Checklist: Recommended Questions to Ask a Basement Contractors

Basement professionals run the gamut of home improvement contractors. You can find a company who offers comprehensive basement finishing services, or you can find a handful of contractors to complete the project piecemeal, starting with a waterproofing contractor and then plumbing, electrical, and flooring contractors. No matter what route you choose, basement professionals are anything but the underground of the home improvement industry. Often, the least expensive option to add livable square footage to your home's floor plan, basement finishing is often a can't-miss proposition, as long as you take your time in finding and interviewing possible basement contractors.

According to data collected across the country from homeowners who actually completed a basement project, the average cost of a basement remodel is just over $20,000 for both partial and complete basement finishing. With such a large investment and even bigger potential rewards, you need to find the best basement professional out there. Answers to some basic questions will give you a sense of whether or not you could work comfortably with a particular basement contractor. Below are some questions to ask:

Questions for Basement Professionals
How long have you been remodeling basements?
Were you formally trained or did you learn through an apprenticeship?
Do you belong to any professional associations?
Are you licensed and registered with the state?
Are you insured?
Do you have any references I can contact?

Questions about Your Basement Professional's Work
Do you give written warranties?
Will this project require a permit?
Can you estimate how long this will take?
Will you provide options for different materials?

Interview Question for References
Were you happy with the project?
Was the job completed on time?
Were there any unexpected expenses?
Would you use this basement contractor again?
Would you recommend this basement professional?

Interviewing this extensively is overkill if you only need to add insulation to your basement or for basement waterproofing. The interviews only become necessary with complete basement remodels.

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