Remodeling
Basement Finishing & Remodeling
Basement Finishing and Remodeling by Michaelson & Messinger Insurance Specialists, LLC
A finished basement is the least expensive square footage a suburban home can add. Michaelson & Messinger finishes and remodels basements across Hinsdale, the northern,southwest and western suburbs, and Chicago: family rooms, bedrooms, bathrooms, home offices, gyms, and kitchenettes. Because we also restore flooded basements for a living, we build them so they do not flood again.
Start With the Water
Before any framing goes up, we check the foundation, the drain tile, the sump system, and the sewer connection. We add a backup sump pump, a battery or water powered backup, and a check valve where the plumbing allows. We use moisture resistant framing and insulation at the foundation wall. A finished basement that floods is a claim with a small sewer backup limit and a large loss. We have rebuilt hundreds of them and we know how to prevent it.
What a Finished Basement Includes
- Framing, insulation, and moisture barrier at foundation walls
- Egress window or door when adding a bedroom, as code requires
- Electrical circuits, recessed lighting, and outlets to code
- Plumbing for a bathroom, wet bar, or laundry, including an ejector pump where needed
- HVAC extension and ventilation
- Drywall, doors, trim, and paint
- Flooring suited to below grade: luxury vinyl plank, tile, or engineered wood
- Village or city permit and inspections
Remodeling an Existing Basement
Older finished basements in the western suburbs often have drop ceilings, paneling, and carpet on concrete. We remove them, address any moisture history, and rebuild with modern materials and layouts.
After a Flood
If your basement flooded, our adjusting team handles the claim and our crews dry, demolish, and rebuild. The rebuild is the moment to add the bathroom or move the laundry. We price upgrades separately from the insurance scope.
Written Contract and Warranty
Item by item written contract, our own crews, and a written warranty.
Schedule a Visit
Call 630.654.2600 for a free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions: Basement Finishing & Remodeling
Can you finish my basement so it does not flood?
We check the drain tile, sump system, and sewer connection first, and add a backup pump and check valve where the plumbing allows. We restore flooded basements for a living, so we build them to stay dry.
Do I need an egress window to add a basement bedroom?
Yes. Code requires an emergency escape window or door in any sleeping room. We cut the opening, install the well and window, and handle the permit.
Can you add a bathroom in the basement?
Yes. Most suburban basements need an ejector pump for the drain. We install it and run the plumbing.
What flooring works best below grade?
Luxury vinyl plank, tile, or engineered wood over a proper subfloor. We avoid carpet directly on concrete and solid hardwood, which fail with moisture.
Will a finished basement raise my insurance costs?
Slightly, since there is more to insure. More important is checking your sewer backup limit, which is often too small for a finished basement. Our adjusting team can review it.
How long does a basement finish take?
Six to ten weeks for a typical family room, bedroom, and bathroom, depending on permit timing.
Can you fix a basement that already floods before finishing it?
Yes, and we insist on it. Drain tile repair, sump replacement, backup pump, check valve, and grading are addressed before any framing goes up.
