Why we focus on basements
Basements are their own specialty. They sit below grade in a climate with deep frost and wet springs. They hold the house’s furnace, water heater, electrical panel and sump pump. They come with code requirements for ceiling height, egress, fireblocking and alarms that do not apply to a kitchen remodel upstairs. A contractor who does a basement once in a while can get by; a team that does basements regularly sees the patterns and plans around them.
Focusing on basements in one part of the metro also lets us know the local details: how each city’s permit office works, which neighborhoods tend to have builder rough-ins, where groundwater runs high and what older homes near downtown Chaska and Carver tend to hide below the main floor.
How we work
We start with the basement you have
Before we talk about finishes, we look at moisture, mechanicals, ceiling height and egress. If something needs to be fixed first, we say so. If a wish-list item does not fit the space or the budget, we say that too, and we suggest what would work instead.
We put the scope in writing
Every estimate lists what is included, what is not and what is an allowance. You should be able to compare our proposal with anyone else’s line by line. Changes during the project are priced and approved in writing before the work is done.
We do permitted, inspected work
Building, electrical, plumbing and mechanical work is permitted and inspected. That is how you know the space is safe, and it is what protects the value of the work when you sell.
We respect your home
We protect floors and stairs on the path to the basement, control dust, keep the work area organized and clean up at the end of each day. You will know who is coming and when.
We communicate
You will have one point of contact who knows your project. We tell you what is happening this week, what decisions are coming and when we need them.
What we will not do
- We will not finish over an active moisture problem.
- We will not call a room a bedroom unless it has code-compliant egress.
- We will not bury the furnace, water heater, sump or electrical panel where they cannot be serviced.
- We will not give you a single lump-sum number without showing what is in it.
- We will not post reviews we did not receive or show photos of work we did not do.
Verify any contractor you hire
Minnesota requires residential building contractors and remodelers to be licensed by the Department of Labor and Industry, and you can look up any license on the department’s website. Ask any contractor for their license number, proof of insurance and a written scope before you sign. Those three things protect you more than any marketing claim.
Where we work
We serve Chaska, Chanhassen, Victoria, Carver, Shakopee and Waconia. Our service areas page describes the homes and basements we see in each community, and our basement finishing services page explains each type of project.
Frequently asked questions about working with us
Who will I be working with during my project?
Your proposal should identify the project contact and the responsibilities of the people involved. Before work begins, confirm who answers questions, arranges required permits and inspections, and shares schedule updates. Ask how changes are approved and who handles concerns during construction. Putting those details in the project agreement helps you compare proposals and know who to contact at each stage.
How do you handle changes once work has started?
A project change should be described and priced in writing before the changed work proceeds. The change may affect materials, the schedule or other parts of the scope, so those effects should be clear. This applies to a new choice you make and to work proposed after an existing condition is uncovered. Review and agree on the updated scope before relying on revised pricing.
Do you offer a warranty on basement work?
The warranty terms for your project should be stated in the written proposal or contract. Review what is covered, what is excluded, how long coverage lasts and how to request service. Product warranties and coverage for installation work may have different terms. Ask for any unclear points to be explained before accepting the agreement so your expectations match the proposed coverage.
Talk with us about your basement
Share what you want to change and what your basement is like now. Request an estimate to discuss the scope, or contact us with a question about your project.