Basement Remodel & Renovation

All Mr. Handyman franchises are locally owned and operated and may offer fewer or more services than those listed here. To learn more about basement services offered in your area, contact your local Mr. Handyman for details or a customized on-site assessment.

Basement Remodeling FAQs

Mr. Handyman has been helping homeowners repair, maintain, and enhance their spaces for over 25 years! We are the one-stop solution for everything on your to-do list. This includes answering your questions about home repairs, maintenance, and improvements. Here are answers to some of your most frequently asked questions about Basement Remodeling.

In what order should you renovate a basement?

To tackle your basement renovation efficiently, plan and execute each step with your end goal in mind.

• Decide on the purpose when you create the layout: How you will be using the space determines plumbing and electrical needs.
• Set a budget: When determining the cost for your basement renovation, remember to account for potential permits in addition to materials and labor.
• Assess for issues: Check your basement for moisture issues, mold, and cracks in walls and flooring.
• Install insulation: You may also need to add waterproofing to make the space energy-efficient. Add a vapor barrier, waterproof paint or sealant to help prevent water damage and mold.
• Mark and frame walls and partitions: Remember to outline all spaces, including doors, windows, closets
• Install electrical, plumbing, and HVAC: Your city may have specific building codes and require permits for this step.
• Install drywall: Before installing drywall on walls and ceilings, consider if you’d like to add insulation or make your walls soundproof.
• Install flooring: Remember to level the floor before installing your preferred flooring option.
• Install fixtures and other finishes: Complete electrical work by adding lighting, switches, and outlets. Depending on your space, you will install toilets, sinks, showers, wet bars, washer and dryers, and HVAC vent covers.
• Finish trims: install doors and cabinets with their hardware before adding baseboards, crown molding, and casings around doors and windows.

What adds the most value to a basement?

Adding livable space to your home through a basement renovation will add square footage and increase your home value. To compound said value, consider adding a permitted full or half bathroom, bedrooms, or a family room that meet your local building code.

When should you not finish a basement?

Hold off on finishing your basement if you:

• Experience frequent water leaks, seepage (especially if those are stemming from a high water table), flooding, and excessive moisture.
• Have low ceilings that don’t meet local building code and would make you feel crammed.
• Find sagging joists or posts, crack and structural foundation issues that point to bigger structural problems.

How long does it take to finish a 1000 sq ft basement?

On average, it takes upwards of six weeks to complete a 1000 sq ft basement remodel. Multiple actors will affect this timeline.

In general, expect 2+ weeks for planning and permits; about a week for prepping the basement; installing framing, utilities, insulation, and drywall will take about 4 weeks; account a week for flooring, another week for painting; and two weeks to install cabinets, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC finishes before you get to your final cleanup and walkthrough.

However, if you run into any problems, addressing them will extend the timeline of the entire basement renovation.

Can you finish a basement yourself?

Yes, it’s possible to bring your basement remodel ideas to life on your own. Before you start on this complex project, know that basement finishing will include permitting, framing, electrical, plumbing, insulation, and drywall work that need to meet your local building code. If you have any hesitation about those pieces, you might want to call a professional.