There were a couple of things that Ben noticed on the roof that would become problems in the future. He called explained the situation and sent pictures. He was very straight forward and honest and sent pictures of the items he noticed. It was nice to be able to see (from the pictures) what needed to be done for ourselves. In the future if there is anymore work that needs to be done we would definitely call Sky Home Improvements. "
"Steven did an awesome job on our basement. He was very professional, flexible, and most importantly his work was quality for a fair price. I would recommend Townside to a friend without hesitation."
"I started the remodel myself and made a mess of a few things but Cougar Development Corp was able to repair my mistakes and give us a finished product that we can be happy to have our guests use. The vanity and shelving look amazing and the trim work done throughout is fantastic. At the end of the project I even requested caulking throughout to prepare for the paint due to my lack of equipment and they did it quickly and perfectly. "
"It was fine. The original design didn’t meet my needs based on the information I provided them. However, they revised the plans which worked out better for me. They were able to get the first draft to me pretty quickly."
It is common for a contractor to ask for a down payment before starting a project, especially for jobs that require purchasing materials and equipment or hiring a crew. The deposit amount can range from 10% to 50% of the total job cost. While a request for up to 50% is not unusual, a contractor should not ask for more than that, and you should never pay for a project in full before the work has begun. To protect yourself, always discuss payment terms before starting and have a written contract that outlines the project timeline and expectations. Additionally, be sure to hire reputable contractors and check their licensing and insurance before the project begins.
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.
In many homes, an unfinished basement is an ideal place for an in-ground pool. The concrete floors, protection against water damage, and access to the ground below your home make this a large contender. Speak with a local basement remodeling contractor to ensure your space is right for the large construction.
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.
The Low Moor, VA homeowners’ guide to basement remodels
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
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.
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.