Choosing a Basement Finishing Contractor

If you're interested in a basement remodel, it's important to carefully seek out the most reliable basement remodelers in the marketplace. Choosing a new or fly-by-night contractor is much less likely to get the job done using the most effective practices and with your best interest in mind.

Ten Things that make a Good Basement Remodeling Contractor Great

1. A Long-Established Company- 50% of contractors go out of business in the first year and 96% in the first five years, according the Small Business Administration. If you ever need the contractor to return for changes, moderations, or to uphold the warranty, you'll be glad you picked one that was able to stay in business.
2. Written Estimates- A reliable basement finisher should provide a solid written estimate with each job and stick to it. In too many situations, actual costs can exceed 25% of the estimated price, potentially leaving homeowners spending beyond their means.
3. Consistent Pricing- Beware of companies that offer pricing that is highly subject to discounts and price cuts. If a contractor can quickly and easily cut 15-20% or more off the price of a job, then they may have been charging too much to begin with. There's something to be said about the bottom line and knowing for sure that you're getting a fair price.
4. A Great Reputation- The Better Business Bureau reports that home improvement companies rank #1 for consumer complaints, and HomeTech information systems lists general contractors as completely satisfying consumers less than 30% of the time! How can you avoid being part of a home improvement disaster? Check on their reputation through the Internet, Better Business Bureau, and references. When the final product isn't what the customer wants, they let others know.
5. One-Stop Contracting- Finding a company that can do the entire job (and do it right) will save time, energy, and money. The best company for you will be one that offers a complete basement finishing system— one that includes basement walls, floors, ceilings, energy-efficient dehumidifiers, windows, window wells, and waterproofing— if the need arises. A company that specializes in the big picture of basement remodeling will save the homeowner from working with a variety of general contractors.
6. warrantied Products- Drywall and mold-resistant drywall will generally have a very short guarantee that is no longer valid if the basement floods. If contractors can't provide a long-term warranty that their products will hold up against mold and moisture in a humid basement, why should you believe the products will live up to the claims made about them? Total Basement Finishing offers products that will keep the basement beautiful, with walls that include a 50-year warranty against mold and moisture- even if the basement floods!
7. Professional Service- Will you be working with a self-employed contractor who answers only to himself— or are you working with a trained and professional staff in a company that has developed a culture of customer satisfaction? A well-established company with a trained and true staff will treat you courteously and considerately, be available for questions, and follow up on the work after it's been completed. Isn't that what you deserve?
8. Reliable Contractors- What if the right workmen showed up when they said they would, finished the job on time, and did an honest, clean job? Choosing the right home remodeler makes all the difference in a smoothly-running basement finishing. A good home improvement contractor makes the difference between shoddy workmanship and long-lasting quality in your home. At Total Basement Finishing, you can count on your work being done in an efficient and effective manner.
9. Responsible Salesmen- Is your salesman working in your interest or simply trying to pressure you into buying something you can't afford or don't need? Professional service means having salesmen that care enough to take care of you and focus on making the best remodeling design possible within your budget. Before you pick the best basement finisher for your home, find out what their sales philosophy is from people who have experienced it firsthand. Did they feel comfortable with their sales service?
10. Specialized Work & Best Practices - The home improvement contractors who finish your basement should specialize in this kind of work and be used to the unique conditions of the basement environment, including moisture, low ceilings, fewer windows, presence of utilities, and other challenges. They will know to install basement finishing products that will resist mold, make good use of lighting, and not be destroyed if there's a basement flood.

Basement Remodelers Who Take Care of Business

Total Basement Finishing is dedicated to exceeding your expectations when you decide to renovate the basement. From your first call to the finishing touches, you can expect their network of basement specialists to provide you with quality work and conscientious customer service that will leave you pleasantly surprised. Our estimates and basement remodeling consultations are free and come at no obligation — call or contact us today, and we'll show you how we've earned our fantastic reputation!