Basement Remodeling in Columbus, OH
Columbus Basement Finishing connects Columbus homeowners with local contractors who remodel finished basements: dated paneling and drop ceilings out, new layout, lighting and finishes in. A remodel usually costs more than a first-time finish because old work has to come out first. National figures put a basement remodel at $25,000–$80,000.
- Free in-home estimate from a local contractor
- Moisture and radon dealt with before the walls go up
- Permits and inspections handled by the contractor
Basement Remodeling cost in Columbus, OH
Typical basement remodeling prices in Columbus: $25,000–$80,000. The main things that change the price: how much is demolished, layout changes, any new plumbing, and the level of finish. Use the quote form for a price on your job.
When a finished basement needs redoing
Many Columbus-area basements were finished decades ago: wood paneling, a suspended ceiling with stained tiles, carpet glued to the slab, one overhead light. The room works, but nobody wants to spend time in it. A remodel keeps the space and replaces what is worn or dated.
Common reasons to remodel:
- The layout no longer suits the household. One big room needs dividing, or small rooms need opening up.
- Water got in. Damaged drywall, flooring and insulation have to come out.
- The finishes are tired. New flooring, lighting and paint transform the room without moving walls.
- You are adding something. A bathroom, bar or bedroom is being worked into an existing finish.
What a contractor checks first
Older basement work was not always done to today's standards, and some was done without permits. Before pricing, expect the contractor to look at:
- Behind the walls. Fiberglass insulation pressed against concrete often hides mold.
- The wiring. Old or amateur wiring may need replacing to pass inspection.
- The floor. Carpet over a damp slab is a common source of musty smells.
- Headroom. Removing a drop ceiling can gain several inches.
Light remodel or full gut
A light remodel keeps the framing and wiring and replaces surfaces. A full gut strips the basement back to concrete and starts again, which costs more but lets you fix moisture, insulation and layout properly. If there are signs of damp or mold, a gut is usually the right decision.
Related pages
If the basement has never been finished, start with the home page. For water problems, see basement waterproofing.
How it works
Tell us about your basement
Answer five quick questions online.
Get matched
We pass your request to a local basement contractor who covers your area.
In-home estimate
They inspect the space, talk through your plans and give you a written price.
Decide
There is no obligation. Go ahead only if the plan and the price suit you.
Basement Remodeling FAQs
What is the difference between finishing and remodeling a basement?
Finishing turns a bare concrete basement into living space for the first time. Remodeling changes a basement that was finished before, which adds demolition and often brings older wiring or plumbing up to the current code.
Can part of the old finish be kept?
Often, yes. Sound framing, wiring in good order and a dry slab can stay. The contractor will want to open a few areas to check for moisture or mold behind old walls before deciding.
Other services
Basement Bathroom Addition
A half or full bathroom below grade, including the drain work that makes it possible.
Learn moreBasement Bedroom
A legal bedroom downstairs, with the escape window and ceiling height the code asks for.
Learn moreEgress Window Installation
Cutting in an escape window and well so a basement room is safe and can be a bedroom.
Learn moreBasement Bars & Wet Bars
A dry bar or a wet bar with sink and fridge, built into a finished basement.
Learn moreBasement Home Theater
A media room planned around sight lines, sound control and wiring before the drywall goes on.
Learn moreBasement Home Gym
A workout room with the right floor, ventilation and enough headroom for the equipment.
Learn moreBasement Home Office
A quiet, well-lit workspace away from the rest of the house.
Learn moreBasement Kitchenette
A compact kitchen for entertaining or for a relative living downstairs.
Learn moreBasement In-Law Suite
A self-contained space with bedroom, bathroom and kitchenette for family or guests.
Learn moreBasement Flooring
Floors that tolerate a concrete slab and the odd damp spell, laid over the right underlay.
Learn moreBasement Ceilings
Drywall, drop or painted open ceilings, chosen around headroom and access to pipes.
Learn moreBasement Waterproofing
Stopping water and damp before a basement is finished, so the new work stays dry.
Learn moreBasement Framing & Insulation
The walls behind the walls, built to stay dry and keep the room warm.
Learn moreBasement Playroom
A safe, hard-wearing space for kids that can become a teen room or den later.
Learn moreAreas we serve near Columbus, OH
Columbus Basement Finishing serves Columbus, OH and surrounding communities, including Grandview Heights, Upper Arlington, Bexley, Grove City, Gahanna, Hilliard, Worthington, Reynoldsburg, Westerville, Dublin, New Albany, Canal Winchester, Pickerington, Powell and Delaware.