We Don't Finish Wet Basements

Finishing a basement without controlling moisture is a mistake. Waterproofing, crawl space control, and finishing must work together — in the right order.

We Handle:

Waterproofing

Interior and exterior systems

Crawl Spaces

Moisture control and encapsulation

Full Finishing

Complete basement buildouts

One system. One plan. No shortcuts.

Serving Lucas County, Wood County, Monroe County & Southeast Michigan

Toledo • Sylvania • Maumee • Perrysburg • Oregon • Holland • Monroe • Temperance

Moisture Always Comes First

Even "dry-looking" basements can fail later. Moisture can come from walls, floors, crawl spaces, or humidity building up over time.

Finishing before fixing moisture leads to mold, odors, and ruined materials. You'll end up tearing everything out and starting over.

Decision Rule:

If moisture is found → waterproofing happens first

Finishing never starts until risk is addressed

No exceptions. No shortcuts. No regrets later.

We Fix the Source, Not Just the Symptoms

Waterproofing options explained clearly

Interior Waterproofing

System Includes:

  • Interior perimeter drains
  • Sump pump systems
  • Battery backup options
  • Wall vapor barriers
  • Controlled drainage paths

Best When:

  • Water enters from below
  • Exterior access is limited
  • Foundation structure is sound

Exterior Waterproofing

System Includes:

  • Excavation of foundation walls
  • Exterior sealing and waterproof membranes
  • Exterior drainage systems
  • Corrected grading and discharge

Best When:

  • Water pushes through foundation walls
  • Soil stays saturated
  • Long-term exterior protection is needed

Pump Systems

Sized Correctly

Based on real water volume, not guesswork

Proper Discharge

Routed away from foundation

Quiet & Reliable

Quality equipment that lasts

If the Crawl Space Is Wet, the Basement Is Affected

Crawl spaces are part of the same moisture system

Solutions May Include:

Drainage systems
Vapor barriers
Dehumidification
Insulation upgrades
Structural moisture protection

If a crawl space is tied into the basement, it's addressed as part of the waterproofing plan.

Once Water Is Controlled, Finishing Can Begin

We don't frame over risk. Once moisture is controlled and confirmed, finishing starts.

Never Do This:

Start finishing before moisture is confirmed under control

Always Do This:

Verify moisture control, then proceed with confidence

Finishing Built Around Real Use

Layout planning always comes before materials

Entertainment Rooms

TV areas, lounging spaces, family hangout zones

Gaming Setups

Multi-monitor rigs, console stations, streaming rooms

Home Theaters

Projection systems, surround sound, blackout design

Pool Tables & Bars

Game areas, wet bars, entertainment hubs

Home Offices

Remote work spaces, quiet focus areas

Guest Bedrooms

Extra sleeping spaces, in-law suites

Gyms

Workout areas, yoga spaces, fitness zones

Kids' Spaces

Play areas, craft rooms, homework zones

Function dictates layout. Layout dictates materials. We plan first, then build.

Kitchens & Bathrooms

Planned Before Walls Go Up

Kitchenettes & Wet Bars

Adding a kitchenette or wet bar means planning for water lines, drains, electrical circuits, and venting before any walls close up.

  • Sink placement and drain routing
  • Refrigerator and appliance circuits
  • Counter space and storage layout

Full Bathrooms

Basement bathrooms require proper drainage, venting, and sometimes ejector pumps if gravity drain isn't possible.

  • Toilet, shower, and sink drain routes
  • Vent stack connections
  • Ejector pump systems if needed

Plan Includes:

Plumbing Routes

Efficient paths planned upfront

Venting

Code-compliant ventilation

Shutoffs

Accessible water controls

Access Panels

Future maintenance access

Electrical Load

Properly sized circuits

Drain Locations

Planned for function and code

No tearing things back apart later. We plan it right from the start.

Electrical & Lighting

Modern Basements Need Power

Lighting Plan Includes:

  • Recessed Lighting

    Clean, modern ceiling lights

  • Accent Lighting

    Highlight features, bars, displays

  • Gaming & TV Setups

    Multiple circuits for equipment

  • Dedicated Circuits

    For high-draw appliances

Panel Capacity Evaluation:

Before adding basement circuits, we verify your electrical panel has the capacity. If not, upgrades are discussed upfront.

Panel has capacity → proceed
Panel needs upgrade → price it now

No surprises. If upgrades are needed, we tell you before work begins.

Ceilings & Finishes

Materials selected for basement conditions only

Drywall Ceilings

Clean, finished look. Best for higher basements with minimal mechanicals exposed.

  • Smooth, paintable finish
  • Recessed lighting friendly
  • Higher-end appearance

Drop Ceilings

Easy access to mechanicals, plumbing, and electrical. Practical and budget-friendly.

  • Full access to utilities
  • Sound dampening tiles available
  • Cost-effective option

Blackout Ceilings

Perfect for theaters and gaming. Painted black, mechanicals disappear.

  • Immersive theater experience
  • Exposed joists painted black
  • Industrial, modern aesthetic

Sound-Conscious Layouts

For home theaters, gaming rooms, or music spaces, we plan for sound control:

  • Acoustic ceiling tiles
  • Insulation in ceiling joists
  • Door seals and sweeps

Access Panels

Strategic access points for future maintenance:

  • Plumbing shutoffs
  • Sump pump access
  • Electrical junction boxes

This Is the System

Skipping steps causes failures. This system prevents them.

1

Inspection & Moisture Evaluation

2

Waterproofing / Crawl Space Control

3

Layout & System Planning

4

Rough Electrical & Plumbing

5

Insulation & Vapor Control

6

Framing

7

Drywall

8

Flooring

9

Trim & Finishes

10

Final Walkthrough

This order is non-negotiable. Every step builds on the previous one.

BALLPARK PRICING

Package Tiers & Pricing

Based on ~1,000 sq ft basement. Exact pricing requires on-site evaluation.

Package 1

Dry Basement Finish

$35K - $55K

Starting range

Best for basements with no active moisture issues

Includes:
  • Layout planning
  • Framing
  • Insulation
  • Drywall
  • Flooring
  • Lighting
  • Basic electrical
  • Finished living space
Get Quote
MOST POPULAR

Package 2

Waterproof + Finish

$55K - $85K

Starting range

Best for basements with moisture concerns

Includes:
  • Interior or exterior waterproofing (as needed)
  • Pump system (if required)
  • Crawl space integration (if applicable)
  • Full basement finishing
  • Moisture-safe materials throughout
Get Quote

Package 3

Full Living Space Buildout

$85K - $120K+

Starting range

Best for full-use basements

Includes:
  • Waterproofing
  • Crawl space solutions
  • Full finishing
  • Bathroom and/or kitchenette
  • Electrical upgrades
  • Custom lighting
  • Entertainment or gaming layouts
  • Blackout ceilings if desired
Get Quote

About Pricing

Pricing varies based on layout, access, systems, and conditions. These ranges are based on typical 1,000 sq ft basements in Lucas County, Wood County, Monroe County, and Southeast Michigan areas. Exact pricing requires an on-site evaluation where we assess your basement's specific conditions, moisture situation, and your goals for the space.

How We Work in Your Home

Respectful, clean, and professional

Access & Your Presence

  • Homeowner doesn't need to be present daily
  • Lockbox or contractor access available
  • Work zones separated when possible
  • Dust barriers and clean pathways
  • Respectful crews
  • Daily cleanup

Trash Handling

We don't leave massive dumpsters damaging your driveway for weeks.

  • Smaller dump trailers instead of roll-offs
  • Parked safely at the curb
  • We handle hauling cleanly

No driveway damage. No HOA complaints. No giant eyesore sitting there for a month.

We treat your home like we'd want ours treated. Clean, respectful, and professional from start to finish.

Who This Is For

Good Fit

  • Homeowners planning long-term use

    You're staying in this house and want a basement that lasts

  • People who want it done once

    No desire to redo this in 5 years because shortcuts were taken

  • Value durability and resale protection

    Quality work protects your home value

Not a Fit

  • Cheapest-only shoppers

    If price is the only thing that matters, we're not the right fit

  • Ignoring moisture risks

    We won't finish over known moisture problems

  • Rushed, unplanned projects

    Good basement work requires planning and time

We'd rather turn down work than deliver something that won't last.

Ready to Start Your Basement Project?

We'll walk through this page with you during the estimate, answer your questions, and help you make an informed decision.

What Happens Next:

1

Schedule Evaluation

We visit your basement and assess conditions

2

Review This Page Together

We walk through options, pricing, and your goals

3

Get Clear Pricing

No pressure. Just honest answers and real numbers.

Proudly serving Lucas County, Wood County, Monroe County & Southeast Michigan

Toledo • Sylvania • Maumee • Perrysburg • Oregon • Waterville • Holland • Monroe • Temperance • Lambertville

No shortcuts. No surprises. No callbacks for moisture problems.