Moisture assessment
Calcium chloride slab test, grading and downspout review, and an honest read on whether to build yet.
Twin Cities basements since 2010
We fix the water before we frame
Half the basements we look at have a moisture problem the last contractor drywalled over. We test, correct and document it first, then build a space that stays dry through a Minnesota spring.
16 yrsfinishing basements
480+basements completed
7 to 10 wkstypical full finish
5 yrworkmanship warranty
Scope and pricing
From a bare slab to a permitted living space
Ranges below reflect real Twin Cities jobs. Your estimate is a fixed price with an allowance schedule, not an hourly guess.
Full basement finish
Framing, insulation to code, electrical, HVAC branches, drywall, flooring, trim and paint, permits included.
Basement bathroom add
Including slab cut, rough in plumbing, and an ejector pit where gravity drainage is not available.
Egress window and well
Required for any legal bedroom, cut, framed, waterproofed and inspected.
Interior drain tile and sump
Perimeter drain tile, sealed sump basin and battery backup pump for chronically wet foundations.
Wet bar or kitchenette
Cabinets, counter, sink, undercounter appliances and the dedicated circuits code requires.
About the company
One trade, learned properly
Nate Halvorsen started Underline in 2010 after a decade doing whole house remodels and watching basements go wrong more than any other room. We only finish basements, which means our crews know Minnesota frost depth, vapor drive through block walls, and exactly which inspector wants what. Every job is permitted, and we will not start one that we think will grow mold.
•Licensed and insured Minnesota residential contractor
•Every job permitted and inspected, no exceptions
•Moisture corrected and documented before framing begins
•Fixed price contract with a written schedule and an allowance sheet
Reviews
Twin Cities homeowners
“Two other bidders quoted framing over a slab that turned out to be actively wet. Underline tested it and told us to fix drainage first.”
Chris and Amy L., Edina, full finish
“They hit the ten week date within three days and the change order total was under a thousand dollars.”
Devon M., Plymouth
“The egress window well looks like it came with the house. Inspector passed it first try.”
Sarah B., South Minneapolis
FAQ
What homeowners ask
Do I need a permit to finish my basement?
Yes, in every Twin Cities municipality. Permits cover framing, electrical, plumbing and mechanical, and an unpermitted finish will surface at resale or after a claim. We pull the permits and meet the inspectors as part of the contract price.
My basement is only damp sometimes. Is that a problem?
It usually is. Occasional dampness means water is moving through the slab or walls, and once you cover that with insulation and drywall you create a place for mold. We test the slab and inspect grading and downspouts first, and sometimes the fix is as cheap as extending a downspout.
Can I have a legal bedroom down there?
Only with a conforming egress window or door, minimum ceiling height, and a smoke and carbon monoxide detector on the circuit. Without egress it is a den on paper, no matter what the listing says. We include egress in any bedroom scope.
How long will my house be a construction zone?
Seven to ten weeks for a typical full finish, with the loudest work in the first two. We contain dust at the stairs, run our own negative air, and clean the site daily. You will have periods of quiet waiting on inspections.
Contact
Get a real number
The estimate visit takes about an hour and includes the moisture assessment. You get a written fixed price, not a range.
Phone(612) 555-0148
Address5410 Nicollet Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55419, Minneapolis, Minnesota
HoursMon to Fri 7:30am to 5pm
AreaMinneapolis, St Paul, Edina, Plymouth, Eden Prairie, Maple Grove