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Basement System: What You Need To Ask

Eight Questions to Ask Companies Who Want to Install a Basement System in your Lower Level

There are a lot of companies who have begun installing complete basement system packages in homes, because it's a fast, innovative way to remodel an entire basement in a short period of time. However, before you choose the company you're going to entrust the lower level of your home to, there are some questions you need to ask them:

8 Basement System Questions

1. What am I going to get for my money? Some companies include everything from plumbing and electrical to walls and ceilings in the systems they offer. Others merely put up walls and leave the rest to you. Make sure that when you're comparing prices you're comparing similar services, too.

2. Is the price you quote for me a definite cost or an estimate? After all, estimates can end up costing a whole lot more than you originally thought, so make sure you understand what you're getting into.

3. Will I be able to hang pictures and other decorations on the walls you put in? Some of the materials that companies use are so flimsy that they'll never hold a nail, so if wall decoration is important to you, check before you sign on.

4. Do you have specially-trained installers for your product? Obviously you don't want to hire someone who uses untrained crews instead of highly-qualified installers.

5. Are your walls put up using real studs so that they will be sturdy and hold up to use by my family? A good basement system will come with metal framework which will make it more durable.

6. How competitive are your prices? Ask them if they are willing to match or beat any other quote you get for comparable products and service. If they are, then make sure to get other quotes. If you still like this company best after you've gotten the quotes, hold them to their competitive price promise.

7. Do the walls you install look like real walls, or do they have panels with divider strips between them? If you want a professional-looking job, you need to find a company that installs walls that look like they belong in your home.

8. What kind of a time line will we be looking at? Do they have enough installers to get right on your job and stay on it, or will they be dividing their time between your house and ten other homes?

Even if you're like most people and have never considered having a basement system installed in your home until now, it's easy to find the right company if you ask some of the right questions before you have to worry about basement water damage.