Basement remodeling in Chicago, finished right

Finishing a basement means turning raw, unfinished space — bare concrete, exposed studs and ductwork — into a warm, code-compliant living area. Remodeling means reworking a basement that's already finished: updating a dated space, changing the layout, or adding a bathroom or bedroom. We do both, and the first step is the same — confirming the space is dry and up to code before any finishes go in.

Yes. Chicago requires a permit for basement finishing and remodeling whenever you add walls, electrical, plumbing, a bathroom, or a bedroom, and fees typically range from $500 to $3,000 depending on scope. As your general contractor, we pull every permit and handle inspections so the finished space is legal and shows up correctly when you sell or refinance. Read more about why permits matter.

If your basement will have a bedroom — or a legal sleeping room in an in-law or rental suite — Chicago code requires a compliant egress window or door for a safe exit in a fire. An egress window with the window well and cut typically runs $3,500 to $6,000. If you're only adding a rec room, office or gym with no bedroom, an egress window usually isn't required. We confirm exactly what your plan needs before we start.

Not until it's dry. Finishing over a basement that takes on water traps moisture behind the walls and leads to mold and ruined finishes. We fix the source first — grading, downspouts, interior drain tile, a sump pump, crack repair or waterproofing — then finish. Interior waterproofing typically runs $6,000 to $15,000. If your water came from a flood or a burst pipe, see our restoration and insurance-rebuild work as well.

Yes. Because a basement usually sits below the sewer line, a basement bathroom drains through an ejector pump (or an existing rough-in if the builder left one). A basement bath typically runs $9,000 to $22,000 depending on whether a rough-in exists, the fixtures, and how far the plumbing has to travel. We handle the ejector pit, the plumbing and the permits as part of the project.

Often, yes — but a basement apartment or garden unit in Chicago has specific legal requirements for ceiling height, egress, ventilation and a separate entrance, and the rules changed under the city's ADU (additional dwelling unit) ordinance. Whether a rentable unit is allowed depends on your ward and zoning. We'll tell you honestly what your basement can legally become before you spend a dollar. See our guide to Chicago ADU rules.

Sometimes. Chicago code generally wants at least 7 feet of finished ceiling height for living space. If you're short, options include re-routing low ducts and pipes, or, in bigger projects, underpinning or bench footing to lower the floor and gain height — a structural job that adds significant cost. We measure your real clear height and tell you which rooms will feel comfortable and what, if anything, it would take to gain more room.

An open rec or family room typically finishes in 4 to 7 weeks. A full basement remodel with a bathroom runs 6 to 10 weeks, and an in-law or income suite with a bathroom and kitchenette takes 10 to 16 weeks. Waterproofing or an egress window adds time up front. We break every project into four phases — assessment, permits and prep, framing and rough-in, and finishes — so you always know where the project stands.

Call us at (773) 969-9097, fill out our online form, or email bofranbuilders@gmail.com. We'll schedule a free, no-obligation on-site assessment, check your basement for moisture and ceiling height, and follow up with a clear, itemized estimate.