EM Construction transforms underutilized basements into functional, comfortable living spaces for homeowners and building owners throughout New York and New Jersey. Whether you envision a home office, family room, rental unit, home gym, or media room, our experienced remodeling crews deliver the complete transformation — from waterproofing through finished interiors.
New York City real estate is valuable. A basement that serves only as storage is an opportunity missed. A properly remodeled basement can add substantial square footage, generate rental income, accommodate a growing family, and significantly increase your property’s market value. EM Construction handles every phase of the process, ensuring the result is not just attractive but dry, safe, and code-compliant.
Our Basement Remodeling Services
Basement Waterproofing (Foundation Phase)
No basement renovation should begin without addressing moisture. We assess existing drainage conditions and install interior waterproofing systems — perimeter drain channels, sump pits, and sump pumps — along with vapor barriers and exterior membrane coatings where accessible, to ensure your finished space stays dry.
Egress Window Installation
Converting a basement to a habitable bedroom or apartment requires compliant egress windows. We cut new openings in foundation walls, install steel window well frames, and fit appropriately sized egress windows to meet NYC building code minimum dimensions and clear opening requirements.
Framing & Insulation
We frame interior partition walls on pressure-treated bottom plates (where required for moisture protection), install appropriate insulation — rigid foam, spray foam, or batt — to meet energy code requirements, and prepare walls and ceilings for drywall.
Electrical Rough-In & Upgrade
Finished basement spaces require dedicated circuits, GFCI-protected outlets in wet locations, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, recessed lighting, and often an upgraded electrical panel to support the additional load. We coordinate licensed electricians and obtain all required permits.
Plumbing — Bathroom Addition
Adding a bathroom to a basement requires below-slab drain lines, a sewage ejector pump system (where required by the building drain elevation), and all associated rough-in plumbing for toilet, sink, and shower. This work requires licensed plumbers and a DOB permit.
Drywall & Finishing
Walls and ceilings are drywalled, taped, finished, and painted. We install moisture-resistant (“green board” or cement board) drywall in bathroom and laundry areas. Suspended ceilings with accessible tiles are an option for spaces where mechanical access is needed.
Flooring Installation
We install a wide range of basement flooring options — luxury vinyl plank, engineered hardwood, ceramic and porcelain tile, epoxy coating, and carpet over moisture barrier. All flooring installations are selected and installed with basement moisture conditions in mind.
Basement Bathroom
A finished basement without a bathroom is only half as useful. We build basement bathrooms complete with shower or tub, toilet, vanity, tile, and all required plumbing and electrical work, coordinated with the overall remodel.
Basement Kitchen or Kitchenette
For basement apartment conversions, we install full kitchens or compact kitchenettes with appropriate plumbing, electrical, cabinetry, and appliances to create a fully functional independent unit.
Basement Apartment Conversion
Converting an existing basement to a legal rental apartment requires navigating NYC’s complex zoning, building code, and certificate of occupancy requirements. EM Construction has experience with basement legalization projects and works with expeditors and engineers to obtain the required approvals.
Common Basement Uses We’ve Completed
– Home offices and remote work suites
– Home theaters and media rooms
– Children’s playrooms
– Home gyms and wellness spaces
– Guest suites and in-law apartments
– Legal rental apartments (with required approvals)
– Wine cellars and storage rooms
Our Process
1. Assessment & Design — We evaluate existing basement conditions, ceiling heights, egress, drainage, and utility locations, and develop a remodeling plan.
2. Permitting — We prepare and file plans with the NYC Department of Buildings and obtain all required permits.
3. Waterproofing — Moisture issues are addressed before any finished work begins.
4. Structural & Egress Work — Egress windows, beam repairs, and structural modifications are completed first.
5. Mechanical Rough Work — Plumbing, electrical, and HVAC rough-in are completed and inspected.
6. Insulation & Framing — Walls and ceilings are framed and insulated.
7. Drywall & Finishing — Walls and ceilings are drywalled and finished.
8. Flooring — Flooring is installed throughout.
9. Trim, Fixtures & Paint — All finish carpentry, fixtures, lighting, and painting are completed.
10. Final Inspection — Work is inspected and the certificate of occupancy is obtained where required.
Service Areas
EM Construction provides basement remodeling services throughout all five New York City boroughs, Long Island, Westchester County, and northern New Jersey.
Get a Free Estimate
Your basement has untapped potential. Contact EM Construction today for a free consultation and estimate to turn your underutilized basement into a space you’ll love.