Basement Remodel Timeline in Boise

In-home consultation to assess basement conditions, measure the space, evaluate moisture levels, and discuss your goals. Floor plans are drafted, material selections are made, and permits are submitted to the City of Boise or Ada County. Radon testing is performed during this phase if not already done. We also coordinate with utility locators for egress window excavation and verify existing plumbing stub-out locations for bathroom additions. See our basement permit guide for details on what is required.

• Moisture and radon testing
• Floor plan design and layout
• Building permit submission
• Material selections and ordering

If moisture testing reveals elevated humidity or water intrusion, remediation must be completed before any finishing work begins. This may include interior drain tile installation, sump pump placement, foundation crack sealing, or exterior waterproofing. If radon levels exceed 4 pCi/L, a sub-slab depressurization system is installed — piping is routed through the slab and up through an interior wall or exterior chase to a fan mounted at the roofline. This is far easier to install before framing begins.

Egress windows are required by code for any basement room designated as a bedroom (IRC R310). Installation involves exterior excavation for the window well, cutting through the foundation wall, installing the window and well system, backfilling with gravel, and connecting window well drainage. Boise's soil conditions — particularly the dense clay found on the Bench and in foothill neighborhoods — can extend excavation time. Each window typically requires 2 to 4 days from excavation through completion.

Perimeter walls are framed against the foundation with a pressure-treated sill plate and a moisture barrier between the concrete and wood framing. Interior partition walls define bedrooms, bathrooms, closets, and utility areas. Soffits are framed to conceal HVAC ductwork, plumbing lines, and structural beams. Blocking is installed for future TV mounts, grab bars, and heavy cabinetry. A framing inspection is required before proceeding to rough MEP work.

The most trade-intensive phase. HVAC supply and return ducts are extended to basement rooms. Electrical circuits are run for lighting, outlets, data, and dedicated circuits for home theater or workshop equipment. If a bathroom is being added, the concrete slab is broken for drain lines, supply lines are connected, and vent stacks are routed through the walls. All rough-in work must pass inspection before insulation is installed.

• HVAC ductwork extension and registers
• Electrical wiring, panels, and circuits
• Plumbing drain, supply, and vent lines
• Low-voltage wiring (data, speaker, TV)

After rough MEP passes inspection, insulation is installed in all exterior walls. Idaho Energy Code requires minimum R-15 for basement walls (IRC N1102.1.2 Climate Zone 5). Options include fiberglass batts with a separate vapor barrier, rigid foam board directly against foundation walls, or closed-cell spray foam which acts as both insulation and vapor barrier. Insulation must pass its own inspection before drywall can be hung. Learn more about insulation choices in our basement materials guide.

Drywall is hung on walls and ceiling, taped, mudded, and sanded. The drywall phase includes three coats of compound with sanding between each coat, making it one of the longest construction phases. Moisture-resistant drywall (DensArmor Plus or green board) is used on all exterior-facing walls and in bathroom areas. For home theaters, sound- dampening drywall (QuietRock or double-layer with Green Glue) is installed between the basement and the floor above.

After drywall is complete and primed, flooring is installed. Engineered vinyl plank (LVP) is the most popular choice for Boise basements due to its waterproof properties, warmth underfoot, and ease of installation over concrete slabs. Bathroom floors are tiled. Carpet is installed in bedrooms if requested. The concrete slab must be flat and level — self-leveling compound is applied if the slab is uneven (common in older Boise homes). See our flooring installation service for material comparisons.

Baseboards, door casing, and crown molding (if applicable) are installed and painted. Interior doors are hung. Light fixtures, outlet and switch covers, bathroom fixtures (toilet, vanity, faucet), and cabinet hardware are installed. Walls receive two coats of paint. Any custom built-ins, wet bar cabinetry, or shelving are completed during this phase. This is the stage where the basement transforms from a construction site to a finished living space.

Final building inspection verifies all work matches the approved plans, all trade inspections have passed, and the finished basement meets code requirements for egress, ceiling height, electrical safety, and plumbing. We conduct a detailed walkthrough with you to review every element and note any punch list items. Upon approval, the permit is closed and a certificate of completion is issued by the City of Boise or Ada County.