Many homeowners choose to convert their unfinished basements into living areas for good reason. Not only does it make the square footage they already invested in usable—it comes with an average 86% return on investment (ROI).
That being said, we know that investing in making your space yours is about more than increasing your home’s value if you decide to leave one day. So, how do you turn big ideas into real, livable spaces that elevate your family’s day-to-day life?
It starts by choosing the right team, and the experts at Shack Built are here to explain why.
Creating a Space That Makes Sense for You
Before we dive into how to choose the right basement contractors in Leawood, consider what you want and need out of the space. How do you plan to use the space? Maybe you want a home gym complete with floor-to-ceiling mirrors or a garage door that opens up to your yard, or maybe you’re envisioning a hidden spot beneath the stairs for your kids to play with a built-in reading nook.
→ Explore More Finished Basement Ideas
Once you’ve nailed down your vision, think about the details that would elevate the space—like a water bottle filler, fans, ballet barre, or sauna in your home gym. Beyond amenities, consider functional pieces like elevators for older family members, soundproofing for home theatres, and hidden rooms for important belongings.
But don’t stress too much about researching what it takes to accomplish your vision; that’s where your team comes in.
Choosing the Right Team to Bring it to Life
When the vision is big, you need experts who can match it. Beyond making the space comfortable and safe through proper plumbing and electrical work, they need to act as your partner.
→ Understanding Certified Contractors’ Qualifications
The contractors you choose to work with aren’t just responsible for making your dream basement come to life and stand the test of time—they’ll be in your home and around your family. So, trust your gut about how they treat you, their communication style, and how they go about setting clear boundaries and expectations, and don’t forget to read their reviews.
What makes a “design-build” team different?
Most remodeling companies operate under a design-bid-build model. You hire a designer, get a set of plans, and then gather bids from contractors. But here’s the problem: no one’s really talking about cost until the last minute—and by then, compromise often feels inevitable.
Design-build is a modern approach to remodeling that incorporates 3D space planning, interior design consulting, and construction under one roof. When your designers and basement contractors in Leawood work together, you’re not responsible for communicating between them.
Because our team is always on the same page, we can walk you through what it takes to bring your vision to life. We help you understand the cost and work that goes into each detail so you can make informed decisions before any work begins.
Choosing a design-bid-build approach is like giving a few people a vague description of a black dress you want, then picking from them based on the price tag without even seeing the dress. When it comes to remodeling, that often means you’re choosing basic, low-quality, builder-grade materials. Our approach to design-build is like shopping with a stylist who walks you through every detail before you commit, helping you decide between quality materials with unique looks—and usually longer warranties.
Let’s Build Something Incredible
At Shack Built, we take pride in what we do. Beyond building beautiful homes, we build relationships with our clients, involving you in the entire process and making the experience exciting.
Our approach to basement remodeling in Leawood isn’t cookie-cutter, so your project begins with a consultation. Reach out to schedule your visit with our basement contractors in Leawood or use our virtual project planning tool to take the first step.
Up Next: What Determines the Cost and Timeline for Your Basement Finish in Shawnee, KS
