Who Do You Hire to Finish a Basement?

If you need help finishing your basement, you should hire a basement finishing contractor. These licensed professionals hold a general contractor’s license, but they’ll work more quickly and save more money than a standard general contractor who doesn’t specialize in this work. Use this guide to hire a basement finishing contractor for the best results.

Benefits of Hiring a Basement Finishing Specialist

A professional who specializes in finishing basements has some advantages over a general contractor who handles all kinds of construction jobs. Here are the benefits of hiring a basement finishing contractor near you:

• Expertise: Basement contractors have the knowledge and skills necessary to tackle the unique challenges that come with basement finishing, including moisture control, insulation, proper ventilation, ductwork, and low ceilings.

• Building code compliance: Permits are needed to finish a basement. Basement contractors are well-versed in local building codes and regulations because they handle basements day in and day out.

• Design: Many basement contractors offer design services that help you choose layout, lighting, and finishes. General contractors are less likely to offer design services, leaving everything to you.

• Cost savings: While it might seem counterintuitive, hiring a professional basement contractor can save money in the long run. They can help you avoid costly mistakes and ensure that your project stays on budget.

Can I Hire a General Contractor to Finish a Basement?

You can hire a general contractor to finish a basement, but there are some downsides to consider. If they don’t know about specific regulations or restrictions in your area, for example, it could open the door for mistakes. General contractors normally have larger jobs going on, like new construction, so they may not prioritize your project or complete it in a timely manner.

Finally, general contractors will often subcontract parts of the work, like electric, plumbing, and heating. A basement finishing specialist is more likely to have a full suite of pros on staff, which means fewer delays and lower costs.

How Do Basement Contractors Finish a Basement?

The process to finish a basement is broken down into several steps. Here’s what a basement contractor will do:

• Assess the existing space, which involves inspecting the foundation, pinpointing structural issues or moisture problems, and obtaining the necessary permits

• Create a detailed plan for the layout, materials, design, and functionality of the finished basement, working with the homeowner’s vision

• Start on construction work, such as framing walls, installing insulation for energy efficiency, and waterproofing

• Take care of electrical and plumbing work, ensuring it's up to code

• Tie in your heating and/or cooling systems to regulate the temperature

• Finish the basement by installing drywall, taping and spackling, painting, installing flooring, and putting up trim

• Put finishing touches on plumbing fixtures, lighting, and more

Throughout the project, the contractor manages timelines, coordinates with the necessary specialists, and ensures that all work is completed to the homeowner's satisfaction. Some basement finishing specialists may also offer design services, such as furniture and decor installation.

How Much Does Finishing a Basement Cost?

Finishing a basement costs an average of $32,000, and most homeowners pay somewhere between $15,000 and $75,000 to convert the basement to living space. You could pay as little as $3,000 for simply adding walls and flooring to a small basement. Prices can go up to $100,000 if you need to route plumbing, electrical, and HVAC to the space, install a bathroom and a kitchenette, and add an exterior entrance or window wells to create a livable space.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro

It’s possible for homeowners to finish a basement themselves in some cases, but it depends on the work you need done. For example, those with DIY experience can probably install drywall, but they should leave electrical wiring to a professional. When in doubt, hire a local basement finishing pro to help.

Here are some tasks that can be completed as DIY projects, and others that should be left to a professional: