"Kris W. Made my dream vision of our bathroom area a reality. I’m glad I went with this company. They are very responsive and have excellent communication skills, with great customer service. In the past, I never had good luck with contractors on our home remodels, but they exceeded my expectations. We couldn’t be more happy!
Thanks, Kris!"
"My experience was truly amazing, they over passed my expectations. Nicely done job, I would highly recommend them if you need any type of remodeling. Also, they are bilingual, communication was very good and they were very quickly to finish too."
"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!
"Brent and his team built a half bath in my basement. Very easy to work with and receptive to feedback and ideas to help vision become reality. Quality of work was very good and I would consider his pricing a value for the final product. Would highly recommend and hire him again for any future projects. Tom Hoeft"
"The windows our great! Energy saving due to the insulated glass saves money and never fogs or has condensation on the windows. The durability and ease of cleaning and opening these windows are a dream! Along with the aesthetics. The crew that came to install the windows did awesome work fast cleaned up there work area things were in great shape when leaving. Since then I have had follow up calls and follow visits to make sure everything is working as I believe it should be which it is. Great company!! Would have them do any work for me and my family and would have them do anyone else's work too. Do not let this company slip by without a try!"
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Oconto, WI 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.