Omaha Basement Finishing

Do I need a permit to finish my basement in Omaha?
Yes. The City of Omaha requires a building permit for basement finishes. Separate trade permits are typically needed for electrical, plumbing, and mechanical. We handle all of it for you.

Which building code does Omaha follow for basements?
Omaha uses the 2018 International Residential Code with local amendments. We design to, build to, and often exceed those standards.

Do I need an egress window for a basement bedroom?
Yes. Any new bedroom needs an emergency escape and rescue opening. In Omaha, most basement egress windows are treated as grade-floor openings, which means a minimum net clear opening of 5.0 sq ft, at least 20 inches wide, 24 inches high, and a sill no higher than 44 inches. Window wells must be at least 9 sq ft with 36 inches of width and projection; ladders are required if the well is deeper than 44 inches. We confirm details with the city for your address.

If I am not adding a bedroom, do I still need an egress opening?
Basements must have at least one emergency escape and rescue opening or a door that opens directly to the outside. If you add a bedroom, that room needs its own compliant opening.

What ceiling height is required?
Habitable areas must be at least 7 feet. Beams and ducts can project down to 6 feet 4 inches. We plan framing and soffits to keep you compliant and comfortable.

How much does a typical Omaha basement finish cost?
Most projects land between $55k and $110k for 700–1,000 sq ft, depending on bath, bar, egress, and finish level. An egress window commonly adds a few thousand dollars. We give you a clear, line-by-line proposal before work starts.

How long does it take?
Permit prep and approval often take 1–4 weeks. Build time is usually 6–12 weeks based on size and scope. We give you a week-by-week plan and send proactive updates so you always know what’s next.

Will you handle permits and inspections?
Yes. We prepare drawings as needed, submit applications, pull all trade permits, schedule inspections, and close them out.

Can I pull my own electrical or plumbing permits?
Nebraska allows limited homeowner electrical permits for a primary residence, but plumbing permits in Omaha generally must be pulled by a licensed plumber. For safety and compliance, our licensed trade partners handle both.

What about moisture and sump pump rules?
We address water entry before finishes go in. Omaha does not allow sump pumps to discharge into the sanitary sewer; discharge must go outside per code. We size and route discharge correctly and can add freeze protection.

Do I need to test for radon?
Yes, we recommend it. Douglas County is in an EPA Zone with a higher potential for elevated radon, and the State of Nebraska advises testing every home. If levels are high, we can coordinate mitigation before we close up walls.

Will my HVAC need changes?
Often yes. Finished basements usually need added supplies and returns to balance comfort. We size and place them to code and to your layout, then verify airflow during punch.

Can you add a bathroom or wet bar?
Absolutely. That will involve plumbing and electrical permits and may affect layout, venting, and slab work. We plan these early to control cost and schedule.

What happens if my ceiling is just under 7 feet?
We look at options like rerouting ducts, using a drywall “ladder” instead of a full soffit, or leaving joists exposed and painted where appropriate. We keep the main pathways compliant with code headroom.

How will this affect resale value?
Finished basements often recoup a meaningful share of cost at resale, especially when they add a bedroom and bath. Results vary by neighborhood and finish level; we’ll talk through likely recapture for your home. National guidance commonly cites ~70% recoup, but local results can be higher or lower.

What is included in your standard Omaha basement finish?
Design help, permit handling, framing, insulation, drywall, doors/trim, LVP or carpet, lighting, electrical, paint, and final clean. Baths, bars, egress, built-ins, and specialty features are scoped as add-ons with transparent pricing.

How disruptive is the work?
We protect floors and paths, set a tidy staging area, and keep dust down with containment. Work hours are agreed up front. You get regular updates on all activity on the job and a same-day heads-up for any changes.

Do you offer a warranty?
Yes. You get a 1-year workmanship warranty plus product warranties from manufacturers. We also schedule a 6 month check-in to make sure all is right