Solid Rock Construction Basement Remodeling: Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Some Answers to our Frequently Asked Questions:

If you hire a professional, what should you look for?
While speaking with a references what questions should I ask?
What services should the professional provide?
What should you expect to pay for the finished project?
You’ve got your estimates, now what?

Basement Remodeling

If you are interested in seeing what a basement remodel will cost based upon a national average that was updated for the Denver area, please click on the links below. The information was put together by Remodeling Magazine for the 2009-2010 timeframe and shows that a basement remodel will recoup 76% or more of your investment once you sell your property. Contact us for more information in regard to your basement project.

Remodeling Cost vs. Value Article

Remodeling Cost vs. Value Data Toole

FAQ Answers

If you hire a professional, what should you look for?

A company with strong references and proven experience! After all, you don’t want your project to be a training ground for the contractor. You want a finished basement that you can enjoy without any hassles down the road or second-rate craftsmanship. Ask for a list of references from each contractor and call the names on the list. A good contractor should have many names to choose from and have a relationship with previous clients that would allow a phone interview, or possibly an on-site visit of their finished basement.

While speaking with a references what questions should I ask?

Was the project completed to your satisfaction and expectations?
Was the contractor neat, professional, and on time?
Did the contractor respond respectfully and promptly to any concerns or changes?
Was the project completed in a timely manner and on budget?
Would you recommend the contractor to your friends and relatives?
Was the contractor licensed, insured and operated under a contract?
And, any other questions you may come up that are specific to your needs.

What services should the professional provide?

Whether you are hiring a contractor to finish only parts of your basement, or you are hiring them to provide a turn-key (start-to-finish), move-in basement, you should be able to communicate your vision to the professional and they should be able to provide you with a clear understanding of what your project will be like when it is done. Services such as:

    Design and layout
    Finishes and color selections
    Electrical and lighting layout
    Changes in original design to accommodate environment
    Matching existing features in your home

What should you expect to pay for the finished project?

It all depends on how much you want to be involved as well as the work you do yourself. Prices can range from $15 - $100 per square foot of finished basement space. A professional and licensed contractor should be able to match the standard features in your home for that price. If you have out of the ordinary or custom features that you want to add, then the price can go higher. The estimates should be in writing and free of charge.

You’ve got your estimates, now what?

After you have collected your estimates to compare, stop and think about each experience before you consider price. Consider things such as:
Was the contractor on time and professional in the first encounter?

    Did he listen to me and answer my questions completely?
    If not, did he promise to get my question answered in a timely manner?
    Would I be comfortable having this contractor in my house?
    Most importantly, can I trust them?

After considering those items, and possibly a few more, what about price? Are the estimates similar in pricing? If not, are the estimates all giving you the same finished product? You will probably have several different price estimates. Look at each one closely to make sure they have included everything you asked for. Once complete, make a decision based upon the old adage about “You get what you pay for.” Don’t always pick the cheapest estimate. Remember, you are adding space and value to your home that you want to be proud of when the project is complete. Also, your house was probably built by a company that charged at least $70 per square foot, so keep that in mind when you think that you can get your basement finished for under $20 per square foot.

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HBA-MAME Award
Winner Since 2003
Best Remodeling Project Basement