Q: Is finishing a basement a good investment?

Finishing a basement turns unused square footage into livable space and returns up to 70% of what you spend when you sell your home. Beyond that resale boost, you gain a playroom, home office, or guest suite you can start enjoying right away. That mix of daily comfort and solid return on investment (ROI) makes basement finishing one of the smartest upgrades you can tackle.

Q: Are there areas of the country where I can’t have a basement?

In some parts of the country—especially lots on swamps, high water tables, or other wetlands—local codes prohibit basements. Saturated soil puts constant pressure on foundation walls and lets water seep in faster than any sump pump can handle. If your property sits on waterlogged ground, building on a slab or crawl space is often safer, more affordable, and code-compliant.

Q: How long does it take to finish a basement?

Most basements wrap up in four to eight weeks. Framing takes three to five days, with electrical and plumbing rough-ins following over the next week. Add five days for drywall, two to three for flooring, and another week for paint, trim, and punch-list items. Delays can happen if materials run late or your contractor’s calendar is packed, so build in a little cushion when you plan.

Q: Does a finished basement count as square footage?

Whether a finished basement counts toward your home’s official square footage depends on local rules. Many areas only include below-grade space if it has code-approved egress, fully finished walls, ceilings, and floors, plus consistent heating. Check with your local assessor or building department before you start; meeting those standards can affect taxes, appraisals, and resale value.

Q: What are the finished basement building code requirements?

Building codes require a checklist: dedicated heat and electrical service, a code-approved stairway, and at least one egress window or exterior door. Walls, ceilings, and floors must be fully finished and meet insulation, ventilation, and fire-separation standards. If you add a bedroom, you’ll also need a closet, proper clearances, and safe exits. If you change the layout later, be ready to update the space so every new room still meets today’s code.

Del Sol Design & Build LLC

Del Sol Design & Build LLC

5 years of experience

Free onsite estimate

With more than a decade of experience in the industry . . . General Contractor & Founder of Del Sol, Cody Neira has the knowledge and expertise to tackle projects of any size and complexity. Located in Central Indiana, Del Sol focuses on offering extremely professional, high-class services while completing things properly the first time. Cody is passionate about construction and takes pride in his ability to deliver superior results, which he believes will keep his business thriving. Our services include: Kitchen and Bathroom Remodeling Additions New Builds Commercial Build Outs Decks and Patios . . . and much more!

"We are more than happy with the work we had done. From start to finish we were kept updated on progress. Del sol did a wonderful job for us and look forward to continuing our project with them."

Mikey F on May 2025

With more than a decade of experience in the industry . . . General Contractor & Founder of Del Sol, Cody Neira has the knowledge and expertise to tackle projects of any size and complexity. Located in Central Indiana, Del Sol focuses on offering extremely professional, high-class services while completing things properly the first time. Cody is passionate about construction and takes pride in his ability to deliver superior results, which he believes will keep his business thriving. Our services include: Kitchen and Bathroom Remodeling Additions New Builds Commercial Build Outs Decks and Patios . . . and much more!

"We are more than happy with the work we had done. From start to finish we were kept updated on progress. Del sol did a wonderful job for us and look forward to continuing our project with them."

Mikey F on May 2025

JP Construction

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•Approved Pro

JP Construction

New on HomeAdvisorNew on HomeAdvisor

•Approved Pro

17 years of experience

Free onsite estimate

At JP Construction, our company is based on the belief that our customers' needs are of the utmost importance. Our team is committed to meeting those needs. We welcome the opportunity to earn your trust and deliver you the best service. No job is too big, or too small, for our experienced team. Call today for a quote.

Mandolin Rising

Mandolin Rising

Customers say: Quick response

8 years of experience

Free onsite estimate

Mandolin Rising is a locally owned and operated company that values honesty and integrity in all aspects of our business. Our dedicated team of professionals have over 25 years of combined hands on experience, to provide innovative ideas and suggestions tailored to your projects. Our services are customized to your individual needs, paying close attention to the details of each project that we are involved with. Please feel free to contact us today!

"Problem-solving and great communication ended up being a must with the unexpected surprises our old farmhouse brought. We are grateful for their amazing contributions to our home. Highly recommend."

Laura P on August 2022

Mandolin Rising is a locally owned and operated company that values honesty and integrity in all aspects of our business. Our dedicated team of professionals have over 25 years of combined hands on experience, to provide innovative ideas and suggestions tailored to your projects. Our services are customized to your individual needs, paying close attention to the details of each project that we are involved with. Please feel free to contact us today!

"Problem-solving and great communication ended up being a must with the unexpected surprises our old farmhouse brought. We are grateful for their amazing contributions to our home. Highly recommend."

Laura P on August 2022

Studz Construction Group

Studz Construction Group

Customers say: Quick response

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

6 years of experience

We are a locally owned and operated company with over 30 years of industry experience. We value honesty and integrity in all aspects of our business. We offer a variety of Home Improvement services that are customizable to each individual project & specialize in handyman/carpentry work, window and door installation, and a variety of other projects. We pride ourselves on the quality of our work as well as our commitment to outstanding results. We look forward to building lasting relationships with our clients and guarantee your satisfaction!

"Studz has done a couple of projects for us and we are very pleased with their work. We will definitely be using them again."

Michael M on December 2019

We are a locally owned and operated company with over 30 years of industry experience. We value honesty and integrity in all aspects of our business. We offer a variety of Home Improvement services that are customizable to each individual project & specialize in handyman/carpentry work, window and door installation, and a variety of other projects. We pride ourselves on the quality of our work as well as our commitment to outstanding results. We look forward to building lasting relationships with our clients and guarantee your satisfaction!

"Studz has done a couple of projects for us and we are very pleased with their work. We will definitely be using them again."

Michael M on December 2019

Centennial Construction & Remodeling Services, Inc

Centennial Construction & Remodeling Services, Inc

Customers say: Quality work

Recommended by 96% of Angi customers

119 local quotes requested

Centennial Construction & Remodeling Services, Inc. is a professional company whose mission is to be the most honest, quality-oriented, full-service remodeling contractor in the northside of Indianapolis. We offer home improvements and remodeling throughout Carmel, Westfield, Noblesville, Fishers, and Zionsville. Centennial Construction & Remodeling Services, Inc. specializes in home construction, remodeling, renovation, and improvement in the Indianapolis area. Contact us today at (317) 848-7634.

"We updated our screened in porch to a three seasons room. Centennial was one of multiple bidders on the project. While they were not the cheapest, they were very competitively priced and did the best job of explaining their plan and answering our questions. The project went extremely well. The quality of work was excellent, with everything done on-time and on budget. We will definitely consider them for any future projects!"

Bill M on November 2025

Centennial Construction & Remodeling Services, Inc. is a professional company whose mission is to be the most honest, quality-oriented, full-service remodeling contractor in the northside of Indianapolis. We offer home improvements and remodeling throughout Carmel, Westfield, Noblesville, Fishers, and Zionsville. Centennial Construction & Remodeling Services, Inc. specializes in home construction, remodeling, renovation, and improvement in the Indianapolis area. Contact us today at (317) 848-7634.

"We updated our screened in porch to a three seasons room. Centennial was one of multiple bidders on the project. While they were not the cheapest, they were very competitively priced and did the best job of explaining their plan and answering our questions. The project went extremely well. The quality of work was excellent, with everything done on-time and on budget. We will definitely consider them for any future projects!"

Bill M on November 2025

Rabin Restoration & Remodeling

Rabin Restoration & Remodeling

17 local quotes requested

22 years of experience

Rabin Restoration & Remodeling has been providing quality restoration and residential renovation in Noblesville, Indiana, and the Indianapolis area since 2003. We specialize in residential properties and use only the highest quality materials to ensure that our clients are satisfied with their finished products. We believe in providing superior customer service and strive to ensure that our clients are comfortable throughout the entire process. We pride ourselves on our excellent workmanship and are dedicated to providing the best possible experience for our clients. Looking to renovate your home or office in the Indianapolis area? Look no further than Rabin Restoration and Remodeling! Our mission is simple: to provide exceptional restoration and remodeling services with a focus on delivering unparalleled customer service, attention to detail, and timely project completion. We take pride in exceeding our clients' expectations .Let us bring your vision to life - contact us today!

Ratcliff Design and Build

Ratcliff Design and Build

Customers say: Quick response

12 years of experience

Free onsite estimate

Ratcliff Design and Build is dedicated to providing our customers with the best quality and craftsmanship. We are here to build relationships with our customers and communities and to provide our employees with a great place to work. Ratcliff Design and Build is a leader in providing our customers with the highest quality products and craftsmanship in an honest, efficient, and professional way. Our pledge is to create successful relationships with our customers, employees and community by building trust, treating every project with the utmost integrity and exceeding expectations. We look forward to working with you!

"We recently hired Ratcliff Design and Build for a major update to our home, and we couldn’t be more pleased with the results. Nathan and his crew installed three hidden support beams, replaced several windows, and added a beautiful French door—and they nailed every detail. From the very beginning, Nathan was clear, professional, and easy to work with. What really stood out was his attention to detail—nothing was rushed, and every cut, joint, and finish was done with real care. It’s rare to find a contractor who treats your home like it’s their own, but that’s exactly what we got. Even better, he stuck to the timeline and the quote he gave us. That kind of reliability is priceless when you’re in the middle of a renovation. If you’re looking for high-quality craftsmanship and someone you can truly trust to deliver, we highly recommend Nathan and the Ratcliff Design and Build team."

Korey S on June 2025

Ratcliff Design and Build is dedicated to providing our customers with the best quality and craftsmanship. We are here to build relationships with our customers and communities and to provide our employees with a great place to work. Ratcliff Design and Build is a leader in providing our customers with the highest quality products and craftsmanship in an honest, efficient, and professional way. Our pledge is to create successful relationships with our customers, employees and community by building trust, treating every project with the utmost integrity and exceeding expectations. We look forward to working with you!

"We recently hired Ratcliff Design and Build for a major update to our home, and we couldn’t be more pleased with the results. Nathan and his crew installed three hidden support beams, replaced several windows, and added a beautiful French door—and they nailed every detail. From the very beginning, Nathan was clear, professional, and easy to work with. What really stood out was his attention to detail—nothing was rushed, and every cut, joint, and finish was done with real care. It’s rare to find a contractor who treats your home like it’s their own, but that’s exactly what we got. Even better, he stuck to the timeline and the quote he gave us. That kind of reliability is priceless when you’re in the middle of a renovation. If you’re looking for high-quality craftsmanship and someone you can truly trust to deliver, we highly recommend Nathan and the Ratcliff Design and Build team."

Korey S on June 2025

Phelps & Sons Construction

Phelps & Sons Construction

Customers say: Quality work

Recommended by 96% of Angi customers

14 local quotes requested

Welcome to Phelps & Sons Construction. We select quality materials to make whatever you dream up. We are a family-owned and operated home improvement company specializing in remodeling, including but not limited to room additions, kitchens, and bathrooms. We are known to pay exquisite attention to detail while making customer satisfaction our top priority. Call today for a free estimate!

"At the beginning the work started well but by the end the quality of work especially the drywall was subpar. Tom is slow in getting a quote to you but does respond. Tom is very nice but his staff is not professional especially Dave. I thought with Tom being in business as long as he has would be able to provide in a professional manner quality work. It is not true. Tom asked if I wanted his guys to take up the carpet. I thought ok. However, they tore up to 10 inches of drywall off many of the walls. They attempted to repair them but the work was subpar. I thought they were winding up work so I contacted the painters. The painters came in. There was tension between the paint foreman and Tom's crew. They were squabbling like elementary children on the playground. (I am not happy with the painters either but this is a separate matter) The walls unfortunately got painted with the poor drywall job. The painter did provide a drywall person to repair the worse spots. There are still poor spots on the walls but I wanted Tom and his crew out of my space. Each of the respective parties were blaming each other. This behavior is so unprofessional. On Friday last week, Dave was yelling at me over errors I did in trying to improperly apply color to the walls so I could see what it looked like (I applied the paint way before any drywall began). Again, because of poor communication the painters just painted over the poor drywall job. I did agree to pay for it since it was my mistake that should have been brought to my attention long before it was even painted over. Dave did such a bad job that there were air bubbles in the drywall because he did not let it set before he painted over it. Tom did have his other guy fix it. It looks better but not perfect. I had Tom put two new toilets in the space. There is now a big gash in the brand new floor where the floor doe not meet the toilet. There was not even going to be an attempt on Tom's part to fix this. In my opinion, all of the unnecessary drywall could have been avoided by properly having his guys take up the carpet right to begin with. I paid over $8,000 for unnecessary drywall, If you only have Tom's crew do the bare minimum that you need done for your project, then you are in good shape but BEWARE of them doing anything extra as it will cost you!"

Julie C on August 2020

Welcome to Phelps & Sons Construction. We select quality materials to make whatever you dream up. We are a family-owned and operated home improvement company specializing in remodeling, including but not limited to room additions, kitchens, and bathrooms. We are known to pay exquisite attention to detail while making customer satisfaction our top priority. Call today for a free estimate!

"At the beginning the work started well but by the end the quality of work especially the drywall was subpar. Tom is slow in getting a quote to you but does respond. Tom is very nice but his staff is not professional especially Dave. I thought with Tom being in business as long as he has would be able to provide in a professional manner quality work. It is not true. Tom asked if I wanted his guys to take up the carpet. I thought ok. However, they tore up to 10 inches of drywall off many of the walls. They attempted to repair them but the work was subpar. I thought they were winding up work so I contacted the painters. The painters came in. There was tension between the paint foreman and Tom's crew. They were squabbling like elementary children on the playground. (I am not happy with the painters either but this is a separate matter) The walls unfortunately got painted with the poor drywall job. The painter did provide a drywall person to repair the worse spots. There are still poor spots on the walls but I wanted Tom and his crew out of my space. Each of the respective parties were blaming each other. This behavior is so unprofessional. On Friday last week, Dave was yelling at me over errors I did in trying to improperly apply color to the walls so I could see what it looked like (I applied the paint way before any drywall began). Again, because of poor communication the painters just painted over the poor drywall job. I did agree to pay for it since it was my mistake that should have been brought to my attention long before it was even painted over. Dave did such a bad job that there were air bubbles in the drywall because he did not let it set before he painted over it. Tom did have his other guy fix it. It looks better but not perfect. I had Tom put two new toilets in the space. There is now a big gash in the brand new floor where the floor doe not meet the toilet. There was not even going to be an attempt on Tom's part to fix this. In my opinion, all of the unnecessary drywall could have been avoided by properly having his guys take up the carpet right to begin with. I paid over $8,000 for unnecessary drywall, If you only have Tom's crew do the bare minimum that you need done for your project, then you are in good shape but BEWARE of them doing anything extra as it will cost you!"

Julie C on August 2020

Noble Home Improvement and Handyman Services

Noble Home Improvement and Handyman Services

Customers say: Terrific value

Recommended by 96% of Angi customers

21 local quotes requested

Noble Home Improvement and Handyman Services is a locally-owned business since 2015 that takes great pride in building custom decks, finishing and remodeling basements and larger handyman projects that homeowners will enjoy for years. As our name suggests, “Noble”, describes the fine qualities and high moral principles that are part of our product – building quality structures for families. You can expect expert staff and skilled craftsmanship, clean, tidy and courteous staff, jobs will be completed on time and on budget and satisfaction is guaranteed. Visit us at www.NobleHandymanLLC.com for more information or Facebook at NobleHandymanServices.

"Doug and his team have done several projects in/around our homes. We have used this team for many years. They are trustworthy and reliable. Doug and his team are friendly, respectful and professional. They take care while working in and around your home and clean up when they are finished. I would highly recommend Doug and his team!!!!"

Cathy S on May 2025

Noble Home Improvement and Handyman Services is a locally-owned business since 2015 that takes great pride in building custom decks, finishing and remodeling basements and larger handyman projects that homeowners will enjoy for years. As our name suggests, “Noble”, describes the fine qualities and high moral principles that are part of our product – building quality structures for families. You can expect expert staff and skilled craftsmanship, clean, tidy and courteous staff, jobs will be completed on time and on budget and satisfaction is guaranteed. Visit us at www.NobleHandymanLLC.com for more information or Facebook at NobleHandymanServices.

"Doug and his team have done several projects in/around our homes. We have used this team for many years. They are trustworthy and reliable. Doug and his team are friendly, respectful and professional. They take care while working in and around your home and clean up when they are finished. I would highly recommend Doug and his team!!!!"

Cathy S on May 2025

World Class Restoration

World Class Restoration

Customers say: True professional

Recommended by 98% of Angi customers

124 local quotes requested

We are World Class Restoration located just of Indianapolis and also in Brownsburg , Indiana. We have been helping the greater Indianapolis area for over 10 years. building decks, additions, fences, siding, roofing, gutters, interior remodel, we do a lot of bathrooms it one of our specialties and we strive to put the customer first and make sure you are happy with the job and our employees. We stand by our logo which is "where reputation matters most". We have skilled employees that have been in the field for over 30+ years. All companies are "certified pros" but how many have won the Super Service Angi Award # years in a row .. look next to our name you will see that . very few companies have that less than 8%,we have military, senior citizen and repeat customer discounts. We are very fair in our pricing and maintained a 5 star satisfaction rating for over 3 years on angi's and over 7 years on thumbtack. Give us a call at 317-499-888 and we will be out quickly to get you a estimate on your project. Give WCR a chance to serve you and you wont regret it. between or awards, quality craftsmanship and warranties we are growing by the month so give us a chance and call today @ 317-499-8878

"We are seeking a complete refund of the deposit amounts we have already paid immediately (we paid them immediately upon signing the contract) and expect a refund just a quickly - Deposit amount totals: $3,993.06, plus the cost to replace the black aluminum fencing panels that was provided to them by us - Replacement Cost: $2,106 (see attached quote for exact items replacement costs). The work crew destroyed them by cutting into them (these should never have had to have been cut down at all. The panels are completely unusable now as they are no longer the correct length and the panel screws and brackets are completely missing which does not allow us to reinstall the existing panels. They destroyed our property (the supplied aluminum fencing panels, screws & brackets) during the install and it cannot be salvaged and will have to be repurchased. We have attached a breakdown of what the replacement items would cost to repurchase in order to correctly reinstall the fence. We just want our money back and any lost funds due to having to reorder items needed to complete the fence that we had already supplied. We do not want to work with them any further as we have no trust level that they will come in and complete the reinstall correctly. The last text with the owner indicated he was to come out the next day to discuss further with us how to resolve. That was on Monday, September 1, 2025, at 5:11pm. He never showed up and we have never heard back from him."

Angela C on September 2025

We are World Class Restoration located just of Indianapolis and also in Brownsburg , Indiana. We have been helping the greater Indianapolis area for over 10 years. building decks, additions, fences, siding, roofing, gutters, interior remodel, we do a lot of bathrooms it one of our specialties and we strive to put the customer first and make sure you are happy with the job and our employees. We stand by our logo which is "where reputation matters most". We have skilled employees that have been in the field for over 30+ years. All companies are "certified pros" but how many have won the Super Service Angi Award # years in a row .. look next to our name you will see that . very few companies have that less than 8%,we have military, senior citizen and repeat customer discounts. We are very fair in our pricing and maintained a 5 star satisfaction rating for over 3 years on angi's and over 7 years on thumbtack. Give us a call at 317-499-888 and we will be out quickly to get you a estimate on your project. Give WCR a chance to serve you and you wont regret it. between or awards, quality craftsmanship and warranties we are growing by the month so give us a chance and call today @ 317-499-8878

"We are seeking a complete refund of the deposit amounts we have already paid immediately (we paid them immediately upon signing the contract) and expect a refund just a quickly - Deposit amount totals: $3,993.06, plus the cost to replace the black aluminum fencing panels that was provided to them by us - Replacement Cost: $2,106 (see attached quote for exact items replacement costs). The work crew destroyed them by cutting into them (these should never have had to have been cut down at all. The panels are completely unusable now as they are no longer the correct length and the panel screws and brackets are completely missing which does not allow us to reinstall the existing panels. They destroyed our property (the supplied aluminum fencing panels, screws & brackets) during the install and it cannot be salvaged and will have to be repurchased. We have attached a breakdown of what the replacement items would cost to repurchase in order to correctly reinstall the fence. We just want our money back and any lost funds due to having to reorder items needed to complete the fence that we had already supplied. We do not want to work with them any further as we have no trust level that they will come in and complete the reinstall correctly. The last text with the owner indicated he was to come out the next day to discuss further with us how to resolve. That was on Monday, September 1, 2025, at 5:11pm. He never showed up and we have never heard back from him."

Angela C on September 2025

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Del Sol Design & Build LLC

Del Sol Design & Build LLC

JP Construction

JP Construction

Mandolin Rising

Mandolin Rising

Studz Construction Group

Studz Construction Group

Centennial Construction & Remodeling Services, Inc

Centennial Construction & Remodeling Services, Inc

Rabin Restoration & Remodeling

Rabin Restoration & Remodeling

Ratcliff Design and Build

Ratcliff Design and Build

Phelps & Sons Construction

Phelps & Sons Construction

Noble Home Improvement and Handyman Services

Noble Home Improvement and Handyman Services

World Class Restoration

World Class Restoration

The Westfield, IN homeowners’ guide to basement remodelings

How Much Does It Cost to Raise a Roof in 2025?

How Much Does Bathroom Vanity Installation Cost in 2025?

Install Butcher Block Countertops

Who to Hire for a Kitchen Remodel: A Complete Guide

Who to Hire for Home Renovations: Book the Best Pro for the Job

Who to Hire for Historic Restoration

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Get matched with top basement remodelers in Westfield, IN

Enter your zip and get matched with up to 3 pros

Matching on HomeAdvisor

Find Basement remodelers in Westfield

Del Sol Design & Build LLC

Del Sol Design & Build LLC

JP Construction

JP Construction

Mandolin Rising

Mandolin Rising

Studz Construction Group

Studz Construction Group

Centennial Construction & Remodeling Services, Inc

Centennial Construction & Remodeling Services, Inc

Rabin Restoration & Remodeling

Rabin Restoration & Remodeling

Ratcliff Design and Build

Ratcliff Design and Build

Phelps & Sons Construction

Phelps & Sons Construction

Noble Home Improvement and Handyman Services

Noble Home Improvement and Handyman Services

World Class Restoration

World Class Restoration

The Westfield, IN homeowners’ guide to basement remodelings

How Much Does It Cost to Raise a Roof in 2025?

How Much Does Bathroom Vanity Installation Cost in 2025?

Install Butcher Block Countertops

Who to Hire for a Kitchen Remodel: A Complete Guide

Who to Hire for Home Renovations: Book the Best Pro for the Job

Who to Hire for Historic Restoration

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