Important: Many people are hoping to get estimates entirely online. However, in order to receive accurate estimates and because every project is unique, contractors must inspect the project site. Your information is held strictly confidential and will only be used to allow our member contractors to set up appointments with you.

Tell Us How Our Contractors Can Reach You! First Name: Last Name: Phone: - - Alt. Phone: - - Email: Street: City: State: Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware District Of Columbia Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming Zip Code:       Any other details about your project? Share with us! Privacy and Security Protected.

Basements are an ideal space for remodeling in your home. No additional foundation or roofing is required to convert your basement into other types of rooms, since it is already located within the existing structure of your home. With pre-existing perimeter walls and often simple structures such as load bearing walls, this area can need minimal structural work. An entire basement remodel can often leave you room for a game room, exercise area, kitchenette, media room, and even bedroom. This layout can be perfect for an apartment or gathering area for your kids and their friends.

Basements Article Archive:

Coming soon.

Featured Basements Articles:

Remodeling Your Basement

By Jennifer Weldon

Your basement is a hidden treasure you may not even realize. If your basement is unfinished or simply used as storage area, you are not using it to its full potential. By remodeling your basement you can increase your living area, boost the value of your home, and create a whole new area for your family to enjoy.

If you are short on space in your home, a basement remodel is considerably less expensive than building a room addition onto your house. The basement already has a foundation, roof, and exterior walls. You simply need to up-fit the interior and you are ready to go. Seek the advice of a general contractor experienced with basement remodels for valuable ideas on designing the new basement layout and to get a free estimate. Here are some basics to get you started.

Building Code
Your city and county most likely have building code requirements that apply to basements being considered "habitable". One of the more important requirements is usually ceiling height, with a typical minimum of 7'. If your current ceiling is just shy of the 7' mark, your general contractor may have some ideas to gain the valuable inches you need to meet it. Moving plumbing, wiring, or HVAC equipment around in the ceiling are all viable solutions. Your contractor will be knowledgeable about other building codes that apply to basements you will need to meet.

Moisture
A major concern of remodeling a basement is controlling moisture levels. An older home may have a damp basement, or possibly flooding. Even newer homes may have some moisture problems. Any water issues need to be addressed immediately before any remodeling work can begin. Your general contractor will evaluate the drainage around the exterior of the basement and make any corrections. New drains may have to be installed or existing ones re-routed. Foundation cracks will be identified and fixed. At this stage of your basement remodel you may also want to perform a radon test. Radon is a naturally occurring gas, but harmful levels are toxic. Your general contractor can perform a simple test that will determine what the radon levels in your basement are. If they are considered high, the proper measures can be taken.

Ventilation
You will need to install a ventilation system in your basement that accommodates heating and cooling. Your general contractor may sub out this work to a HVAC contractor. They can install a right-sized system for your basement to include duct work, registers, and proper air flow. For smaller basements, a basement ventilation system may be available. Your contractor can help guide you as to your basement's specific needs.

Lighting
Basements are generally dark spaces because there is no natural light from windows. To bring in ample lighting, consider recessed lighting in addition to decorative fixtures. Your general contractor can help you design a lighting plan to illuminate your basement.

Flooring
Your flooring choice will most likely depend on how you are using your basement. If there will be bedrooms or a home theater room, carpet is a great sound suppressor. For game or recreation rooms you may want easy maintenance tile or laminate flooring.

Uses
Remodeling your basement is like designing on a blank sheet of paper. The choices are limitless. You can make additional bedrooms, a game room, home theater room, exercise room, kitchenette, wine cellar, or even an apartment for a college age child. Your general contractor can let you know what type of rooms have been popular in your area. Whatever your transform your basement into, you can be sure to enjoy it for many years to come and feel secure that you are adding to the value of your home.