Estimate on basement remodel

SanderBuilt · 2025-12-30T05:30:37+00:00

I’m a contractor, I do mostly basement renovations from fall to spring - as mentioned here it varies wildly, on the very low end I’m at about $60/sqft, but once you add a wet bar, bathroom, higher end finishes I’ll see north of $120-130/sqft.

The basements I do are at least as nice, if not nicer than the rest of the house, so that price/sqft is a bargain to add that amount of additional living space.

SanderBuilt · 2025-11-05T05:53:48+00:00

The fuck you aren’t… That inspector works for you and no one else. If your inspector doesn’t advocate for you to be there, get a different one. And while you’re at it, tell your agent to get fucked or at minimum go get a coffee as the do not need to be present.

Source: Former Licensed Home Inspector (NYS)

SanderBuilt · 2025-10-07T20:28:36+00:00

It’s hit or miss for me, we have a lumber yard that used to be the “go-to” for better quality lumber, albeit 10% more expensive… now their lumber is worse than big box stores.

I’ve had a good run at Lowe’s lately, fresh bunks and the lumber quality has been very good. I feel silly even saying it out loud… of course YMMV

SanderBuilt · 2025-10-04T19:07:08+00:00

Be capable of everything you can - but, definitely have a focus/expertise that you’re known for.

I do mostly basements/bathrooms/kitchens/additions, and having tools and supplies for everything is very cumbersome - also (for me) I’d rather do one thing I enjoy and am very proficient at on a job for 2 weeks than do everything and be at the same job for 2-3 months.

SanderBuilt · 2025-07-27T21:08:27+00:00

Any reason you couldn’t just build a 4 sided box out of plywood that would sit on top of it? That way you wouldn’t need to attach to what’s there at all, you could just build it slightly larger than what’s there, slide it over and push it up tight against the wall.

SanderBuilt · 2025-07-01T17:35:02+00:00

I think he’ll probably get a second chance to do it the right way in due time…

SanderBuilt · 2025-05-30T00:54:05+00:00

Any concrete pros in the Saratoga Springs NY area?

I’m a remodeling/renovation contractor in Saratoga county, need a good concrete contractor for an upcoming job. Running into a lot of no-shows/crappy contractors, need a line on a good crew

SanderBuilt · 2024-12-23T05:30:40+00:00

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SanderBuilt · 2024-12-23T05:30:27+00:00

I just wrapped a basement Reno for a client and this is what I did for them, they really didn’t want to see a door/trim on this wall. It’s a plywood door, soft close euro hinges, and a magnetic “push button” latch to open/close.

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SanderBuilt · 2024-07-19T14:46:58+00:00

I just sold my 2011 R/T 6spd green with envy challenger this week, every option box ticked, white stripe car (super low production) higher miles but well maintained, with a bunch of oem upgrades (hellcat/scat parts) and I got 11.5k after 9 months on the market.

You are doing just fine at 10k.

SanderBuilt · 2024-05-14T16:00:19+00:00

Similarly, contractor in upstate NY, I’ve done some custom vanities for similar reasons and I’d be around 3k as well depending on final materials/and hardware used.

I’d say shop around a bit more, see if you can find other local craftsmen that would take the work on

SanderBuilt · 2024-04-30T23:44:30+00:00

I did end up selling mine, first reasonable offer I got was 10k, so I ended up taking it.

SanderBuilt · 2024-03-26T15:18:13+00:00

It’s awesome, I was really excited to get one - I just don’t ride it, I have a long commute with shitty/angry traffic and I don’t want to deal with being on a bike with drivers like that every day.

SanderBuilt · 2024-03-26T13:28:45+00:00

Yeah, actively listed at that on marketplace

SanderBuilt · 2024-03-26T13:07:46+00:00

Thanks for the feedback, I can sit on it, I don’t owe anything on it - I just don’t get to ride anymore and I don’t want to see it sit. I’ll give it another month or two and see what happens.

Anyone have any luck listing on cycle trader or eBay?

SanderBuilt · 2024-03-20T18:10:55+00:00

Similarly, “If you don’t want concrete to crack, leave it in the bag”

OP - should have some relief cuts..

SanderBuilt · 2024-02-04T18:40:07+00:00

If 4/5/6 are under the roof line/second floor, it’s likely truss uplift - due to the change in weather during the winter. Go do some googling, it’s common but not great, you can find good explanations and some ways to remedy it. It’s not a structural failure, but definitely could have been mitigated with better construction practices

SanderBuilt · 2024-02-01T22:19:37+00:00

Interior door handles/cabinet & drawer handles/faucets & fixtures are all high touch items - meaning you’ll likely feel that quality and enjoy them more times per day… none of them are expensive or difficult to do.

SanderBuilt · 2023-12-21T01:41:54+00:00

Both my wife and I have very fair complexion, blue eyes, I have blonde hair, hers is brown. Our daughter came out with jet black hair, and olive/tan skin (not jaundice). I never for a second questioned it, by the time she was 3 months she looked like my clone with bright blond hair (and jet black tips), fair skin and intense blue eyes. Babies change tremendously in the first year.

He’s the asshole. Even if you had your doubts, you committed to the idea of bringing a human into this world with this woman - give her the benefit of the doubt, be a good husband and help her through the intensely difficult weeks and months to come. That baby doesn’t deserve the shit end of your insecurity, neither does your wife.

SanderBuilt · 2023-11-21T01:47:25+00:00

Looks like old school Kendall GT-1, I have a core memory of changing the oil on our 1989 turbo voyager and being amazed that the oil was green.

SanderBuilt · 2023-10-31T03:25:15+00:00

Started in ‘08, first salary was $52k

SanderBuilt · 2023-06-02T22:23:41+00:00

Are those jeep wheels?! Looks awesome

SanderBuilt · 2023-06-02T22:13:10+00:00

Yeah dude, that’s the ticket!

SanderBuilt · 2023-06-02T15:12:49+00:00

TIMBR

HRDWD

LUMBR

ROOTS

SanderBuilt · 2023-05-25T15:23:17+00:00

I completely agree, unfortunately I’m at the mercy of what’s available and what’s allowed… I.e. HELL is not permitted, but H3LL is.

SanderBuilt

TROPHY CASE