Basement finishing in Marietta, Georgia

Marietta basements vary more than those in newer towns. Some are true walkouts on hillside lots. Some are partial basements beside a crawlspace. Many were finished in the 1970s or 1980s with wood paneling, a drop ceiling, and carpet laid directly on concrete. They look usable, but they often hide problems.

Start by opening it up

When a basement already has an old finish, we treat that finish as something to remove, not something to cover. Behind paneling we often find no insulation, old moisture damage, and wiring that would not pass inspection today. Under old carpet, the slab may show years of seepage. Opening the walls lets us see the foundation, fix water problems, and plan the new space on solid ground.

Working around the mechanicals

In older houses, the furnace, water heater, and main drain often sit in the middle of the basement rather than in a corner. Moving them is possible, but it is a separate mechanical project with its own cost. More often, we design the rooms around them and keep access practical so equipment can be serviced and replaced.

Code still applies

A refinished basement must meet current code: egress for any sleeping room, smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, proper insulation, and permitted electrical and plumbing. Permits come from the City of Marietta or Cobb County, depending on the address.