Basement Remodeling Minneapolis | Lower Level Finishing & Renovation

Basement Remodeling Services in the Twin Cities

Got an unfinished or outdated basement in your Minneapolis home? We’ve been transforming lower levels across the Twin Cities since 1996. From basic finishing to luxury basement renovations, our team handles everything from design concept to final touches. No need to coordinate multiple contractors- we take care of design and construction under one roof.

Most folks call us when they’re tired of wasting all that potential living space. Maybe you need a hangout for teenagers, a home office, or just somewhere to escape Minnesota winters. Whatever you’re dreaming of, we’ve probably built something similar in your neighborhood.

Our Basement Remodeling Services

Here’s what we can do with your Minneapolis basement:

Now Showing: Oscar-Worthy Renovation

Game On!

Lower Level Game Plan

Family Haven

Multi-Generational Living

Lower Level Remodel

Chaska Lower Level

Raising The Bar

Fresh Open Concept

All Together Now

Why Choose AMEK for Basement Remodeling

Curious about our background? The Schmidt brothers started AMEK back in ’96, and we’re still family-owned. Learn more about AMEK Design + Build if you want to know who’ll be working on your lower level.

Basement Waterproofing Expertise

We address moisture issues before finishing your space. No sense making it pretty if it’s going to get damp or flood!

Mechanical Know-How

Basements have pipes, ducts, and mechanicals to work around. Our team knows how to handle these challenges while maximizing ceiling height.

Our Design + Build Process

We guide you through everything step-by-step. No confusing terms, no surprise charges halfway through, just clear communication.

Building Code Compliance

We ensure your basement meets all safety requirements, including proper egress, fire blocking, and mechanical access. No cutting corners.

Family Business Values

The Schmidt family brings 30 years of integrity to your project. Three brothers still work together to ensure quality in every basement we finish.

Learn more about us

Reviews

Read what our Twin Cities clients have to say about their remodeling experiences and why they continue to recommend us to friends and family.

     
 
 
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   Kevin Kallas 
 15 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Their design team is top notch- they helped us work through a complicated floor plan to maximize the flow!
  
 
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   Michael Leong 
 82 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. +4
We remodeled our entire main level. From the entry in the garage, to the laundry room, powder room, kitchen, living area, stairway to 2nd level, and additional upstairs laundry. Every aspect in every room turned out flawless. When asked what they could’ve done different or better, we couldn’t come up with a thing. They were always on time, pleasant, and very informative. If you are looking to remodel your home, AMEK should be at the top of your list. A few years later now, we had AMEK remodel our entire 2nd level. Redid both bathrooms with huge walk-in showers, turned one of the bedrooms into an office with built-in cabinets and desk, put in a new hallway walk-in closet, and added another closet in the master bedroom. We also removed all the carpet for fabulous looking floors. We finished off the house with a new metal roof. Once again AMEK nailed it!! Everything turned out spectacular. I highly recommend going with AMEK for any/all of your bigger remodeling projects.
  
 
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   Pam Bullock 
 157 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had a major kitchen remodel, where the wall between the kitchen and dining room was taken out and the whole area gutted to the studs.  After choosing a design we liked the demolition started as we chose colors, cupboards, tile and quartz countertops.  We had trips to Ferguson Home for the kitchen sink and the faucet,  and Warners Stellian for appliances.  Allof the contracted workers were very friendly and did great work, from plumbing and electrical to sheet rocking, painting, and wood floor installation.  All contractors also were great at cleaning up at the end of their day.  It was so great to see the new kitchen come together,  and we are so excited to use this new awesome space.
  
 
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   Mary Beth Mohn 
 255 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We hired AMEK to do a complete remodel of a 1,600 sq. ft. condo we bought last spring. The original unit hadn't been updated in a long time, and we wanted to turn it into a place where my husband and I could successfully "age in place." My husband has Parkinson's disease, so my goal was to make it accessible and easy to maintain, but without sacrificing style or personality. We moved in right before Thanksgiving, and we absolutely LOVE the finished product. In addition, working with the AMEK team was a great experience--from Patrick, who gave us great advice; to Hanna, who embraced my sense of style, helped vet our various choices and found me the ideal faucet for a themed bath; to Jason who managed the daily crews and rearranged the schedule as needed without skipping a beat and was always friendly, responsive and professional throughout the process. Even our new neighbors commented on how nice and professional the AMEK crews were! Overall, I was pleased by how smooth the process went (with no major "surprise" expenses and very minimal delays) and am absolutely thrilled with the end result. I'd definitely recommend AMEK for your next project.
  
 
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   Heather Schmidt 
 274 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. AMEK Design + Build was incredible to work with. Their combination of value, quality and a transparent process made our remodel a fantastic experience from start to finish. Patrick’s deep knowledge and guidance were invaluable, Maddie kept us organized and elevated the design and style, and Derrick managed everything on site while keeping us consistently informed (and sane). Highly recommend AMEK — we’ll absolutely be working with them again!
  
 
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   Kelly Schneeman 
 293 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We knew when we bought our house 11 years ago we would someday want to remodel the main level of our home. We had ideas of what we wanted and knew the project wasn't going to be small. Finding someone to work with who we would trust to help us create our dream home was concerning. The day we sat down with Matthew for our initial meeting and heard more about AMEK as a company, their creative process, their team and project timeline, we knew they would be a perfect fit. Brenton and Maddie met with us early on to hear what we were hoping to achieve with our vision, and Maddie knocked it out of the park with her designs, giving us 3 initial options to choose from, 2 of which completely opened our eyes to possibilities we didn't even think of. Picking out our colors and accessories was so easy, as the choices Maddie gave us truly reiterated how much she listened in our initial conversation. It was easy, fun, and not at all as stressful. Each step got us even more excited about the final product. Our project manager Jason was phenomenal. Every week he emailed us what the team accomplished as well as what to expect the next week. He gave us a preliminary schedule when the project started of what to expect and stuck to the schedule. Any questions or concerns he let us know right away. His communication was amazing. He was so involved in the process, even if he wasn't there every day (which he usually was). He answered every question we had and if he didn't know the answer, would do whatever he could to find it. His attention to detail made us confident that the project wasn't going to just "get done," but would get done correctly. Ted, Doug, and Sean are/were incredibly hard workers from the moment the demo started until the very end of our project. They were punctual, so kind, never complained, respectful to our home, and they cleaned up their area every night before they left, which in the chaos of a major renovation meant so much to us. All of the team members of AMEK were so pleasant, including their subcontractors. They work as a team and were aware of what was going on at any point during the process. Having complete trust and confidence in the company you hire to make your vision come to life is so important. Do yourself a favor - stop scrolling and set up the appointment. I promise you won't be disappointed. We are forever grateful that we signed our contract with AMEK and made our dream come true.
  
 
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   Catherine Solie 
 294 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We used AMEK to remodel our first floor. We had a great experience from start to finish. The design team really got to know us and came up with a great plan. The build team was excellent. Having people in your home for several months can be exhausting but the AMEK crew was friendly, hard working and did great work. We are thrilled with the outcome of our project.
  
 
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   Snowdan 
 295 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. +1
AMEK renovated our main level and did an incredible job. It was a fairly major project that involved taking an exterior wall down and incorporating a three season porch. I am so pleased with the results and finally having the kitchen of my dreams. AMEK laid out a schedule in advance and did and great job communicating throughout the process. Despite some unforeseen complications they finished right on schedule. I highly recommend them!
  
 
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   Carrie Jones 
 346 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. +1
We recently completed a kitchen and mudroom remodel with AMEK, and we couldn’t be happier with the experience or the result. The design process felt like a true “dreaming phase”—fun, inspiring, and ultimately so much better than anything we could have created on our own. Their design consulting was invaluable, helping us shape a beautiful plan that perfectly captured the vibe we had envisioned. Throughout the project, communication was excellent. From the proposal and renderings to the day-to-day updates during the build, we always knew what was happening and what was coming next. The proposal was clear and comprehensive, and while the pricing isn’t the lowest, it’s absolutely fair for the level of professionalism, skill, and care that AMEK delivers. Project management was outstanding, with our dedicated Field Manager keeping everything on track and on time. The carpenters and build team were exceptional—skilled, respectful, and surprisingly fun to have in our home every day. In the end, AMEK delivered a beautiful, well-crafted remodel that exceeded our expectations. We’re deeply grateful for their expertise and would wholeheartedly recommend them to anyone considering a home project.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Jodi Glaser 
 367 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. AMEK impressed us from our first meeting—prompt and detailed communication, thoughtful design ideas that were responsive to what we indicated we wanted, clear price breakdowns and scheduling information, and an honest assessment of ROI on our kitchen remodel. We appreciated AMEK’s honesty, their clear communication about the scope of work and the way they tackled the work and partnered with us. Our designer, Hannah, met with us several times and listened carefully to what we thought we wanted and provided creative, practical solutions for our kitchen space and the overall project.  We were impressed with her range of knowledge, her beautiful design skills, and with her thoughtful and smart solutions to questions and issues that arose. The team kept to the scheduled plan, protected our home throughout the process, and provided regular updates with a longer re-cap each week.  Asher and Derrick, our site managers, did a great job of answering all our questions, brainstorming when we ran into minor glitches and keeping us informed when we were out of town.  We were pleased with the subcontractors they used. Everyone who was in and out of our house over the 3+ month project was respectful and professional. Our finished kitchen is functional, beautiful, and built with top-notch materials. Every detail, from cabinets to flooring to appliances to lighting to tile, reflects quality and our hopes for the space.  We are thrilled with the final product. We highly recommend AMEK for their professionalism, quality work, and attentive service.

Our Basement Remodeling Process

Here’s how we approach lower-level transformations:

1. Initial Walkthrough

We’ll check out your basement, look for any moisture or structural issues, and discuss your wish list. Budget talk happens early – we’re upfront about costs.

2. Design Concepts

Our team creates layout options that maximize your space while working around support columns, mechanicals, and other existing elements.

3. Material Selection

We help choose finishes that stand up to basement conditions. Flooring, wall treatments, and lighting – all selected for below-grade applications.

4. Detailed Planning

We nail down the specifics, create a construction timeline, and handle permits. Not exciting, but essential for a smooth project.

5. Construction Phase

The noisy part! We’ll set up dust barriers and create separate access when possible to minimize disruption to your daily life.

6. Final Inspection

We check everything together before considering the job finished. Your satisfaction matters more than rushing to the next basement.

Schedule Consultation

Basement Remodeling FAQ

Here are answers to questions Minneapolis homeowners often ask about basement renovations.

Moisture & Foundation Issues

How do you know if a basement can be finished?

We check for water issues, ceiling height, structural concerns, and mechanical obstacles. Almost every basement can be finished, but some need remediation work first.

What if our basement gets water sometimes?

We address water problems before finishing any basement. Solutions range from simple exterior grading to interior drainage systems. Fixing moisture issues is always step one.

Our basement has metal support posts. Can they be removed?

Those columns typically support the structure above, so removing them requires careful planning. In some cases they can be replaced with structural beams, which involves additional engineering and structural work. During the design process, we evaluate options such as relocating the posts or integrating them into walls or design features to best support the layout of the space.

The basement ceiling seems really low - can that be fixed?

Sometimes! Options include digging down (expensive but effective), routing ductwork differently, using recessed lighting, or creating tray ceilings in specific areas.

Our foundation walls are stone/brick/block - can they be insulated?

Yes, but it requires special approaches. Old Minneapolis homes often have unique foundation construction. We use appropriate methods that insulate without trapping moisture in walls.

Design & Features

What flooring works best in Minnesota basements?

We recommend luxury vinyl plank, engineered hardwood specifically rated for below-grade installation, carpet, or tile – all installed over proper subfloor systems. Each has pros and cons depending on your priorities.

Should we add a bathroom to our basement?

If your budget allows, yes! Even a half bath makes the space much more functional. If you’re adding bedrooms or entertainment areas, having a bathroom on the same level is a huge convenience.

What about egress windows and emergency exits?

Building code requires legal bedrooms to have proper egress windows or doors. We install code-compliant window wells that also let in natural light – a big plus for basement spaces.

Is it worth adding a fireplace to a basement?

Many homeowners love having a fireplace in their lower level. Direct-vent and electric options are typically easier to install than traditional fireplaces. They add ambiance and supplemental heat during our long Minnesota winters.

How do you handle sound transmission between floors?

We use specialized insulation, acoustic ceiling systems, and sometimes resilient channels to reduce sound transfer. Critical for home theaters, music rooms, or teenage hangout spaces!

Planning & Permits

Do we need permits to finish our basement?

Yes! Minneapolis and the surrounding suburbs require permits for basement finishing. We handle all permitting and ensure your project meets current building codes.

How much does it typically cost to finish a basement in the Twin Cities?

Each basement project is unique depending on the scope, layout changes, and material selections. Many basement remodels range from $100K–$250K, often averaging $150–$200 per square foot. More custom lower levels with features such as bars, bathrooms, and built-in elements can range from $150K–$300K+.

How long does a basement remodeling project take?

Most basement projects take 8-12 weeks from start to finish, depending on complexity and size. Adding bathrooms or wet bars extends the timeline.

Can basement renovations meaningfully increase a home’s value?

While finished basement space expands usable living area, adding features like legal bedrooms and additional bathrooms can also improve how a home compares to others in the market. These upgrades may influence comparable home values, particularly when the space is thoughtfully designed and finished to match the rest of the home.

Can you match our main floor's look in the basement?

Absolutely! We can carry your home’s style into the lower level for a cohesive feel. Or we can make it completely different – some homeowners prefer their basement to have its own unique vibe.

Technical Considerations

How do you deal with radon in basements?

Radon is something we keep in mind with basement projects. If there’s a concern, we can test for radon and install mitigation systems when needed. Minnesota is known for higher-than-average radon levels, so it’s something we’re always mindful of during basement renovations.

What about heating and cooling the new space?

We evaluate your existing HVAC system to determine if it can handle the additional square footage. Sometimes we extend current systems; other times we install supplemental heating and cooling specifically for the basement.

Can you move the basement stairs?

Often yes! Relocating stairs can dramatically improve both the basement and main floor layouts. It’s a bigger project, but sometimes worth the investment for better traffic flow.

How do you handle low-hanging pipes and ductwork?

We can box around them, create soffits, build dropped ceiling sections, or sometimes reroute them entirely. Creative framing and ceiling designs can minimize their visual impact.

What about basement bedrooms - are they legal?

They are when done properly! Legal bedrooms need adequate ceiling height, proper egress, heating, and smoke/CO detectors. We ensure all code requirements are met for safe, legal sleeping spaces.

Basement Remodeling Resources

Looking for ideas before you call us? Check out our blog for:

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MSP Home Tour: Explore Two AMEK Home Transformations

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30 Years of Thoughtful Design and Craftsmanship

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Start Your Basement Remodeling Project

Ready to transform that unfinished space? Give us a call at (952) 888-1200 or fill out our contact form. We will schedule a time to visit your home, review your space, understand the challenges you are experiencing, and discuss what may be possible for your project.

Our goal is to have a straightforward conversation about your home, your goals, and what may be achievable within your budget. AMEK has been helping Twin Cities homeowners improve their homes since 1996.

Schedule Consultation (952) 888-1200