- 16493 Bodman Rd Mt. Orab, OH 45154
- info@empirehome.solutions
- Deck Division: 513-513-DECK(3325)
- Office: (513) 773-1567
Cincinnati Basement Remodeling That Stays Dry, Legal & Livable
Empire Home Solutions handles complete basement remodeling for homeowners across Greater Cincinnati. We finish, renovate, design, and waterproof below grade — always in the right order. Because moisture wrecks more basements than bad layouts ever will, we solve water first. Then we build the space you actually pictured. Moreover, every basement remodel carries our lifetime craftsmanship warranty. As a result, you gain the highest-return square footage in your home without gambling on it.
By Chris Kestel, Founder & Owner · Last Updated August 2026
Rated 5.0 Stars · A+ BBB Accredited · Dry-First Building Standard
Is Your Basement Ready? What We Check First
A finished basement built over a hidden problem always fails twice. Therefore, before we frame anything, our crew inspects the space carefully. Here is what we look for.
- White, chalky residue on the walls. That bloom means water is passing through the block. Consequently, we treat the source, not the surface.
- A hard-working sump pump. If yours runs every spring, we design backup power and access panels in before drywall seals them off.
- Wall cracks. Thin vertical cracks are usually cosmetic. However, horizontal or stair-step cracks are structural, so we address them first.
- Radon levels. Southwest Ohio sits in a high-radon zone. Since people will breathe this air daily, we build mitigation into the plan when needed.
- A musty smell. Often that is humidity, not a leak. Accordingly, we design insulation and dehumidification to fix it for good.
Pass these checks, and we build. Fail one, and we correct the cause before design begins.
Our Basement Remodel Steps, Start to Finish
1. Assessment & Design
First, we run the readiness checks and measure everything, including ceiling height under ducts. Then we design a layout around the fixed elements so the plan holds up.
2. Rough-In & Inspections
Next, framing, electrical, and plumbing go in and get inspected before insulation hides them. Egress, smoke and CO detection, and stairs all meet Ohio code from the drawings.
3. Finish & Walkthrough
Finally, we install drywall, flooring, trim, and paint. Afterward, you test every outlet and switch with us before we call it done.
Basement Renovation
For basements finished decades ago, our basement renovation contractors modernize dated paneling and dropped ceilings. Furthermore, renovating basement ideas like open-concept living and egress bedrooms add real value. We handle full basement renovations from demo to final coat.
Basement Design
Great space starts on paper. Our basement design service maps soffits, lighting, and mechanicals before construction. In short, smart basement design ideas protect ceiling height where it matters most. We deliver finished basement designs you can picture and live in.
Basement Remodeling
Already finished, but tired? Our basement remodeling services rework layouts, lighting, and finishes. Popular basement remodel ideas include home theaters, gyms, bars, and in-law suites. Even a small basement remodel can transform how your family uses the level. A basement bathroom remodel is our most-requested upgrade.
Basement Waterproofing
Interior drainage, sump systems, and wall treatments come first on every project. Unlike single-service basement waterproofing companies, we tie that work directly into your finish — so it never gets torn out later.
Basement Finishing
We take raw studs and concrete to finished living space — framing, insulation, drywall, flooring, and trim. Because homeowners often ask about the cost to finish basement square footage, we price every finish line by line. That way, the finished basement price you approve is the price you pay.
What Does Basement Remodeling Cost in Cincinnati?
Basement remodel cost varies widely, because two identical footprints can differ by tens of thousands of dollars. Below are typical Greater Cincinnati ranges to set expectations. (These are market estimates — your written quote will reflect your actual basement.)
Project scope | Typical range (per sq. ft.) |
|---|---|
| Basic finish (open living space) | $25 – $45 |
| Mid-range (bedroom, closets, flooring upgrades) | $45 – $75 |
| High-end (bathroom, egress, custom finishes) | $75 – $110+ |
A few line items move the average basement renovation cost the most. First, adding a bathroom means plumbing below the slab — the single priciest decision. Next, an egress window for a legal bedroom typically runs $3,000–$6,000. Finally, moisture correction found during assessment affects the cost of basement remodel work before any finishing starts.
Rather than guess with a basement renovation cost estimator online, we measure on-site and hand you a written, itemized number. That honesty is why our basement remodeling costs rarely surprise anyone.
Brands We Build With
Basement Remodel Ideas & Before-and-After Inspiration
Seeing real projects helps you picture yours. Our basement remodel before and after galleries show renovated basements across the region — from cramped storage to bright family rooms. Whether you want a full suite or basic finished basement ideas, we build to your vision and budget. Browse recent renovated basement projects, then bring us your favorite basement ideas for remodeling.
Dry-First Standard
We fix water before we frame, so your finish lasts.
Lifetime Craftsmanship Warranty
If our workmanship fails, we return and make it right.
Permits Handled
We pull permits and pass inspections across every county we serve.
Fully Insured & Bonded
Your home and our crew stay protected throughout.
Local Experience Since 2009
We know Ohio soil, radon, and below-grade code firsthand.
Written, Honest Pricing
You approve a line-item quote before work begins.
Basement Remodeling Across Greater Cincinnati
We remodel basements throughout Hamilton, Clermont, Brown, Butler, and Warren counties. Specifically, we serve Cincinnati, Mason, Norwood, Loveland, Milford, West Chester, Batavia, Amelia, Mt. Orab, Anderson Township, and Indian Hill. In addition, we cover Northern Kentucky towns nearby. Looking for a basement remodeling contractor Cincinnati homeowners have trusted below grade since 2009? You found the page.
Basement Remodeling FAQs
How much does it cost to finish a basement in Cincinnati?
Most local finishes land between $25 and $75 per square foot, depending on scope. Bathrooms, egress windows, and moisture work raise that. We give you an itemized written quote after an on-site visit, never a vague guess.
What's the difference between finishing, remodeling, and renovating a basement?
Finishing turns raw space into living space. Remodeling reworks an already-finished basement. Renovation modernizes an older, dated finish. In practice, many projects blend all three, and we scope yours clearly up front.
Do you waterproof before finishing?
Always. We inspect for moisture first and correct any drainage or sump issues before framing. Otherwise, even the best finish eventually fails. That dry-first order is the core of how we work.
Can you add a bathroom to my basement?
Yes. A basement bathroom is our most-requested upgrade, though it requires plumbing below the slab. We plan the rough-in during design so inspections pass cleanly and the layout works.
Do you handle the design, or do I need a separate designer?
We handle it in-house. Our basement designer maps layout, lighting, and mechanicals before construction, so you approve finished basement design plans before a single wall goes up.
How long does a basement remodel take?
Most full projects run six to ten weeks, with inspections as the main checkpoints. Renovations of finished spaces often go faster, while bathrooms and egress windows add time. You’ll get a written schedule before we start.
Ready to Finish Your Basement?
Turn an unfinished or dated basement into comfortable, code-compliant living space — built dry-first and backed for life. Talk to a real basement remodeler today, not a salesperson.
Save 10% off, up to $1,000, when you sign on your first visit.