If you are looking to build a new house with a basement foundation you can either work with a specialist in basement construction or a general contractor who will manage the entire construction process for you. While the cost of building a basement foundation is higher than a slab foundation it can be well worth it for the extra living space you gain.

It is also possible to add a basement to an existing house, although this is generally more expensive than putting on an addition or extra floor to the house, as the entire structure will need to be lifted and braced while the basement is excavated and built. This is more straightforward if you already have a partial basement or crawl space foundation.

Basement finishing contractors

If your house has an unfinished basement you could be sitting on a goldmine of extra space (and increased resale value), which can be released by finishing it. Depending on the type of room you want, this project could include:

• Hanging drywall to create the walls and ceiling.
• Laying flooring
• Insulating the space
• Doing electrical work
• Adding plumbing if you want a bathroom or kitchen

Your contractor might be able to do most of the work themselves or contract the work out to electricians, plumbers, and other subcontractors.

Basement remodeling contractors

A home remodeling contractor can usually help with remodeling your basement, updating tired decor and fixtures, and adding new wiring and plumbing to turn a storage room into a dream space, like a home theater, a man cave, or even a gym with a bathroom.

Basement repair contractors and waterproofing

Your basement foundation might require some repair or restoration work if you are having issues with cracks in the concrete, or moisture is beginning to get in. There are specialist basement waterproofing contractors who have expertise in applying waterproofing to your basement, and others who will be experts in repairing structural or superficial damage to the concrete.

What is the cheapest way to remodel a basement?

When remodeling a basement you should ensure you use proper contractors for all structural work, insulation, and any electrical work or plumbing. However, you can save money by doing some of the finishing work yourself, for example laying laminate flooring or painting and decorating. We recommend that any work you decide to do yourself happens after the contractor has completed their work, as any delays to a contractor can be costly.

How can I update my basement?

If your basement feels rather dark and gloomy there are many ways you can update it and turn it into a lively family living space. One of the best ways is through decor and lighting. Use a light color on the walls and add mirrors to create an illusion of space and openness. Lighting can really brighten up a room and make it feel less enclosed.

What are the types of basement construction?

There are three main types of basement construction:

• Poured concrete is the most common type.
• Block or masonry walls are generally quicker to build than poured concrete and use cinder blocks
• Precast panels use large, ready-made concrete panels that are transported to the site and installed.