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 Los Angeles basement remodelers
Recent success stories from people in the Los Angeles area.
Yaniv K.
Highly recommend these guys after doing a great job from start to finish !
I recently bought a house for investment and needed remodeling for the kitchen and 2 bathrooms , and a friend recommended Oria Builders and sent me to speak with Gilad the owner.
we clicked from the first call , Gilad was super friendly , professional and understood exactly what I was looking for without me having to explain too much and got me a price offer and work plan within a couple of days and by the next week the crew was already working on my property.
Gabriel the project manager was always polite and respectful, kept everything clean and did a raeally good job on keeping us updated at every point of the job .
they completed the job within the agreed upon time frame with no lagging , left everything clean and looking brand new , and I will absolutely use their services again in the future .
thanks again guys for doing a wonderful job!
Oria Builders
Holden W.
Gilmer is very professional and thorough. He inspected the home inside and out. He issued a detailed report complete with photos, descriptions and recommendations for repairs. I receive the report with in the same day of my inspection. I was very happy and would recommend him highly.
GG Home Repair Services
Jamie S.
I cannot say enough good things about this company - they exceeded my expectations in every way possible! Firstly, the price was incredibly reasonable, especially considering the high quality of work that was done. Communication was also top-notch. But perhaps what impressed me the most was their work ethic. The crew arrived early and worked tirelessly throughout the day to get the job done. They were respectful of my property, leaving everything clean and tidy at the end of each day. And the end result? My roof looks absolutely fantastic! The repairs are solid, and I feel confident that my home is now better protected from future storms. Five stars all around!
Home Remodeling Los Angeles
Henry D.
We had a stellar experience with AGA construction. They were quick, provided great service, and the quality of the work and finishes is very professional, sturdy, and straight.
They gave us a 3d layout of our bathroom and our kitchen. This made it very easy to visualize and decide exactly which way we wanted to go.
AGA has great design ideas and suggestions. Furthermore, they have great vendors and got us some great pricing.
We will continue to use AGA construction and we highly recommend them!
AGA Construction Inc
Ken S.
Sky Renovation and new construction are true professionals in every aspect of work. They recently remodeled our kitchen and we wanted combination of modern and classic look so not simple task but remodeled kitchen looks just as we wished it will look like, even better. We didn't had a single complaint about Sky Renovation team, they were nice, quick and efficient, informed us about working progress all the time and gave us some very important advises. Also the quality of materials they used was highest quality. This contractor deserves highest possible rating, thanks!
Sky Renovation & New Construction
M. D.
I needed to get a adu called yor since they were very close to the area. We got a fantastic quote and we went along with them and the final results are just amazing. From the work to the process and the finishing it was very professional.
YOR Construction and Investment inc.
Beto O.
Very professional
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