Best basement remodelers near Clayton, WI

Q: Why do some old houses have a toilet in the basement?

• <div><p>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.</p><p>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.</p></div>

Q: What's the difference between remodeling a basement and finishing a basement?

• <div><p>Although homeowners often use the terms basement remodeling and basement finishing interchangeably, they are quite different terms. </p><p><b>Finishing a basement</b> is the process of taking a basement space that is not habitable and adding elements to make it usable. This includes adding plumbing, flooring, and insulation.</p><p><b>Remodeling a basement</b> means taking an already existing finished basement and changing it, often by adding or removing walls, adding plumbing, or changing the existing flooring. </p></div>

Q: How long does it take to finish or remodel a basement?

• <div><p>The time it takes to finish or remodel a basement can vary significantly, ranging from a few weeks to several months or even up to a year. On average, the construction phase can take four to eight weeks, but the total project time can extend to three or four months when including planning and permits. The timeline depends on several factors, including the basement's size, design complexity, the scope of the work, and your contractor's availability. A more detailed breakdown for an average-sized basement might include: framing (3-5 days), electrical and rough-in plumbing (3-5 days), drywall installation (5 days), flooring (2-3 days), and final touches like painting and trim (about a week). If preliminary work like installing a waterproofing system or addressing structural issues is needed, the timeline could extend to six to twelve months. Factors like difficult access, material transport, and ventilation needs can also add to the project's duration.</p></div>

Q: What is the hardest part of finishing a basement?

• <div><p>The most challenging part of finishing a basement is addressing moisture control. Basement waterproofing is an essential task that requires a professional&rsquo;s skills and knowledge. If you don&rsquo;t properly waterproof your finished basement, it&rsquo;ll be vulnerable to dampness, water damage, and mold growth. Ensuring proper insulation and ventilation to combat these issues while meeting building codes adds complexity to your remodeling project.</p></div>

Q: Can you put a summer kitchen in the basement?

• <div><p>Yes, you can install a summer kitchen or kitchenette in your basement. They serve similar purposes as outdoor kitchens, keeping the main floor of the house cool and providing another space to cook and congregate. Basement kitchens are also a worthwhile alternative for homeowners without much space in the backyard. They come with a few logistical questions to sort out, though, like ventilation and waterproofing.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Basement Remodel pros in Clayton, WI

*The Angi rating for Basement Remodel companies in Clayton, WI 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 Clayton, WI 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 September 05, 2024

Reviewed in September 2024
Gabe & his team came in and ripped out the remainder of our old flooring and put down new LVP for us in our entire main level. He was very knowledgeable with any of my questions, cleaned up his mess, and worked diligently and in a timely manner to get the project done. Iâ d recommend his...
Bottolfson Flooring
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Reviewed in April 2024
We built our forever home with Dodge Brothers. Our build went fast. 6 months from ground breaking to move in. James executed the details we needed within budget despite outrageous pandemic building materials price hikes. He negotiated fair prices with electric and plumbing subcontractors while...
Dodge Brothers Construction
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Reviewed in August 2023
Would recommend to anyone needing structure repair work. Luke is a professional and made us feel very informed and comfortable throughout the entire process.
StructurPro, LLC
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Reviewed in October 2020
Ray Foss Construction was fantastic to work with! Ray installed two large egress windows for us in an existing, poured-wall basement. He was here when he said he would be, it took the amount of time he estimated it would and he worked very neatly. The windows look great and bring so much...
Ray Foss Construction, LLC
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Reviewed in February 2020
These guys are exactly what you're looking for. They are on time, considerate, knowledgable in all aspects of remodeling and accommodating. Whether you need someone to do the job from beginning to end or just do the heavy work, they are the ones for the job. They are working on plumbing,...
Dodge Brother Construction, LLC
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Reviewed in December 2019
They were extremely helpful throughout the process answering any of our questions. Start to finish the pool remodel took three days.
Z & Z Pools
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Reviewed in April 2018
Rick took my money and barely ever showed up. 6 months into a whole house remodel he has painted two ceilings and installed a few cabinets. His attitude is unprofessional and he is nearly impossible to work with. It's easier to get my kids to clean their rooms than to get him to do the work he...
Riverside Homes & Construction
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Reviewed in October 2014
Chad was awesome! He squeezed in my project in between other things he was working on. He came out on Thursday, looked over my project, went over everything that would be needed to do the project right, gave me an estimate, and was to work the next day. He came back on Monday to finish the...
2 Tru Carpenters LLC
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Reviewed in May 2013
He came and immediately went into the basement, and while he was doing the tune up on the furnace he actually showed my husband what to do if the issue we were having ever happened again. As most people know most companies don't do that cause they want you to call them to do the repair, but to...
FALL ELECTRIC CO
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Reviewed in April 2013
I live in town and the water was not leaving my home and backing up into the basement . I had roots blocking the passage from my hosue to the street. I called and they were able to come to my house after I was done with work and they were there waiting for me. They came in and went straight...
A-1 ROOTER SVC
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Top-Rated Basement remodelers in Clayton - Updated Nov 2026

TRS Builders & Remodelers LLC

Serving Clayton, WI and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2000

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"First I had my roof replaced on the house and then I had the house, garage and a shed all resided. All stages went as planned, Ray is honest and has a lot of integrity. Ray delivered on everything we had agreed on and was right there to correct anything needing attention if necessary. I would not hesitate to recommend TRS Builders to anyone."

+21

Response time6 hrs

19 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by88%of homeowners

Serving Clayton, WI and surrounding areas

In business since 2019

Free estimates

Warranties offered

"Everything went as planned and in a timely manner."

The crew plus ! Don’t worry the little one is our son ! Learning the trade young !

A finished clean will bring a nice shine to the project !!

+20

Response time9 hrs

Response rate100%

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Riverside Homes & Construction

4.2(

)

Basement - Remodel

Serving Clayton, WI and surrounding areas

In business since 1970

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Rick and his crew resided my home and my garage. They were professional, hard working, and paid attention to detail. They were knowledgeable and skilled. I would highly recommend."

+38

Recommended by76%of homeowners

Serving Clayton, WI and surrounding areas

In business since 2024

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"Punctual, professional, and very good at what he installed. Very fair on price for the quality of service. Definitely will recommend and hire for other jobs in the future."

Response time2 days

Recommended by14%of homeowners

Serving Clayton, WI and surrounding areas

In business since 2006

Credit card accepted

"Amanda was really very good! At first I was very skeptical, thinking why did I pay money to just speak with someone on the phone about my kitchen remodel project... but after just a few minutes of her addressing some of the issues/questions I emailed to her earlier, I knew it was worth it. It was very clear that she knew her business and she gave me several ideas that I had not even thought about. I told her that I would definitely recommend her to friends and I will very likely use her again myself for my next home project!

"

California Client Saves with HMD Designer Discounts

Recommended by54%of homeowners

Serving Clayton, WI and surrounding areas

In business since 2006

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"He was fast, friendly & did great work!!!"

Recommended by90%of homeowners

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Hip & Ridge Construction

4.5(

)

Basement - Remodel

Serving Clayton, WI and surrounding areas

In business since 2011

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"The roofers were extremely professional and nice. They found that the previous roofers did not put flashing around the skylights. All of the wood around them was rotten. They had to take all six skylights out to replace the wood. They did it with minimal dust inside. They took the time to put extra ice and snow barriers around the skylights. They went above and beyond. I would recommend Brian and his crew to anyone. Todd from Hip and Ridge Construction is friendly, professional and honest."

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Serving Clayton, WI and surrounding areas

In business since 2003

Free estimates

Warranties offered

Our excellent reputation and satisfied clients attest to our superior craftsmanship, attention to detail, clear communication, honesty and integrity. Our goal is to design and rebuild your home.

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Hampton Enterprise LLC

3.7(

)

Basement - Remodel

Serving Clayton, WI and surrounding areas

In business since 1989

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"They were good. They were pretty fast and came on time. My overall experience with them has been good."

Recommended by60%of homeowners

Serving Clayton, WI and surrounding areas

In business since 2009

Free estimates

hodge podge, little more time, quality, I take the time to make it right, you can go as fast as your can bc time is money but you may take short cuts I personally don't compromise quality.

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Showing 1-10 of 19

Basement Remodel FAQs, answered by experts

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.

Although homeowners often use the terms basement remodeling and basement finishing interchangeably, they are quite different terms.

Finishing a basement is the process of taking a basement space that is not habitable and adding elements to make it usable. This includes adding plumbing, flooring, and insulation.

Remodeling a basement means taking an already existing finished basement and changing it, often by adding or removing walls, adding plumbing, or changing the existing flooring.

The time it takes to finish or remodel a basement can vary significantly, ranging from a few weeks to several months or even up to a year. On average, the construction phase can take four to eight weeks, but the total project time can extend to three or four months when including planning and permits. The timeline depends on several factors, including the basement's size, design complexity, the scope of the work, and your contractor's availability. A more detailed breakdown for an average-sized basement might include: framing (3-5 days), electrical and rough-in plumbing (3-5 days), drywall installation (5 days), flooring (2-3 days), and final touches like painting and trim (about a week). If preliminary work like installing a waterproofing system or addressing structural issues is needed, the timeline could extend to six to twelve months. Factors like difficult access, material transport, and ventilation needs can also add to the project's duration.

The most challenging part of finishing a basement is addressing moisture control. Basement waterproofing is an essential task that requires a professional’s skills and knowledge. If you don’t properly waterproof your finished basement, it’ll be vulnerable to dampness, water damage, and mold growth. Ensuring proper insulation and ventilation to combat these issues while meeting building codes adds complexity to your remodeling project.

Yes, you can install a summer kitchen or kitchenette in your basement. They serve similar purposes as outdoor kitchens, keeping the main floor of the house cool and providing another space to cook and congregate. Basement kitchens are also a worthwhile alternative for homeowners without much space in the backyard. They come with a few logistical questions to sort out, though, like ventilation and waterproofing.

The Clayton, WI 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

Rachel Hoffman
•
Sep 23, 2026Sep 23, 2026
How Much Does a Basement Remodel Cost? [2026 Data]
A basement remodel can often cost as much as adding another room. However, homeowners should consider the usefulness and ROI of a remodel.
Haley Nothstein
•
Sep 8, 2026Sep 8, 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.
Marwa Hasan
•
Oct 29, 2026Oct 29, 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.
Amy Freeman
•
Jul 20, 2026Jul 20, 2026
Basement Remodel on a Budget: Yes, You Can Do It
Do you have a finished basement? If you want to give it a new lease on life, find out how you can do a basement remodel on a budget.
Melissa Graham
•
May 18, 2026May 18, 2026
5 Questions to Ask About Basement Remodels
These questions for professional contractors can help address your basement remodeling needs, design, and the best time to start the project.
Lawrence Bonk
•
Jul 9, 2026Jul 9, 2026
These 8 Red Flags Will Help You Spot a Bad Basement Remodeler
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.