Basement Remodeling Contractors in Chicago & Nearby Suburbs

Name: Maya Construction Group
Price range: $$$

Transform your lower level with Maya Construction Group, Chicago’s trusted, owner-operated basement finishing experts since 1998. Personally overseen by founders Udi Yeger and Ofer Gliksman, we specialize in converting unfinished or dated basements into high-quality, code-compliant living spaces. Whether you want to build an open-concept family room or a fully permitted guest suite, we handle 100% of the structural execution, waterproofing, permit management, and city inspections. We make sure your investment is completely protected, built to safety codes, and made to last.

Open-Concept Family Rooms & Playrooms

We construct open, bright family rooms using durable, water-resistant luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring and strategic recessed LED lighting. Our team focuses on choosing materials that withstand the heavy demands of foot traffic and sub-grade conditions, turning dark basements into welcoming hubs for family time.

Basement Bedrooms & Egress Windows

We install code-compliant, concrete-cut egress windows and well-wells that meet strict emergency escape laws. Our team expertly handles all necessary structural framing modifications, allowing you to add a fully legal, safe extra bedroom to your home.

Income-Producing Garden Suites (ADUs)

Capitalize on Chicago’s newly expanded Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Ordinance. We execute full basement apartment builds from the ground up, constructing self-contained suites that feature private kitchenettes, bedrooms, and proper independent zoning separations.

Basement Bathrooms & Plumbing

From cutting into the original concrete floor for drain lines to the final tile work, we specialize in below-grade bathroom construction. We install properly sized, independent, gastight-vented sewage ejector pumps fully compliant with the Chicago Plumbing Code.

Custom Wet Bars & Entertainment Areas

Build the ultimate space for hosting game days or movie nights. We install custom cabinetry through our partner, Planet Cabinets, cleanly integrating stone countertops, under-counter refrigeration, and bar sinks into your layout.

Underpinning & Ceiling Height Expansion

If your older basement ceiling falls below the legal 7-foot height limit for living spaces, we provide professional underpinning and slab lowering. We can safely lower your concrete floor to gain 1 to 2 feet of vertical headroom while maintaining your foundation’s structural integrity.

Structural Mastery: Navigating Chicago's Below-Grade Foundations

Chicago’s historic home styles and local soil conditions present very specific construction and moisture challenges. We build specifically for your neighborhood’s architecture:

Historic Greystones & Two-Flats (Logan Square, Bucktown, Wicker Park)
Older masonry foundations frequently have low joist clearances and damp limestone walls. We specialize in foundation waterproofing, floor leveling, and structural steel beam installations to safely open up load-bearing walls without compromising your home’s historic integrity.

Classic Chicago Bungalows (Northwest Side, Portage Park)
These brick icons often have original clay sewer lines and gravity floor drains prone to municipal backing. We offer complete overhead sewer system conversions to prevent backup flooding, alongside sub-slab drain tile systems and heavy-duty backup sump pumps.

Energy-Saving Thermal Boundaries
Under the current Chicago Energy Code, we insulate basement walls to a minimum of R-15 continuous foam or R-19 cavity insulation. We carefully manage vapor barriers on framed walls to ensure below-grade concrete can safely dry outward, completely preventing behind-the-wall mold growth.

How much does basement remodeling cost in Chicago?

A professional basement remodel in Chicago typically costs between $35,000 and $95,000. At a local cost of $55 to $140 per square foot, basement finishing provides a stable 65% to 70% return on investment (ROI) at resale, delivering essential living space at a fraction of the cost of building a room addition. (these are all general estimates and are subject to change depending on job done)

Remodel Tier	Typical Build Scope	Cost Range	Construction Timeline
Basic Finish (400–600 sq ft)	Framing, R-15 insulation, drywall, LVP flooring, recessed LEDs	$35,000 – $55,000	4–6 Weeks
Complete Transformation	Everything in Basic, plus a 3/4 bath, code egress window, and multi-room walls	$55,000 – $95,000	6–10 Weeks
Luxury / Guest Suite	Complete guest bedroom/bath, built-in wet bar, or premium entertainment space	$95,000 – $150,000+	10–14 Weeks

We hired Maya Construction to update our basement recently and we could not be happier! I've been recommending them to everyone, and friends and family have been so impressed by the job they did. The basement went from unlivable space to a gorgeous extra entertaining area/laundry/and gym. We were also so impressed by how professional they were every step of the way, always in communication and reliable. I highly, highly recommend them!

Irene M

We used Maya Construction Group to do a complete remodel of our basement (demolition of floors, walls, ceilings, then rebuild into more open and updated space) and I cannot say enough good things about our experience. Udi and Ofer were communicative from the beginning to the end of the project, giving us updates on start date, letting us know of issues as they arose, letting us know when we needed to have supplies ready. Their crew arrived on time every day (asked to work on Saturdays as well), and were very respectful and kept everything clean (as clean as a construction project can be anyways!). Project was started and completed on time. We have a 100+ year old house and were afraid of what issues might be uncovered, but only minor issues surfaced and the increased cost quoted by Maya was minimal and in line with industry standard. Overall these guys do great and timely work and are trustworthy. We will be using them again for projects on the main floors of our house.

From Houzz

After our basement flooded in May we reached out to over a dozen local contractors trying to get estimates. Maya Construction was the first to respond and after weeks of helping us fight with our insurance company we finally signed a contract and started work in July.After roughly 3 weeks of work my wife and I couldn't be happier with the results. Not only did we get all the repairs needed to get things back to normal, but we also had several upgrades as well.Throughout the entire rehab everyone who came in our home was polite and courteous and the quality of work is second to none. The project was completed on time and on budget, even with additional small requests we made along the way.We highly recommend you consider Maya Construction for your remodel, and we plan to use them again in the future.

Ryan Peacock

We worked with Maya Construction on our basement update. Prior to starting the renovation project, we were incredibly nervous as we had heard many horror stories that revolved around bad contractors. Our project went smoothly and I couldn't be more happy with the end product. What I appreciated most about working with Udi and Ofer was how they were honest and straight forward throughout the process. It was also very easy to get in contact with them when we had questions and we would hear back within the day. They also were great about sending timely updates about the project and the budget. While they weren't the cheapest quote that we got, I think it was ultimately worth hiring them for the peace of mind that things were being done correctly.

Jill Chang

We undertook a major basement renovation / remodeling with Maya Construction Group. We are 100% happy with the experience and the result. Udi and Ofer were great as general contractor, and their team of workers (concrete, carpentry, electrical, plumbing, painting) was proficient, punctual, hard-working, respectful and responsive to our wishes and concerns. Udi's and Ofer's professionalism was outstanding, they had an excellent ability to listen to us, communicate with us and then act constructively. Whenever a problem popped up (as is bound to happen in any renovation project), they quickly found and implemented a great solution. They finished ahead of schedule and on budget. We can only thank them for a perfect job which resulted in a fabulous studio space and warmly recommend them to anyone planning a construction project.

David Dunand

Chicago Basement Finishing – Common Questions & Permits

Do I need a building permit to remodel a basement in Chicago?

Yes. The Chicago Department of Buildings requires a permit for all basement finishing execution involving framing, electrical, or plumbing work.

Standard plan reviews typically take 7 to 9 weeks, but as licensed general contractors, we can often utilize the city's Express Permit Program to speed up minor interior alterations.

What is the legal ceiling height for a Chicago basement bedroom?

Chicago building codes mandate a minimum ceiling height of 7 feet for habitable spaces, including basement bedrooms and living rooms. Bathrooms can be 6 feet 8 inches, while structural beams and ductwork can extend down to 6 feet 4 inches.

What makes a basement bedroom "legal" in Chicago?

A legal basement bedroom must have a minimum floor area of 70 square feet, a 7-foot ceiling, and at least one code-compliant egress window.

The egress window must provide a clear opening of 5.7 square feet, open at least 24 inches high and 20 inches wide, with a sill height under 44 inches from the floor.

Why does Maya Construction prioritize "Waterproofing First"?

We never frame walls or add insulation over active moisture. Insulating damp concrete walls traps vapor, guaranteeing rot and toxic mold behind your drywall.

We evaluate your foundation first, addressing cracks, installing interior drain tiles, and sealing the slab before any finish construction begins.

Ready to Remodel Your Basement?

Bring your lower level to life with Chicago’s trusted general contracting experts. Maya Construction Group delivers professional construction management, superior workmanship, and dependable service on every project.

Call (773) 305-5789 or contact us online to request your free consultation.

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