A year ago I bought a new construction home with an unfinished basement. I decided to finish about 3/4 of the basement, including installation of a powder room. They framed it, installed insulation, rerouted some plumbing, put in walls, electrical outlets, ceilings that matched those on the main floor with embedded can light fixtures. They wrapped support beams and poles and installed floating vinyl laminate flooring. Finally, they painted (two colors plus white trim)
The whole process was amazing from start to finish. I was really dreading it all---the mess, the noise, the inconvenience, the inevitable delays I had heard about from family and friends who have done large renovations. But of, of course, I wanted the finished product! I obtained bids from 3 companies. Ohio Basements was right in the middle, price-wise. But what convinced me was the respect for my ideas yet the wisdom to let me know when something could be done a better way or using better materials. Unlike one of the other companies, they didn't resort to any high pressure pitches nor did they put down any other companies I might contact, or try to sell a particular product. They explained in understandable detail the reasoning behind their recommendations. They estimated 6 to 8 weeks to complete the job and it was 9. They had explained the kinds of delays that might be unavoidable (relating to availability of supplies and of inspectors at various stages and they agreed that they would balance other jobs such that they did not become the problem. The week of Thanksgiving accounts for the extra week--very little work done then. I received regular emails with updates and any questions they had for me. They always told me who would be coming (by name and profession) and what days/times to expect them. They were on time and I was totally able to keep up with my volunteer commitments and plans with friends. Never for one moment did I feel uncomfortable having them in my house when I was not at home and they all made friends with my beagle, Lilly. All of the men took great care not to damage the floors or walls as they came and went with all of their building supplies and equipment and dirty shoes---changed them or used shoe covers or put down drapes. There was a significant challenge getting everything down to the basement as there is no basement level exit/entry and the staircase is unusually steep. Finally, all of the framing, insulating, electrical and plumbing inspections were passed the first time around. I love the results and can't wait to move in my furniture next week. I would tell anyone wanting to finish a basement that they should go with these guys with complete confidence. I understand they do wonderful cabinetry and I have hope that I can benefit from their work in that regard once my budget permits. My friends and family who have done remodeling in their homes are envious of the fact that I don't have a single horror story to tell. Chip, Nick and Mike are the hardest working guys you will meet and clearly take pride in their work. I don't have a single complaint regarding any of the others they hired. On my word, I am not related to nor friends with anyone affiliated with this company or those with whom they subcontract. They did not offer me any discount for this review. They are just GOOD! The only thing they could have done that they didn't was give me round-trip air fare to Florida and a 9-week free stay at a Disney hotel for the duration of the project.
