7 Questions Most Homeowners Forget to Ask Before Hiring a Contractor to Finish a Basement
So, you’re ready to finally finish your basement—exciting! But here’s the thing: choosing the right contractor isn’t just about who gives you the lowest bid. It’s about finding someone you trust to be in your home, make good suggestions, and keep the project running smoothly.
Most of us know to ask about licenses and insurance, but the real pain points often come from the little details that homeowners don’t think to bring up until it’s too late.
Here are seven not-so-obvious questions you should definitely ask before hiring a contractor to finish your basement:
1. Will you help me choose finishes, or is that on me?
This one surprises a lot of homeowners. Some contractors are “just the builders,” which means you’ll be responsible for picking out tile, flooring, cabinets, even doorknobs—and getting them on site when needed. Others have design support or will include finishes in their quote. Ask upfront so you’re not running to the hardware store at the last minute or stuck with your third or fourth choice for lights based on shipping timelines.
2. When and how will you be working in my home?
Contractors don’t always keep 9-to-5 hours. Will they start early in the morning? Be around on weekends? Do you need to clear space in your driveway for their crew? Will someone be home to let them in, or do they need a code/key? Knowing the schedule and access plan avoids awkward surprises (like being woken up by a saw at 7:00 AM).
3. How will you keep me updated during the project?
Clear communication is everything. Some contractors send weekly updates, some text daily, and some… don’t update at all unless you ask. Decide what works best for you—whether it’s a quick weekly check-in or a text anytime something changes.
4. What’s the payment schedule, exactly?
Most people know to avoid paying 100% upfront, but payment schedules can vary a lot. Make sure it’s tied to progress (framing done, drywall complete, finishes installed) and not just random dates on a calendar. That way, you’re only paying for work that’s actually been completed.
5. What happens if we hit an unexpected issue?
Basements are notorious for surprises—think hidden leaks, old wiring, or low ductwork. Ask how the contractor will handle change orders: Will they stop and talk it through with you first? Will they give you options and pricing before moving forward? You don’t want to see “extra $5,000” tacked onto your final invoice with no warning.
6. Who’s actually doing the work?
Sometimes the person you meet with is the one swinging the hammer. Other times, it’s a crew you’ve never met or even a mix of subcontractors. It’s good to know who will actually be in your home every day—and who you should go to if you have questions on-site.
7. How do you protect the rest of my house during construction?
Finishing a basement means a lot of dust, noise, and foot traffic. Ask how they’ll seal off the work area, protect your floors, and clean up each day. The goal is to keep the chaos contained in the basement—not spread it through your whole house.
The Bottom Line
Finishing your basement is a big investment, and while it's easy to focus on square footage or price per foot, the real magic is in the details. By asking these less-obvious questions, you'll avoid the stress that catches most homeowners off guard and set your project up for a smooth (and way less frustrating) experience. If you live in Castle Pines, Castle Rock, Lone Tree, Highlands Ranch, or Parker, CO, Altura Design Build is ready to help. Our team is committed to helping you navigate every step of the process, ensuring a smooth and successful basement finishing project.