Basement Remodeling in Washington, D.C.

A full basement finish averages around $150,000. Adding a bathroom brings the total to approximately $180,000. The exact cost depends on your basement’s size, its current condition, and the finishes and features you select. We offer free, no-obligation cost appraisals so you can get a realistic number before committing to anything. There’s no pressure to proceed. The consultation is simply to help you understand what your project would cost.

We handle structural prep, waterproofing and moisture barriers, insulation, framing, electrical, HVAC adjustments, plumbing (if adding a bathroom or kitchenette), drywall, flooring, ceiling finishes, trim, doors, hardware, built-in shelving or cabinetry, and all final finishes. We also obtain and manage all required permits. Everything is covered under a single fixed-rate contract.

Yes, moisture management is one of the most important parts of any basement project. Before designing anything, we assess the current conditions and specify the right waterproofing approach, drainage systems, moisture-resistant materials, and ventilation to keep the space dry and comfortable long-term. Skipping this step is the main reason finished basements develop problems down the road.

Common uses include home theaters and entertainment rooms, home offices, guest suites with a full bathroom, home gyms, kids’ playrooms, and game rooms with wet bar areas. Many basements combine two or three of these functions. We’ll help you figure out the layout that works best for how your household actually lives, including how to make the most of your ceiling height and natural light.

No. After the design phase, you receive a fixed-rate contract covering every element of the project. We don’t use allowances or estimate-based pricing. Change orders only happen in two situations: structural issues that were hidden until demolition begins, or scope additions you request. The price you agree to before construction is the price you pay at the end.

Yes. This is a core part of how we work. The designer who created your basement plan stays involved through project completion, not just the design phase. You’ll also have a dedicated project manager during construction who coordinates all trades, keeps work on schedule, and holds weekly progress meetings with you.

Less than most people expect. We use protection measures to keep upper floors clean, maintain daily cleanup on the job site, and contain dust and debris to the work area. We also protect unaffected areas during construction. Most families continue living in their homes throughout a basement project without major disruption.

On average, homeowners recoup about 70% of what they spend on a basement remodel at resale. That’s a solid return, and it doesn’t account for the value of using the space every day you stay in the home. Adding a full bathroom adds approximately $30,000 to the project cost but also to the functional and market value of the finished space.

Yes. We obtain and manage all required permits as part of the project scope. D.C. permitting can be involved, and our team handles the entire process so you don’t have to navigate it yourself. Permit costs are factored into your fixed-rate contract upfront, with no separate billing after the fact.

Basements can include guest suites and sleeping areas, but a room legally classified as a bedroom must meet D.C. building code requirements for egress, typically an egress window of sufficient size and height above grade. We assess these requirements during the design phase and include any necessary egress window work in the project scope upfront.