Why Should You Choose BasementRemodeling.com
Need your basement done right and done fast? Our Clifton team has 1,000+ projects under our belt, with most finished in 6-9 weeks.
Clifton's historic charm extends right down to its basements. From the Victorian-era homes in the Town of Clifton to the larger properties in Clifton Hunt and Chapel Springs, we've helped homeowners throughout this area unlock valuable square footage below ground. Our basement finishing work preserves character while adding modern functionality.
With over 20 years of experience and more than 1,000 completed projects in Fairfax County, we understand the unique challenges older homes can present. Most projects wrap up in 6-9 weeks, and we handle everything from permits to final inspection.
We're proud to serve Clifton and nearby communities like Centreville and Fairfax Station. Check out the Fairfax County permit requirements or browse our recent work below.
Before the remodel, the basement was unfinished and mid-construction, with exposed framing, insulation, and rough mechanicals visible. Open wall cavities and the framed opening for the future fireplace show the space early in its transformation — defined in size, but lacking comfort, flow, and livability.
After the transformation, the basement became a fully finished, sophisticated living space. Custom wall paneling, warm wood flooring, recessed lighting, and a coffered ceiling create a clean, modern atmosphere, while a sleek fireplace anchors the room as a welcoming place to relax or entertain.
Before the remodel, this basement was already finished — but bland. Neutral finishes, basic lighting, and an open layout made the space usable, yet uninspiring. It lacked character, purpose, and any real reason to spend time there.
After the transformation, the basement became a custom wine cellar and home theater designed for entertaining. Stone accent walls, built-in wine storage, and layered lighting turned a generic space into a refined destination that feels intentional and elevated.
Before the remodel, this basement was already finished — but bland. Neutral finishes, basic lighting, and an open layout made the space usable, yet uninspiring. It lacked character, purpose, and any real reason to spend time there.
After the transformation, the basement became a custom wine cellar and home theater designed for entertaining. Stone accent walls, built-in wine storage, and layered lighting turned a generic space into a refined destination that feels intentional and elevated.
Want to know what our past clients have to say about their basement remodeling experiences with BasementRemodeling.com?
Willy , Shanae. and team were amazing! Great crew and extremely professional and thorough.Willy , Shanae. and team were amazing! Great crew and extremely professional and thorough.Willy , Shanae. and team were amazing! Great crew and extremely professiona
We have had many renovations done over the years in different houses as we move a lot and I can say that I had the best experience with this company..
I really enjoyed my experience with Basement Remodeling. I love my newly constructed basement apartment.
From beginning to end, working with this company was a pleasure. The quality of the work is excellent, matched by their very thorough communications..
It was just a completely amazing experience when working with BasementRemodeling.com. When my husband and I visited the showroom we knew exactly which materials..
After getting quotes from multiple companies, we decided to go with BasementRemodeling.com — our neighbor had used them, couldn’t stop singing their praises,
The overwhelmingly positive reception from our clients makes BasementRemodeling.com stand out from other basement remodeling companies in Maryland, Northern Virginia (NOVA) and DC. It definitely means something to us, and we think it should mean something to you, too!
We get it - you've heard horror stories about contractors who disappear mid-project or "quick jobs" that turn into six-month nightmares. That's not us. You get a dedicated project manager who actually knows basements, answers your calls (even after hours) and sends real updates.
While you're dealing with work, kids, and life, we handle everything else. No juggling five different contractors, no decision paralysis from endless choices, no coming home to surprises. Your project manager coordinates all the subs, deals with whatever's behind those walls, and keeps everything moving forward - that's what zero stress actually looks like.
What should you actually budget for a Clifton basement project? The honest answer depends on what you're building. Clifton's historic homes and estate properties call for a different approach than typical suburban finishes. Quality work starts around $55 per square foot, but most Clifton homeowners invest $100-$200+ per square foot to create spaces that match the character of their homes.
| Finish Level | Cost/Sq Ft | 1,000 Sq Ft Total | What You Get |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essential | $49-$55 | $55,000-$65,000* | Quality construction, code-compliant, bathroom, dedicated PM |
| Premium | $85-$110 | $85,000-$110,000 | Essential + designer bathroom, wet bar, or home theater |
| Luxury | $150-$300+ | $150,000-$300,000+ | Signature spaces: wine cellar, wellness center, reference theater |
*Essential pricing includes bathroom addition. Core work without bathroom: $49,000-$55,000.
Clifton's homes—from Victorian-era properties in the historic district to the estate lots in Clifton Hunt and Chapel Springs—deserve contractors who understand their character. We include full Fairfax County permits, licensed master tradespeople, and the kind of attention to detail these homes require. Older structures present unique challenges that cheap contractors aren't equipped to handle properly.
For a detailed breakdown of Fairfax County permit requirements, see our permit guide.
Not sure where your project falls? Our basement cost calculator gives you a personalized estimate in about 60 seconds.
Clifton homeowners aren't looking for basic rec rooms. With property values exceeding $1 million and homes that span historic Victorian to custom estate construction, the basements we finish here are destinations in themselves. Four projects we complete regularly:
Full gym with dedicated electrical for commercial equipment, spa bathroom with steam shower, sauna or infrared room, and recovery space. Clifton's professionals who value their health and privacy prefer to work out at home rather than drive to a gym. We've installed everything from basic fitness rooms to complete wellness suites with massage areas and meditation spaces.
Climate-controlled wine storage with proper racking, tasting area with custom bar, and adjacent lounge. Clifton's location near Virginia wine country makes this a natural fit, and the older stone-foundation homes in the historic district have exactly the cool, stable environment wines require. We design these spaces for both serious collectors and those who simply enjoy entertaining with wine.
Dedicated space for art, music, woodworking, or whatever craft defines you. Proper soundproofing for musicians, natural lighting solutions for artists, heavy-duty electrical and ventilation for workshops. Clifton's creative community includes painters, musicians, and craftspeople who need professional-grade spaces without leaving home. The estate properties in Cedar Knolls and Chapel Springs have the basement square footage for serious studios.
A proper guest apartment with private bedroom, full bathroom, sitting area, and often a kitchenette. Clifton homeowners who host visitors for extended periods—whether family, friends, or out-of-town guests for the annual Clifton Day festivities—want to offer genuine hospitality without compromising their own privacy. These suites often include separate exterior entrances where property layout allows.
Clifton basement projects range widely based on scope: $55,000-$65,000 for basic finishes, $85,000-$120,000 for premium setups, and $150,000-$300,000+ for signature spaces like wine cellars, wellness centers, or reference theaters. With median Clifton home values exceeding $1 million, most homeowners here invest in finishes that complement their property's overall character.
Standard Clifton basement finishes take 6-9 weeks from permit approval to completion. Complex projects—wine cellars with climate control, wellness centers with saunas, or high-end theaters—may extend to 12-16 weeks. Older homes in the historic district sometimes require additional time for structural assessment and careful integration with existing systems.
Yes. Fairfax County requires permits for basement projects involving framing, electrical, plumbing, or HVAC work. For properties in Clifton's National Historic District, there may be additional review requirements for any exterior modifications. We handle all permit coordination and ensure compliance with both county codes and any historic preservation guidelines.
Complete project delivery: design, permits, framing, insulation, drywall, electrical, flooring, trim, paint, and dedicated project management. Specialty systems like wine cellar climate control, sauna equipment, or theater acoustics are quoted separately based on specifications. We don't add surprise fees for permit work or project coordination—everything is disclosed upfront.
We include permits, use licensed tradespeople experienced with Clifton's housing stock, and provide genuine project management. Older homes require contractors who understand their construction methods and can integrate new work without compromising existing character. Budget contractors rarely have this expertise, and their shortcuts tend to show—especially in homes where quality matters.
Absolutely—it's one of our specialties. Clifton's housing ranges from Victorian-era homes in the historic district to custom builds from recent decades. Older construction presents unique opportunities and challenges: stone foundations, non-standard framing, and character features worth preserving. We assess each property individually and design solutions that respect the home's history while adding modern functionality.
Ceiling height varies significantly across Clifton's housing stock. Victorian-era homes sometimes have lower ceilings, while estate properties often feature generous heights. Fairfax County requires minimum 6'8" finished ceiling height. During your consultation, we'll measure your specific space and discuss design approaches that work with your ceiling height to create comfortable, usable spaces.
In nearly every case, yes. Adding a bathroom while finishing the basement costs significantly less than adding one later—you're already running utilities and opening walls. For guest suites, wellness centers, or any space you'll spend significant time in, a bathroom makes the difference between a finished basement you use and one you don't.
We assess moisture conditions during every consultation. Older homes, particularly those with stone foundations common in historic Clifton, sometimes require waterproofing or drainage work before finishing. If your basement needs moisture mitigation, we'll identify it upfront and incorporate it into your project scope. Skipping this step leads to problems that are expensive to fix after finishing.
In Clifton's market, quality basement finishes typically return 70-80% of investment at resale—and premium features like wine cellars or wellness centers can command even more from the right buyer. But the real value is lifestyle: gaining substantial square footage tailored to how you actually want to live, without moving from a property and community you love.
We offer three distinct levels, each designed to match different goals and budgets.
Our Essential level gives you everything you need for a clean, functional basement: framing, drywall, basic electrical, and flooring. It's a great fit for Clifton homeowners in Little Rocky Run or Compton Heights who want usable space without the extras.
Most Clifton homeowners go with our Premium tier, which adds a full bathroom, wet bar or kitchenette, and upgraded finishes throughout. The historic colonials and farmhouses throughout Clifton are perfect candidates for this kind of upgrade.
For the full Luxury experience, we bring in custom built-ins, home theater setups, premium flooring, and designer lighting. Ideal for Clifton homeowners in Cedar Knolls who want their basement to feel like a true extension of their home.
Curious about pricing? Our basement cost calculator breaks it down based on your square footage and wish list. Takes less than a minute.
OUR PROCESS