Blog>Hiring Guides>Hiring a basement remodeller
Last updated: 17 April 2024
Hiring a basement remodeller
Here’s what you need to know and do if you’re looking into hiring a basement remodeller.
A basement is an asset to any property as it offers extra space. If it’s currently not being used and you’d like to make it more functional, then you’re probably considering remodelling it.
You may be wondering who to hire to finish a basement, or how to find a contractor to finish a basement.
Check out our guide below for advice on hiring the right trade for the job when remodelling your basement.
Why is it important to get the right tradesperson to remodel your basement?
It’s important to get the right basement remodeller for the job because you want someone with previous experience, and knows what they’re doing.
There are lots of different elements that go into remodelling a basement, including:
Excavating the space
Adding extra structural support
Waterproofing the space
Adding plumbing, gas and electrics
Adding flooring and plastering the walls
Decorating, plus adding lighting and heating
A basement remodelling company will likely subcontract the different types of work to the relevant tradesperson, so it's important to do your research to make sure you trust them to delegate and carry out all the necessary work.
Top tips for choosing the right basement remodeller
Wondering where the best places are to find a trusted basement remodeller? Here’s where to look:
1. Hire a basement remodelling specialist with experience
Remodelling a basement is likely to be a long and complicated process; therefore, you want to make sure you're hiring the right person for the job.
Ask about their experience and request examples of similar work they have carried out recently.
2. Always check reviews
When looking for good-quality basement remodellers, nothing is more valuable than reviews and ratings from previous customers.
Online reviews will quickly show how reliable, affordable, and efficient a tradesperson is.
You want to make sure that the tradesperson you’re considering for the job has recent and up-to-date reviews.
3. Get a range of quotes
Don’t just commit to the first quote you are given. Try to get at least three different quotes from three different tradespeople or companies so you can compare.
When getting quotes, make sure you ask for a breakdown of the costs so you can see exactly what you’re paying for.
Why not bag multiple quotes by filling out our request a quote form? Get 3 quotes with 1 request!
4. Confirm their time estimate
Before committing to hiring a basement remodeller, you’ll want to be clear on the time it will take to complete the installation.
Of course, the time it takes to complete will depend on the size of the basement, what exactly you want it remodelled into, and how complicated the plumbing and electrical work involved is.
However, you can estimate that remodelling a basement will take at least 4-12 weeks.
How to hire a basement remodeller
Experience: You want to make sure that the tradesperson you’re hiring to remodel your basement has experience with similar projects. Ask to see their previous work, as pictures can often speak 1,000 words.
Qualifications: Check to see if they have any relevant qualifications, especially if they will be carrying out any electrical work.
Insurance: It's highly recommended that you find a basement remodeller with public liability insurance to make sure you won’t be out of pocket should the worst happen.
Presence: Make sure they have a physical address and a phone number. You need to be sure they’ll be around for the long term and aren’t just ‘passing through’.
Search for checked tradespeople working in your area
How much does remodelling a basement cost?
As you would expect, the cost to remodel a basement varies dramatically depending on exactly what you want to do to it. See our table below for rough estimates:
| Item | Unit | Cost - low | Cost - high | Average cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Converting an existing basement | Per square metre | £700 | £1,500 | £1,100 |
| Framing a basement | Per square foot | £20 | £40 | £30 |
| Drywalling a basement | Per square metre | £2 | £3 | £2.50 |
| Last updated: May 2024 Our costs are ballpark averages - get a local tradesperson to quote now | ||||
The average cost to finish a basement
The average cost to convert a basement from a storage space into a finished room is between £750 and £1,400 per square metre. However, there are lots of factors that will affect the overall cost, including what exactly your vision is for the new room you’re going to create.
Also, bear in mind that these costs assume you already have a basement. If not, you’ll need to pay to have a basement made from scratch - read our cellar conversion cost guide for a detailed breakdown.
How to get the best quote
You want to make sure you’re paying the best price and getting a great quality result.
Make sure to get a minimum of three quotes
Make sure the tradesperson comes and visits the space beforehand
Be sure to read all of the terms and conditions to make sure you’re getting a fixed price
Check if the cost includes VAT or not
The quote should include timelines for when the work will start and when it will be completed
Questions to ask when hiring a basement remodeller
How long have you been in business for?
Are you fully insured and qualified?
Do you have previous case studies that are similar to mine that you can show me?
Can I speak to the references you provide?
Do you offer a 100% guarantee?
When can you start the job and what’s the timeline for completion?
Hiring a basement remodeller checklist
To find a good basement remodeller get recommendations from sites such as Checkatrade and read reviews
Check they have experience with your basement type, insurance and a permanent address
Make an appointment so they can see the project, and to be sure to get at least three quotes
Insist on a contract that clearly states the work, any terms, timelines and the cost
Ask any key questions before signing the contract, not after
Search for checked tradespeople working in your area
More Basement / Cellar Conversions Articles
See the tradespeople we've checked for your job