Design-build · Chicago & North Shore
Basement finishing done the design-build way
One team designs and builds your basement — with a fixed price, moisture-smart construction, permits handled, and a project lead who actually keeps you informed. Serving Chicago, the North Shore, and the western suburbs.
- ✓ Fixed-price proposals — no growing estimates
- ✓ Moisture & egress planned first, built for Chicago soil
- ✓ Permits and inspections handled for you
- ✓ Written workmanship warranty
Prefer to talk now? Call (773) 234-0393
Get your basement consult
Step 1 of 3Three quick questions so the right person calls you prepared.
What's your basement today?
Honest price bands, before you ever talk to us
Chicago-area basement finishing typically runs about $55–$140+ per square foot depending on finish level, moisture prep, and plumbing. Most of our projects fall into one of three bands:
Solid & comfortable
Typically $40k–$75k
Open family room, quality flooring, lighting, drywall ceilings, moisture-smart prep. Great for straightforward layouts.
Custom rooms & bath
Typically $75k–$150k
Defined rooms — media area, office, guest suite — plus a full bath, wet bar rough-in, built-ins, and upgraded finishes.
Premium lower level
$150k–$250k+
High-end finishes throughout: theater, gym, bar, full suite, ceiling-height or layout changes, designer selections.
We take on projects starting around $20k. If your budget is well below these bands, we're probably not the right fit — and we'll tell you that honestly. Want a personalized ballpark first? Try the free basement planner or read the cost guide.
What your basement could become
Design concepts for typical Chicago-area basements — unfinished spaces and dated ones alike. These are AI-generated visualizations we use for inspiration, not photos of our completed projects, so you can picture the direction before we design yours for real.
Family & media room. Built-in media wall, recessed lighting, warm plank flooring — the column becomes a wrapped design feature.
Home office + gym. A built-in work wall and a dedicated training corner — two rooms of function in one open plan.
Dated basement, brought current. Drop ceiling and worn carpet out; drywall ceiling, plank flooring, and a built-in media wall where the old TV stand sat.
Entertaining lounge & wet bar. A navy quartz-topped bar where the utility sink was, warm lounge seating — built for hosting.
Concept imagery is AI-generated for design inspiration and does not depict our completed work. Photos of real Four Corners projects are in the gallery below and at our projects page.
What to expect — a process built on certainty
The most common remodeling complaints in Chicagoland reviews are delays, surprise costs, and contractors who stop communicating. Our process is designed to remove those risks specifically.
1. Free in-home consultation
We walk the basement together, talk moisture history, ceiling height, egress, and how you want to use the space. No pressure, no obligation.
2. Design & fixed-price proposal
You get a clear scope and a fixed price — not an estimate that grows. Changes only happen through a written change order you approve first.
3. Permits handled for you
Chicago-area basement permits and inspections are on us, including egress and code requirements. You never chase the city.
4. Build with a dedicated project lead
One person owns your project and keeps you updated on a set cadence. Daily cleanup, floors protected, no surprises.
5. Walkthrough & workmanship warranty
We do a final walkthrough together and stand behind the work in writing after we leave.
Built for Chicago basements specifically
Moisture-smart first
Clay soil, spring water tables, old foundations — we plan drainage, vapor control, and below-grade materials before framing. Read our moisture guide.
Egress & code handled
Ceiling height minimums, egress windows for bedrooms, permit drawings and inspections — it's all in scope. See egress requirements.
Financing available
Larger projects can be financed through Acorn Finance — see monthly-payment options without affecting your credit. Explore financing.
Craftsmanship you can walk through
From near-north Chicago to the western suburbs, our remodels are built to feel like they were always part of the house.
Basement finishing questions, answered straight
- How much does basement finishing cost in Chicago?
- Published 2026 Chicago guides commonly cite roughly $55–$140+ per square foot depending on finish level, moisture prep, plumbing, and layout complexity. Most of our projects land between $40k and $250k+. A walkthrough is required for a real number on your home — that's what the free consultation is for.
- What about moisture? Our basement has been damp before.
- Moisture is the first thing we plan for, not an afterthought. Chicago's clay-heavy soil makes moisture management the difference between a basement that lasts and one that fails. We address drainage, vapor control, and material choices before any framing goes up.
- Do I need a permit to finish my basement?
- Yes — Chicago and most suburbs require permits for basement finishing, including egress and ceiling-height requirements. We handle the permit process and inspections as part of every project.
- How long does a basement project take?
- Most finished basements take roughly 6–12 weeks of construction depending on scope, after design and permits. You'll get a realistic schedule in your fixed-price proposal — and a project lead who keeps it honest.
Ready to see what your basement can become?
Start with a free in-home design consultation — we'll walk the space, talk honestly about budget, and leave you with a clear next step either way.
Serving Chicago, the North Shore (Winnetka, Wilmette, Highland Park, Lake Forest, Glenview, Evanston), and the western suburbs (Hinsdale, Naperville, Elmhurst).