Basement Finishing
Chicago
The cheapest square footage your building will ever gain is already under it. We turn Chicago basements into family rooms, legal bedrooms, and permitted duplex-down income units — water solved first, egress built to code, and every trade permitted and inspected by our own licensed crews.
Chicago's Trusted
Basement Finishing Contractor
Your basement is some of the most valuable untapped square footage in your home. At Lee \& Sam, a licensed general contractor serving Chicago, the suburbs, and Northwest Indiana, we transform unfinished basements into fully livable spaces — family rooms, home offices, rental units, or anything else your lifestyle demands.
We handle everything from waterproofing and framing to electrical, plumbing, and final finishes. 25+ years of hands-on expertise means we understand Chicago's basement challenges — moisture, low ceilings, egress requirements — and we solve them right the first time.
Serving all 55 Chicago neighborhoods — from Lincoln Park to Hyde Park — plus the North Shore, Western and South suburbs, and Northwest Indiana.
Everything Your Basement
Project Needs
Framing & Insulation
Full basement framing, insulation installation, and moisture barrier work to create a comfortable, energy-efficient living space.
Drywall & Finishing
Professional drywall installation, taping, mudding, and painting for smooth, clean walls and ceilings throughout the space.
Electrical & Lighting
Full electrical rough-in, panel upgrades if needed, recessed lighting, outlets, and switches — all permitted and inspected.
Plumbing & Bathroom
Basement bathroom rough-in, egress drain installation, and full bathroom build-outs for ADUs and rental units.
Flooring
LVP, tile, carpet, and engineered hardwood — all installed over proper subfloor prep and moisture protection for lasting results.
Egress & Permits
Egress window installation, City of Chicago permitting, and all inspections handled — keeping your project legal and above board.
What Basement Finishing
Costs in Chicago
Framing, insulation, drywall, flooring, and lighting — underused space turned into a family room, office, or rec space, permitted and inspected.
Everything in a straightforward finish plus a full bathroom — rough plumbing, waterproofing, tile — the tier that makes a basement genuinely livable.
Code egress, kitchen, bath, and permitted mechanical, electrical, and plumbing — a legal income unit that changes the building’s rent roll and appraisal.
Moisture, ceiling height, and foundation condition are what move a basement number — so we assess the real building first and price it with written contingency, not a guess. Water gets solved before a single wall is framed.
Our Basement Finishing
Process
Consultation
We walk your basement, discuss your goals, style preferences, and budget — then map out a realistic scope and timeline.
Design & Estimate
You receive a detailed line-item estimate with material selections, fixture allowances, and a clear project timeline.
Demolition & Build
Our crew handles demo, rough-in work, and all trades in the right sequence — keeping your project on schedule every day.
Final Walkthrough
We review every cabinet, drawer, fixture, and finish together. We don't close out until you're fully satisfied.
Basement Finishing Across
Chicago & Chicagoland
Basement Projects
Across Chicago
Basement Finish
FAQs
Have more questions? We're happy to talk through your project in detail.
Call Us NowMost basement finishing projects take 6–10 weeks depending on scope, whether a bathroom is included, and permitting timelines with the City of Chicago.
Yes — basement work typically has minimal impact on the rest of the home. We maintain a clean job site and contain dust and debris throughout the project.
If you're adding a bedroom in the basement, Chicago code requires an egress window. We handle the excavation, window installation, and permits for this.
Yes — we work with Hearth financing to offer clients flexible payment options. Ask us about pre-qualification during your consultation.
Ready to Start Your
Basement Finishing Project?
Get a free, detailed estimate from Chicago's trusted basement finishing contractor.