Basement Finishing & Remodeling in Lakeville, Farmington & the South Metro
Bischel Building finishes and remodels basements in Lakeville, Farmington and across the south metro, turning unused space into family rooms, bedrooms, bathrooms, home offices and wet bars.
- Family owned & operated since 2005
- BBB accredited
- Licensed MN contractor BC634092
- Based in Farmington, MN
- Free estimates
We plan the layout, handle permits and inspections, and build it to Minnesota code so it stays warm, dry and comfortable.
Finishing basements is where owner Mike Bischel got his start, alongside building his first homes, so it's work we know well.
What we build in basements
- Family rooms, media rooms and game rooms
- Bedrooms with code-compliant egress windows
- Full or partial bathrooms
- Wet bars and kitchenettes
- Home offices, gyms, playrooms and hobby spaces
- Storage rooms and built-in shelving with custom carpentry
- Remodels of older finished basements that feel dated or dark
See more of our basement and interior projects in the project gallery ›
Building it right for a Minnesota basement
A basement is underground and up against cold soil for half the year, so how it's built matters more than in any other room. Before we frame a wall, we look for signs of moisture, such as efflorescence on the walls, damp spots or a musty smell, and talk with you about grading, gutters and downspouts that send water away from the foundation. We insulate foundation walls the way the Minnesota Energy Code calls for, choose basement-friendly materials that hold up if there is ever a little moisture, and leave access to shutoffs, cleanouts and your mechanical equipment.
Every sleeping room needs an egress window large enough to climb out of in an emergency, with a window well that drains. If your basement doesn't have one yet, we can cut the foundation, install the window and well, and make it look good from inside and out. See our window installation page for more.
Our process
- Walkthrough. We look at the space, ceiling heights, ducts, beams and plumbing, and talk about how you want to use it.
- Layout and selections. We sketch a layout that works around the mechanicals and help you choose flooring, lighting and finishes.
- Estimate and permits. You get a detailed written estimate, and we pull permits when required.
- Framing, rough-ins and inspections. Walls, electrical, plumbing and ductwork go in and are inspected before anything is covered.
- Insulation, drywall and finishes. Then come drywall, trim, doors, flooring and paint.
- Final inspection and walkthrough. We go over every detail with you.
Flooring and finish options
Luxury vinyl plank is the most popular basement floor today because it's warm underfoot and handles moisture well. Carpet with a quality pad is still a cozy choice for family rooms, and tile works well in bathrooms and bar areas. We can box in ducts and beams cleanly, add recessed lighting to brighten a lower level, and build in storage under stairs or along walls.
Why choose Bischel Building for your basement
We're a family-owned general contractor in Farmington, and we treat your home like our own. One team handles framing, coordination with licensed electricians and plumbers, drywall, carpentry and flooring, so you have one person to call with questions. We keep the work area clean, protect the path through your home, and tell you honestly if something like a water issue should be fixed before finishing. Planning more space? Compare a basement project with a home addition.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a permit to finish my basement in Minnesota?
Yes. Finishing a basement almost always requires a building permit, plus electrical and plumbing permits if those trades are involved. We handle the permits and schedule the inspections in cities like Lakeville, Rosemount and Prior Lake.
Do I need an egress window?
If you're adding a bedroom, yes. Minnesota's building code requires an emergency escape opening in every sleeping room. We can add an egress window and window well if your basement doesn't have one.
What if my basement gets damp?
Moisture problems should be fixed before finishing. We'll look for warning signs and talk with you about gutters, grading and other fixes. Finishing over an active water problem only hides it.
Is winter a good time to finish a basement?
Yes. Basement finishing is an indoor project, so it works well in winter, and it often lets you start sooner than you could with exterior work.
Can you add a bathroom to my basement?
Usually, yes. If your basement has a rough-in, adding a bathroom is simpler. If it doesn't, we'll look at your plumbing and talk through the options.
Areas we serve
We finish basements in Lakeville, Farmington, Apple Valley, Rosemount, Burnsville, Elko New Market, Prior Lake and Eagan, and in every town on our service area page.
More town pages: Credit River · Bloomington
Related services
Ready to talk about your project?
Tell us what you have in mind and we'll set up a time to visit. Office hours are Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, with weekend appointments by request.