Transform Your Durham Basement with Scott Riley Builders
Durham homeowners are fortunate to have ample space for basement expansion.
Why Finish Your Basement?
Unlock the hidden potential of your Durham home with a professionally finished basement. A finished basement can dramatically increase your living space, providing a versatile area for relaxation, entertainment, or even a home office. According to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), basement remodels offer an average return on investment of 70%, making it a smart investment in your home’s value.
Beyond financial benefits, a finished basement can enhance your overall quality of life. Create a cozy family room, a dedicated home theater, or a private guest suite. With the added space, you’ll enjoy more comfort and convenience in your daily routine.
Scott Riley Builders: Your Basement Remodeling Experts in Durham since 1997.
At Scott Riley Builders, we specialize in transforming unfinished basements into stunning living spaces. Our experienced team of designers and contractors will work closely with you to create a basement that perfectly matches your vision and lifestyle. From concept to completion, we handle every aspect of the project, ensuring a seamless and stress-free experience.
With a proven track record of successful basement remodels, we have the expertise to tackle any challenge. Our commitment to quality craftsmanship and exceptional customer service sets us apart. Explore our portfolio to see the stunning transformations we’ve achieved for our clients.
FAQs About Basement Remodeling:
The average cost of a basement remodel varies depending on several factors, including the size of the space, desired finishes, and the complexity of the project. Let us get you a custom quote
The duration of a basement remodel depends on the project’s scope and complexity.
Permit requirements vary by municipality.
While it’s possible to finish a basement yourself, hiring professionals can save you time, money, and headaches.
Basement Remodeling Checklist:
Planning and Preparation
- Define your basement’s purpose: Determine how you want to use the space (e.g., home theater, guest room, gym, family room).
- Create a budget: Establish a realistic budget for your project.
- Measure the space: Accurately measure the dimensions of your basement.
- Check for moisture and water issues: Address any existing problems to prevent future issues.
- Obtain necessary permits: Research and apply for required permits.
- Choose a contractor: Research and hire a reputable contractor.
Design and Planning
- Create a floor plan: Visualize the layout of your basement, including room placement and furniture arrangement.
- Select finishes: Choose flooring, wall coverings, paint colors, and lighting fixtures.
- Consider HVAC and ventilation: Determine the necessary heating and cooling systems.
- Plan for electrical and plumbing: Outline electrical outlets, lighting, and plumbing requirements.
- Decide on storage solutions: Plan for built-in storage or shelving.
Demolition and Construction
- Clear out the basement: Remove unwanted items and debris.
- Prepare the walls and ceiling: Remove old finishes and prepare surfaces for new ones.
- Install insulation: Improve energy efficiency and soundproofing.
- Frame walls and ceilings: Create the structure for your new space.
- Install drywall or other wall coverings: Finish the walls and ceilings.
- Install flooring: Choose and install your desired flooring type.
Finishing Touches
- Paint: Select and apply paint colors to create your desired atmosphere.
- Install trim and molding: Add finishing touches to walls, doors, and ceilings.
- Install lighting fixtures: Choose and install lighting to enhance the space.
- Install doors and hardware: Install interior doors and hardware.
- Install cabinetry and countertops: Create functional kitchenettes or wet bars.
- Add furniture and decor: Furnish your basement to match your desired style.
Final Steps
- Inspect for quality: Conduct a final walkthrough to ensure everything meets your expectations.
- Clean up: Thoroughly clean the basement to remove construction debris.
- Enjoy your new space! Relax and enjoy your newly finished basement.
*Remember, this checklist is a general guide. Specific needs and requirements may vary depending on your project.
Ready to create the Basement of your dreams?
Contact Scott Riley Builders today for a free consultation. We’ll discuss your vision, answer your questions, and provide you with a detailed estimate. Let’s transform your Durham basement into a retreat that you’ll love spending time in!
Client Testimonials
Your Neighbors Loved Our
Work – You Will Too!
EXCELLENTBased on 7 reviewsTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.thoa finkelstein2024-06-23Scott remodeled two bathrooms in my newly purchased home that was built in 1995. He was one of 3 contractors that came highly recommended from a carpet vendor that I used. I spoke to all 3 who were equally skilled and had decades of experience but I chose Scott since he was the most genuine, honest to his word and incredibly responsive. He returned my call while he was on vacation and that kind of responsiveness continued throughout the entire 3 month renovation process. He arrived exactly at the time he promised and always arrived before his subcontractors. He cleaned up after himself which seems like an obvious ask but I've hired other contractors who left mountains of trash for me to dispose and when you're dealing with heavy materials, it's not an easy task for a petite woman. Scott has a long relationship with all subcontractors he uses who were also fantastic. I had a minor issue with one of the new toilets which could've waited until Monday since there was another toilet in the house, but it was unacceptable for Scott who insisted his plumber come back to my place in the height of Friday night traffic. The plumber arrived with a smile and an apology which was a testament that both Scott and his contractors stand by their work and will do whatever needed to deliver a quality end. If you've ever remodeled a place, you'll know that unexpected issues arise but Scott de-escalated all issues by taking control and responsibility even if it was unavoidable or unforeseen. On one occasion, we had to pivot quickly and buy an entirely new shower system since what they found behind the drywall was not what they expected for that age of home. Scott volunteered to drive from Chapel Hill to Raleigh to buy a new shower system so that it would be at the house before his plumber arrived later that day. He refused to let me pay extra for his time or for the additional cost in buying a more expensive shower system. Scott's quote started extremely fair and competitive and ended in the same manner. Unlike other contractors, the cost did not creep higher with every minor modification and i did not feel insecure about whether there were going to be hidden charges at the end of the process. He was extremely transparent and honest about his pricing. When you work with a contractor for 3 months, you inevitably get to know them as an individual. Scott is a humble husband, son and father who also plays an active role in raising his grandchildren. He extends the same kind of heart to his demolition team who has been with him for more than a decade and when one of his team sustained a major injury that limited his work contributions, Scott kept him on the payroll so that he could feed his family. That kind of character is what I heard on my first phone call with him and will be the same reason why I will choose Scott again for my kitchen and master bath remodel at the end of the year. You can also infer from the other reviews that people have taken the time to write lengthy reviews because he deserves it, and if you work with him, you will come to appreciate him as a contractor and a good human.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Joseph Precythe2024-06-04Our house, built in 1987, was in desperate need of an update. Our project would encompass a new kitchen, new bathrooms, lighting, flooring, and general cosmetic upgrades. Being in the business, as a flooring subcontractor, I had many builders as customers to select from. One builder, Scott Riley (Scott Riley Builders) was at the top of my list. I was impressed with his work ethics and appreciated his honest and upfront communication with me and his clients about the construction process. Several factors directed us to choose Sott as our builder. Most important, Scott likes to work on one job at a time. Initially, he will set up a face-to-face meeting at the job site to discuss the scope of the project. Once decisions are made, Scott provides a detailed quote in a timely manner and will also provide the client with a construction schedule, with a starting date and more importantly a completion date. As most people are aware, there will be design changes and unexpected surprises. Scott is very knowledgeable when these situations arise and is more than happy to explain and guide you to make the best-informed decisions and avoid potential costly pitfalls. Most impressive is Scott's relationship with his cabinetry, countertop, plumbing, electrical, and painting subcontractors. Having worked together for many years, they work in sync to keep the construction schedule on track. They were reliable, professional, and constantly delivering quality work. Now that I've had the pleasure to work with Scott Riley on a personal level, I feel even more strongly that we made the right choice! Furthermore, in the future, we have planned additional construction projects and Scott will be our contractor. Thank you, Scott Riley. J and JTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.JO Tarheel2024-03-05Scott Riley Builders did a great job up-fitting my bathroom. Scott worked with me and my wife throughout the process to give us the bathroom we wanted. We love our new tile shower!Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Pam Weaver2023-10-21Scott Riley Builders did a superb job in remolding the master bath in my home. Converting a bathtub into a walk-in shower. Removing the tub and old tile and replacing it with an oversized shower,new plumbing, beautiful white subway tile with neutral mosaic tile on the floor and accented in the niche that was an added decorative accent. The workers were all polite, punctual and displayed an excellent skill in their workmanship. All of the areas were covered from the entry to the project area in order to maintain a clean work area. I am extremely pleased with Scott Riley Builders and would highly recommend him for any home remodeling.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Donald R Teeter Sr2023-10-19My wife and I highly recommend Scott Riley Builders without reservation. The multiple-part project Scott did for us in our home involved the complete renovation of our master bath, the complete renovation of our laundry room, the partial renovation of the remaining bath and half-bath, and the removal of a wall that separated our kitchen dining area from the adjoining den. That wall contained a sewer line and the wall’s removal also required seamless integration with existing work. Scott was punctual, employed uniformly excellent and experienced sub-contractors with whom he has worked for years, and the quality of the all the work was first class. We interviewed and got estimates from several other contractors. While Scott’s estimate was one of the lower ones, what attracted us most was his obvious knowledge and his plain-spoken sincerity. As the project proceeded, he made dedicated efforts to assure that the work proceeded as expeditiously as possible, and he dealt with the few inevitable but minor problems that occurred in a calm, fair and reasonable way. If you want a contractor that uses computer-based project control software like that needed to build a nuclear plant, Scott is not your guy. If you want a contractor that will shoot straight with you from planning to completion and will use years of experience dealing with subcontractors, government inspectors, suppliers and with all the aggravations of every construction project, all to get your project done cooperatively, for a reasonable sum and without undue delay, you will have to look a long time to find somebody better than Scott Riley. Of course, Scott has done only the one involved project for us, but in my legal career I have spent more than 40 years mostly litigating about and otherwise dealing with thousands of construction contracts, contractors and disputes. From that long experience as well as from on our home project, I can tell you without any doubt that Scott Riley is the best kind of real pro. Most certainly we will call him in if we ever decide to do another project.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Gena Overbey2023-10-18What a joy to meet and work with someone who’s honest, hard working, listens and offers solutions, takes pride in a job well done, professional, dependable, and respectful. Highly recommend Scott Riley Builders!Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Nancy Hester2023-09-02Scott Riley Builders is a professional group that does quality work. We had a major renovation done which included remodeling 2 bathrooms and the kitchen. In addition they installed an elevator for us. The best part was they stayed on schedule throughout the project and communicated with us during the entire renovation! This group is exceptional and their work is quality.