An unfinished basement is often the largest unused space in the house. Our basement finishing service in Philadelphia turns bare block walls and cold concrete into a family room, home office, gym or guest suite, adding living space without the cost of building an addition.
Home Exchange started in 1986 doing complete residential and commercial building renovations. That background means we know how to plan a basement project from the ground up, coordinate each stage and keep the job on schedule, whether you want a full remodel or just a few upgrades.
Basement finishing in Philadelphia, from bare walls to living space
A finished basement is more than drywall and carpet. Here is what a typical project can include.
Framing, insulation and drywall
We frame the walls, add insulation to keep the room comfortable year-round and hang and finish drywall for a smooth, paint-ready surface. Soffits can hide ductwork and pipes, and we can leave access panels where you need them.
Flooring
Basements need floors that stand up to moisture and temperature swings. We install below-grade-friendly options and can help you weigh the choices through our flooring service.
Stairs and handrails
Many older homes have steep, narrow basement stairs. We can replace a staircase, add or repair a handrail and build under-stair storage to put that awkward space to work.
Storage and built-ins
Custom shelves, bookcases and cabinets give a basement a finished look and keep things organized. Our carpentry team can build pieces to fit around columns, windows and mechanicals.
Entertainment and media rooms
We assemble entertainment centers and mount TVs securely to the wall, with the right anchors for the surface behind them.
Sump pumps and water heaters
A working sump pump is your first defense against a flooded basement. We can replace a failed submersible or pedestal pump and insulate your water heater to cut down on wasted energy. Plumbing and electrical work is subject to local licensing rules, and we will make sure the right permits and trades are involved.
Signs your basement is ready for an upgrade
- Everyone is competing for space upstairs
- The basement holds only boxes, laundry and the furnace
- You want a home office or gym but do not want to move
- The stairs feel unsafe or have no handrail
- You plan to sell and want to add usable square footage
Deal with moisture first
Philadelphia’s older rowhomes and twins, and many South Jersey homes, have basements that take on water during heavy rain. Before finishing, look for:
- White, chalky deposits (efflorescence) on block walls
- Damp spots, puddles or a musty smell
- Rust on the bottom of appliances or metal shelving
- A sump pump that runs constantly or not at all
If we see signs of water, we will explain what needs to be fixed before framing goes up. Finishing over a damp basement only hides the problem and leads to mold.
Our basement remodeling process
- Consultation. We walk the space with you, talk about how you want to use it and check for moisture and code issues.
- Design and quote. We plan the layout, including walls, lighting locations, storage and flooring, and give you a clear quote and timeline.
- Preparation. We protect the rest of your home, address any moisture concerns and line up permits where they are needed.
- Build. Framing, insulation, drywall, flooring and trim, completed in the right order.
- Finish and walk-through. Paint, fixtures, storage and a final walk-through to make sure everything is right.
What affects the cost of finishing a basement
- Square footage and ceiling height
- Moisture work needed before finishing
- Layout, such as open plan versus separate rooms
- Bathrooms or wet bars, which add plumbing
- Materials, from flooring to trim and built-ins
- Permits and inspections required in your town
Why homeowners choose Home Exchange
We are a family-run company that has been serving Philadelphia since around 2005, with a background in large building renovations going back to 1986. We arrive with the tools and materials we need, respect your schedule and stand behind our Done Right Promise. If your basement is part of a bigger plan, see our home remodeling services, or request a quote to get started.