"From the very beginning, Upgrade Remodeling was incredible for their contacting me fast, having a Project Manager available all the time for questions, scheduling the actual work to be done, a contact between me and the installers...I recommend Upgrade Remodeling to everyone. And the walk-in shower walls, floor, grab bars, and seat are beautiful, too!"
"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."
Yes, in most cases, finishing a basement is worth the cost. The project adds valuable, usable square footage to your home and typically provides a return on investment (ROI) of 70% to 75%. For example, an average basement refinishing project costing $32,000 could add between $22,400 and $24,000 to your property's value. The final value added depends on factors like your location, the quality of materials and workmanship, and the features you include, such as a living space, bedroom, or bathroom. To be officially counted in your home's total square footage, the finished space must comply with all local building codes, including requirements for points of egress. However, in areas prone to flooding, a finished basement might be seen as a liability by potential buyers and could potentially decrease your home's value.
Basements with persistent moisture problems or flooding shouldn’t be finished until the moisture issues have been fixed. In addition, if your foundation is cracked, you have unmitigated radon levels, or you have asbestos or lead pipes, remediate the underlying problem before finishing your basement. Turning a basement into living space before fixing these issues can lead to serious health risks or structural damage.
Framing a basement takes three to five days, on average, when completed by a professional, though it may take longer for a larger space. Keep in mind this doesn’t include the time to complete the design, obtain permits, and install the drywall on the framing. On average, fully finishing a basement takes an average of 45 days.
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.
You should always use high-quality lumber for your framing in order to ensure it will last the test of time and resist moisture. Use 2-foot by 4-foot lumber that is pressure-treated for your framing.
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.
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.