Remodeled Basement Solutions
Basement Bathrooms
Add a gorgeous basement bathroom that is filled with natural light.
Flooring
We expertly install basement flooring with an emphasis on beauty and durability.
Basement Waterproofing & Insulation
Concrete walls are prone to moisture intrusion. Shield your basement space from dampness and ensure comfort and coziness.
Basement Bedrooms
We create bright and cozy lower-level bedrooms that don't feel like they’re in the basement.
Recent Basement Projects
Turning Basements into Livable Spaces
BASEMENT REMODELING SERVICES
Upscale Remodeling specializes in transforming your unfinished basement into a functional and bright space. Whether it's for entertainment or additional living areas, our team ensures a seamless transition. You’re going to love your new lower level.
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An Integrated Approach to Custom Basements
DESIGN-BUILD METHODOLOGY
Upscale's streamlined design-build remodeling process merges innovative design with skilled construction, ensuring your vision comes to life without unwelcome surprises. Our collaborative method ensures a stress-free journey and full clarity on project expenses. Rely on us to make your dream Basement a reality.
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Remodeling Advice & Inspiration
Frequently Asked Questions
Often yes, and it usually comes down to egress. A basement bedroom needs an emergency escape opening, which in most homes means adding an egress window and window well. We handle the excavation and the code requirements as part of the project.
Usually, but the moisture has to be resolved before any finishing work begins. We start outside the house with grading, gutters, and drainage, then address the foundation walls and floor. Finishing over an unresolved moisture problem is the most common reason a basement remodel does not hold up.
Many older homes around Ithaca have lower basement ceilings than newer construction, and building code sets a minimum height for finished living space. We measure early in design, and there are often options if you are close to the limit, such as relocating ductwork or plumbing that hangs below the joists.
Most basement projects in the Ithaca area run between $40,000 and $225,000. The range is wide because it depends on whether you are finishing an open space or adding a bathroom, a bedroom with egress, or a wet bar, along with the level of finishes you choose.
It depends on the scope. Finishing an open space moves faster than a project that adds a bathroom, since plumbing and inspections add time. We give you a schedule during the design phase, before construction starts.
Basement Remodeling in the Finger Lakes Region
Basements in the Ithaca area come with real advantages—and a few challenges worth planning for. The Finger Lakes climate means moisture management is a priority, and the right approach to waterproofing, insulation, and ventilation makes the difference between a finished basement that feels like a real living space and one that doesn’t.
Moisture and Waterproofing
Many homes in the Ithaca area sit on sloped lots with high water tables or seasonal groundwater. Before any finishing work begins, we assess your basement’s moisture conditions and address drainage, grading, or waterproofing needs. Proper insulation is part of the equation too—it protects your investment and ensures the space stays dry and comfortable year-round.
Egress and Code Requirements
If your basement remodel includes a bedroom, New York building code requires an egress window or door that meets minimum size requirements for emergency exit. We factor this into the design from the start—not as an afterthought—so the layout works both functionally and from a code perspective.
Making the Space Work
The most popular basement projects we handle include home offices, guest suites, entertainment rooms, and exercise spaces. Adding a basement bathroom is another common request that dramatically increases the usability of the space. In homes with lower ceiling heights, we use design techniques—recessed lighting, lighter finishes, strategic layout—to make the space feel open and inviting. Every basement is different, and the design should respond to what you have, not force a generic plan onto it.
Take a look at our South Hill Basement Remodel to see what’s possible, explore more completed basement projects in our portfolio, or schedule a consultation to talk through your ideas.