What we usually find
- Paneling glued straight to the foundation, with mold behind it
- Carpet laid directly on concrete
- Old wiring and not enough outlets
- Low drop ceilings hiding ducts that could be rerouted
- Oil tanks, old stacks, and abandoned plumbing
How we rebuild it
We remove the old finish, fix any moisture sources, insulate the walls properly, reroute what we can to gain ceiling height, and rebuild with materials meant for below-grade spaces. Most owners add a bathroom or a bedroom at the same time.
Typical cost
Remodeling an already-finished basement typically runs $40,000 to $85,000, including demolition and disposal.
Use the basement cost calculator →
Questions about basement remodeling
Is it cheaper to remodel a finished basement than finish a new one?
Usually a little, because the layout and some of the rough work already exist. But if the old work was done without permits, it may need to be opened for inspection.