Answers to commonly asked questions from the experts on HomeGuide.
How much does it cost to remodel a basement?
An average basement remodel costs $25 to $65 per square foot or $12,500 to $37,500 total with labor, depending on the size and scope of the project. Common basement remodeling jobs include:
Adding or upgrading a bathroom
Turning an unused space into a bedroom
Adding a home theater room
Adding a basement kitchen
How much value does a basement remodel add?
Remodeling a basement has a 65% to 70% return on investment (ROI). The exact value a basement remodel has will depend on the changes made and the square footage.
When selling a home, the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) separates the above ground square footage from below grade square footage. Above ground spaces are worth about twice as much as lower-level rooms.
How long does a basement remodel take?
A basement remodel takes 3 to 8 weeks on average, depending on the size and changes made. The following factors may increase the project timeline:
Materials on backorder
Demolition
Structural changes
Mold or water damage mitigation
What’s the difference between remodeling, renovating & finishing a basement?
Some use the terms remodeling, renovation, and finishing interchangeably, but they're technically different from each other:
Remodeling means to change a room's appearance or function. Common remodeling jobs include adding rooms or walls.
Renovating means to restore a space to its original condition, not changing structures or adding rooms.
Finishing a basement means converting it from bare concrete to a livable space with walls, windows, and floors.
Do you need a permit to remodel a basement?
Yes, you need a permit to remodel a basement. Building permits cost$500 to $2,000 when structural changes are involved. Permits make sure your changes are done properly and up to code. Remodeling without a permit is risky and can negatively impact your home's resale value.
How do I hire a basement remodeling contractor?
First, search our list of basement contractors, then:
Compare multiple estimates from companies with 5+ years of experience.
Browse reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Confirm that they're licensed, insured, and bonded.
Beware of the lowest quotes, which can result in low-quality work.
Ask for a written estimate and contract before work starts.
Only make the final payment after the project is completed.
What questions should I ask basement remodeling contractors?
Ask these questions to help find the best basement contractor:
How much experience do you have with remodeling basements?
Can I see pictures of past remodeling projects?
How long will this job take?
Do you offer a warranty for your work?
Does your estimate include materials, labor, and cleanup?
Will you hire any subcontractors?
What unexpected costs can come up for this kind of project?
Will you handle any necessary building permits?
Reviews for Charlotte basement remodelers
Recent success stories from people in the Charlotte area.
Pete C.
Mr. Walters was honest and forthright, fair in his pricing. He installed about 160 feet of wooden privacy fence in my backyard and was diligent about overcoming obstacles like trees and tree stumps that might have impeded the project. He knows his tools and knows his product and is skilled at what he does.
Walters Renovations LLC
Dana V.
Jeff is a great guy to work with. He's very communicative and detailed. You will always know the timeline for your project and he will update you if anything changes to that timeline. We chose to have our project completed during COVID when the costs of all materials skyrocketed but Jeff kept us informed and did his best to still keep the project on budget. Jeff hires only the best subcontractors to do the work needed. He's able to hire the best because he has great working relationships with the best. Jeff works tirelessly from quoting the project to seeing it through to the very end. We are very pleased with the final outcome of our poolside pavilion.
I am the owner of an architectural design/drafting house, and I have worked with Mr. Francis on numerous occasions over the last 6 years. Mr. Francis is a reputable builder and we have built a great working relationship with Odyssey solely based on his integrity, and his passion for construction.
Mr. Francis has always respected the design process and has gone above and beyond the call of duty to ensure that clients we have worked together with are completely satisfied with the job from start to finish.
His clientele that we have encountered have always been proud of the service that he brings to their projects and have been more than happy to employ his services in the future. Whenever Mr. Francis calls, I make sure that I or someone on my design team makes themselves available to him. He has been a valuable resource to refer to in the design process. He has also made himself available to me and my team, even if it is not a project he is directly associated with.
Mr. Francis is the professional you want to hire to get the job done!
Odyssey Custom Homes & Renovations
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Nearby basement remodeling contractors in and around Charlotte
