How to Hire a Basement Remodel Contractor

Unless you are a qualified professional, taking on the framing, electrical, and plumbing work of a basement remodel is not recommended.

Hiring a contractor is the first—and arguably the most important—step in the basement remodel process.

To find a trustworthy basement remodel contractor, follow these steps:

Read customer reviews.

If previous clients have great things to say about a company and their service, chances are that you would be happy with their services, too.

Keep an eye out for reviews that describe a company as responsive, honest, fair, and good at communicating; these are the types of basement remodel companies you want to work with.

Confirm licensing and insurance.

A contractor's license number should be readily available on their company profile or the estimate they provide you.

If a contractor is unwilling or unable to provide you with a license number, find another contractor, because it's likely that they are not licensed (i.e., the customer is less protected should something go wrong).

Once you have the contractor's license number, use it to verify that the contractor is in good standing with the state board.

You can determine if the contractor's license is up-to-date, whether or not they have any legal action filed against them, etc.

The contractor should also be adequately insured to perform the work.

Find a basement remodel contractor near you

Learn more about hiring the right contractor:

• 2 Jobs, 1 Contractor: How to Save Money on Demolition Projects
• The Difference Between a Contractor's Bond, License, and Insurance
• 7 Keys to Successfully Hiring a Demolition Contractor
• Never Say THIS to Your Contractor

Request quotes from multiple contractors.

Reach out to at least 2-3 contractors for estimates on your basement remodel project once you’ve looked at company reviews and have confirmed that they are appropriately licensed.

Getting multiple quotes helps to ensure you don't overpay for the basement remodel.

You can use other prices as a negotiation tool or simply use the information to ensure you don't hire the most expensive option (unless they offer the best services).

When comparing, factor in the scope of work being done, the materials being used, and each company's experience when choosing who to hire for your basement remodel.

Sign the right contract.

When moving forward with a contractor, make sure that you go over any contract they give you with a fine-toothed comb. 

A contract should contain every foreseeable detail of the project, including (but not limited to):

• type and quantity of materials
• who will be doing the work
• the project and payment schedule

Before signing, make sure that you don't have any questions about your project and that all of the project's information is carefully outlined in the contract.

Avoid paying more than 25% of the total project estimate upfront whenever possible.

Keep reading: Everything You Need to Know About Contracts

Find a basement remodel contractor near you

Keep reading about finding the best contractor:

• Hire the Right Remodeling Contractor and Know What to Expect
• Avoid These 5 Red Flags When Hiring a Contractor