Can you add a bathroom to an unfinished basement?

• <div><p>Yes, you can add a bathroom to an unfinished basement, but you’ll want to take proper precautions if doing so. As with any bathroom addition, you’ll need to make sure that it’s approved by local building authorities first. With unfinished basements, you especially need to keep an eye on proper ventilation practices.</p></div>

Is it more affordable to gut a house than build a new home?

• <div><p>Whether it’s more affordable to gut a house than build a new one depends on the markets where you'd be buying and selling. However, it’s usually less expensive to renovate a home than to build new construction. </p><p>Most homeowners pay between <b>$100,000 and $200,000</b> for demolition and remodeling costs, whereas the average <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-much-does-it-cost-build-house.htm">cost to build a new home</a> is between <b>$139,000 and $531,300</b>. </p></div>

Get matched with top basement remodelers in Ettrick, 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: Are walkout basements included in square footage?

• <div><p>Walkout basements are not generally included in a home&rsquo;s square footage, although they may be if they meet certain conditions that depend on local regulations. A finished walkout basement used as a living space may be counted toward square footage in some locations as long as all codes for livable space are met.</p></div>

Q: Is it cheaper to build up or add a basement?

• <div><p>Building up by adding square footage to the top of your home is often less expensive than adding a basement, but it depends on the specifics of your house, your property, and supply costs. Because building a basement requires excavation, it can be a more expensive option than building up.</p></div>

Q: Is it more affordable to gut a house than build a new home?

• <div><p>Whether it&rsquo;s more affordable to gut a house than build a new one depends on the markets where you'd be buying and selling. However, it&rsquo;s usually less expensive to renovate a home than to build new construction. </p><p>Most homeowners pay between <b>$100,000 and $200,000</b> for demolition and remodeling costs, whereas the average <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-much-does-it-cost-build-house.htm">cost to build a new home</a> is between <b>$139,000 and $531,300</b>. </p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Basement Remodel pros in Ettrick, WI

*The Angi rating for Basement Remodel companies in Ettrick, 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 Ettrick, 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 January 25, 2024

Reviewed in January 2024
Craig was extremely professional and knowledgeable! He was always patient with my many questions and helped ensure everything was done to the highest of standards. Highly recommend him! Professional, showed up when he said he would, and completed the electrical upgrade portion of my remodel to...
Craig Jeske Builders
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Reviewed in December 2023
River valley remodelers went above and beyond expectations. Couldn't be happier with the work they did. Extremely professional and super nice through the entire project. Highly recommend hiring them.
River Valley Remodelers, LLC
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Reviewed in April 2022
Steve and his crew did an amazing job on the paint in my house. It turned out better than I could’ve ever imagined. The crew he had made sure that I was comfortable and happy with the job from the beginning all the way to the end. I will hire them again in a heartbeat, and will refer anyone that...
La Crosse Remodeling
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Reviewed in January 2022
Stutzman Construction is reliable and reasonable. They provide quality work and are very helpful in designs for remodel and new construction.
Stutzman & Son Construction, LLC
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Reviewed in January 2021
This is a unique review. I had contacted Above All Tile to bid on a bathroom remodel. We agreed on a date and time to meet. Above All Tile did not show up and I wrote a negative review. Above all Tile reached out to me, apologized, explained an emergency had taken place, and REIMBURSED ME FOR MY...
Above All Tile & Stone Inc.
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Reviewed in February 2018
Always late or never turned up, he gave every excuse under the sun. Workmanship was very poor, he always left a mess that we ended up cleaning up afterwards. Still not finished the job after 4 months and we ended up hiring someone else to finish and redo the poor remodel and trim.
Sage Plumbing
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Find Basement remodelers in Ettrick

A&M General Construction LLC

4.6(

)

Serving Ettrick, WI and surrounding areas

In business since 2021

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Antonio remodeled our bathroom with a costum shower along with other little projects throughout the house. I highly recommend him and his crew. Would hire them again."

+25

Recommended by87%of homeowners

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Construction and Remodeling - Home Facebook

5.0(

)

Serving Ettrick, WI and surrounding areas

In business since 2018

Free estimates

Warranties offered

"Very friendly and amazing quality of work. We will hire again!"

Response time10 mins

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Serving Ettrick, WI and surrounding areas

In business since 2006

Credit card accepted

"I feel extremely fortunate to have found Vicki through Angie's List ! She is an extremely talented person who is very easy to deal with. She has a breath of knowledge that allows her to accommodate my tastes, but also ensure that the overall design is in sync with the design and location of my home. She has a very diplomatic way of suggesting when I'm going astray with my choices and in every case where she has told me "Trust Me" I have been delighted ! She is very aggressive in helping me find the best pricing and often times will work with the vendors directly hence saving me the time. She also has excellent local contacts. Everyone I've worked with through Vicki has been timely, professional, and highly competent.
My project is far from complete. I intend to continue to use Vicki and her expert advice until the end !!!!"

California Client Saves with HMD Designer Discounts

Recommended by54%of homeowners

Serving Ettrick, WI and surrounding areas

In business since 2006

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"It went really well. He did the work and completed it on the evening he came. He was on time and we were pleased with getting it done.
"

Recommended by90%of homeowners

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Hip & Ridge Construction

4.5(

)

Serving Ettrick, 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

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Hampton Enterprise LLC

3.7(

)

Serving Ettrick, 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

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Affordable Home Improvements

New to Angi

Serving Ettrick, WI and surrounding areas

In business since 2014

40 years industry experience - LIC in WI and MN

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Matthew Moss Painting

3.7(

)

Serving Ettrick, WI and surrounding areas

In business since 1990

Emergency services offered

Credit card accepted

Interior painting, exterior painting, Log Cabin Staining sheetrock repair, carpentry work, staining, concrete painting, handyman work, pressure washing, corn cobb and walnut shell blasting, cedar roof cleaning and stain & wood floor re-finishing. Additional phone number - (218) 851-4078

+24

Recommended by66%of homeowners

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Danz Custom Homes, LLC

0.0(

)

Serving Ettrick, WI and surrounding areas

In business since 1988

Free estimates

Warranties offered

Danz Custom Homes, LLC., offers 20 plus years experience in all the phases of design-build construction and remodeling. Consistent professionalism and an extensively factory trained staff.

Recommended by20%of homeowners

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4 Lakes Construction, LLC

New to Angi

Serving Ettrick, WI and surrounding areas

In business since 2005

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

We are a locally owned and operated company with over 16 years of industry experience. We specialize in Additions and Kitchen Remodels, but also offer a wide range of expertise for a variety of other Home Improvement projects. We pride ourselves on the quality of our work as well as our commitment to outstanding results. We look forward to building lasting relationships and guarantee your satisfaction!

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Showing 1-10 of 19

Basement Remodel questions, 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.

Walkout basements are not generally included in a home’s square footage, although they may be if they meet certain conditions that depend on local regulations. A finished walkout basement used as a living space may be counted toward square footage in some locations as long as all codes for livable space are met.

Yes, you can add a bathroom to an unfinished basement, but you’ll want to take proper precautions if doing so. As with any bathroom addition, you’ll need to make sure that it’s approved by local building authorities first. With unfinished basements, you especially need to keep an eye on proper ventilation practices.

Building up by adding square footage to the top of your home is often less expensive than adding a basement, but it depends on the specifics of your house, your property, and supply costs. Because building a basement requires excavation, it can be a more expensive option than building up.

Whether it’s more affordable to gut a house than build a new one depends on the markets where you'd be buying and selling. However, it’s usually less expensive to renovate a home than to build new construction.

Most homeowners pay between $100,000 and $200,000 for demolition and remodeling costs, whereas the average cost to build a new home is between $139,000 and $531,300.

The Ettrick, 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
•
May 2, 2026May 2, 2026
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•
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How Much Does It Cost to Frame a Basement? [2026 Data]
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How Much Does It Cost to Finish a Basement? [2026 Data]
An unfinished basement has a lot of potential for a family room or guest suite. So how much does it cost to finish a basement? Read on for all cost factors.
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•
Apr 10, 2026Apr 10, 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.
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•
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.
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•
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.