Framing with a plan
Rooms, soffits, and a future bath are framed so the mechanicals have a path.
Below grade, built like a room, not a storage closet.
Moisture, egress, and the mechanicals decide the scope. The finish level is the part you choose after that.
1–2 weeksBudget finish
3–5 weeksMid-level
6–10 weeksFull custom
PermittedElectrical, plumbing, egress
What a basement finish includes
Every level includes the trades the room needs. The difference is how finished the ceiling, walls, and floors are.
- Framing. Walls, soffits, and the layout of the rooms.
- Electrical. Lighting, outlets, and a panel or sub-panel when the load needs it.
- Plumbing. A bath, wet bar, or ejector pump when the plan includes water.
- Insulation. Walls and the rim, so the room holds temperature.
- Flooring. Luxury vinyl over a moisture barrier. Not hardwood.
- Code. Egress for bedrooms, permits, and the inspections that follow.
Why a basement is a general contractor job
Framing, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and finishes have to land in the right order or the ceiling gets opened twice.
Power and water
Recessed lights, GFCI outlets, a bathroom rough-in, and HVAC extensions stay in one schedule.
A floor that can get damp
Luxury vinyl over a moisture barrier. Hardwood does not belong on a basement slab.
A real bedroom needs egress
If someone will sleep down there, the window and the well are part of the scope, not an add-on later.
How a basement project runs
Layout, then mechanicals, then the finishes. The ceiling does not close before the inspections that have to pass.
Three finish levels
These are the ranges we already quote. The walkthrough decides which one the basement can support.
Budget
A usable room, without a drywalled ceiling.
- Painted walls
- Spray-painted ceiling joists
- Luxury vinyl floor
- 1–2 weeks
- Often $8,000–$15,000
Mid-level
Framed, drywalled, and livable.
- Framing and drywall
- Drop ceiling
- Premium luxury vinyl
- Electrical and insulation
- 3–5 weeks, often $20,000–$40,000
Full custom
The downstairs matches the upstairs.
- Drywall ceiling
- Bath, bedroom, or both
- Egress where a bedroom needs it
- Custom built-ins and lighting
- 6–10 weeks, often $50,000–$100,000+
Not sure which level fits? We look at moisture, headroom, and how you want to use the space.
Book a walkthroughQuestions we answer on the walkthrough
How much does it cost to finish a basement?
A budget finish is often $8,000–$15,000 and takes 1–2 weeks. Mid-level framing, drywall, a drop ceiling, and luxury vinyl is commonly $20,000–$40,000 over 3–5 weeks. Full custom runs $50,000–$100,000 or more and takes 6–10 weeks.
Can I add a bathroom?
Yes. Rough-in, an ejector pump when the drain is below the sewer, fixtures, and waterproofing are part of that scope.
Can I add a bedroom?
Yes, if the room has legal egress. The window, well, and permits are included when a bedroom is in the plan.
What flooring works below grade?
Luxury vinyl over a moisture barrier. We do not install hardwood on a basement slab.
Will I need permits?
Electrical, plumbing, and egress work are permitted and inspected. That is part of the job.
Can we live upstairs during the work?
Yes. Dust control is part of the plan. The basement is the work zone.
Where we finish basements
Kankakee County, the south suburbs, and Will County.
Kankakee County
Kankakee, Bourbonnais, Bradley, Manteno, Momence, Herscher, St. Anne, Grant Park, Aroma Park
South suburbs
Orland Park, Frankfort, Tinley Park, New Lenox, Mokena, Homer Glen, Lockport, Joliet, Oak Forest
Will County
Crete, Monee, Peotone, Beecher, Manhattan, Wilmington, Channahon
Tell us how you want to use the basement.
A free in-home look, then a written scope. 30+ years, licensed and insured.
In-home estimate
Written scope
Licensed & insured