Millhawlk Design & Construction transforms basements into functional, beautiful, and valuable living spaces. Whether you want to finish an unfinished basement, remodel an outdated one, or create a fully custom lifestyle space, our team manages every stage of the project—from design and permitting to construction and final finishes. With decades of experience serving Framingham and the greater MetroWest area, we deliver basements that enhance your home’s comfort, functionality, and value.
Your basement doesn’t have to be dark, damp, or underutilized. At Millhawlk, we specialize in turning basements into spaces that reflect your lifestyle and needs. From practical updates to luxury renovations, our team provides solutions that make the most of every square foot.
Finishing an unfinished basement is one of the best ways to expand your living space. Our team installs walls, flooring, lighting, and trim to transform a raw basement into a fully livable area perfect for bedrooms, playrooms, or home theaters.
If your basement feels outdated, we provide complete remodeling services that update layouts, finishes, and functionality. From replacing old paneling and carpets to creating open, modern floorplans, we breathe new life into existing spaces.
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and in-law suites are excellent ways to add value and flexibility to your home. Whether you want a private apartment for family or a rental unit to generate income, we design and build basements with kitchens, bathrooms, and independent entrances that meet code and provide long-term comfort.
Your basement can be more than just storage. We create fully customized spaces such as home gyms, wine cellars, offices, playrooms, and media rooms. These lifestyle basements are tailored to your vision, making your home more enjoyable every day.
We handle every aspect of your basement renovation, from initial design to final touches. Our services include insulation, flooring, lighting, and custom basement interior design tailored to your lifestyle. Whether you need a playroom for the kids, a guest suite, or a dedicated workout space, we create solutions that seamlessly blend with the rest of your home.
We meet to understand your goals, evaluate your basement, and discuss design ideas.
Our team creates detailed plans and manages the permitting process to ensure everything is up to code.
From framing and drywall to flooring, trim, and paint, we bring your vision to life with expert craftsmanship.
We complete the final details, review the space with you, and ensure your new basement is ready to enjoy.
When planning a basement project, homeowners often have questions about costs, timelines, design options, and what to expect. At Millhawlk Design & Construction, we believe in providing detailed answers so you can make confident decisions about your home. Below are some of the most common questions we hear from clients in Framingham and MetroWest.
The cost of a basement project varies widely depending on the size of the space, the complexity of the design, and the features you want to include. A basic finished basement that adds drywall, flooring, and paint will cost less than a fully custom remodel with bathrooms, kitchens, or luxury features like wine cellars and gyms. For homeowners in Framingham, basement finishing can be one of the most cost-effective ways to increase living space and add value to a home, often at a lower price per square foot compared to building an addition.
At Millhawlk, we provide customized estimates after assessing your basement and discussing your goals. Because we handle everything in-house, from design and permitting to construction and finishing. You get a clear, transparent price without hidden fees. Our goal is to deliver a basement that fits your vision while maximizing your investment.
Timelines depend on the scope of the project. A straightforward basement finishing project with drywall, flooring, lighting, and painting can take as little as four to six weeks. More extensive remodeling projects that include plumbing, bathrooms, kitchens, or custom lifestyle features may take several months. Factors like permit approvals, material availability, and weather (for exterior access) can also influence the schedule.
The Millhawlk team provides a detailed project plan before construction begins, so you know what to expect at each stage. We also keep communication open throughout the process, updating you on progress and addressing any concerns quickly. Our goal is to complete your basement efficiently without compromising quality.
Finishing a basement is one of the best ways to add usable square footage to your home without changing its footprint. It transforms what was once wasted or underutilized space into areas that can serve multiple purposes. For families, a finished basement might mean an extra bedroom, playroom, or media room. For professionals, it can provide a quiet home office. For those focused on long-term investment, it can add resale value and appeal to potential buyers.
Another major benefit is flexibility. With options like in-law suites or ADUs, a basement can generate rental income or provide private space for extended family members. Lifestyle-focused homeowners often use finished basements to create gyms, wine cellars, or entertainment rooms. By finishing your basement with Millhawlk, you not only increase the functional space in your home but also create a more comfortable and valuable property.
Yes, most basement construction or remodeling projects require permits, especially if you are adding plumbing, electrical systems, or egress windows. Permits ensure that the work complies with local building codes and safety standards. Skipping this step can create problems if you decide to sell your home later, as unpermitted work can lower property value or complicate real estate transactions.
The good news is that Millhawlk manages all permitting on your behalf. We create detailed plans, submit them to the town or city, and coordinate with inspectors to keep your project on track. By handling permits for you, we eliminate stress and ensure your basement remodel meets all local requirements.
Yes, a well-executed basement remodel can significantly increase your home’s value. According to real estate experts, a finished basement can offer a return on investment (ROI) of 70% or more. It also makes your home more attractive to potential buyers by adding usable square footage and versatile living space.
Our basement remodeling services are designed to completely transform outdated or unfinished spaces into areas that add comfort, function, and value to your home. Depending on your goals, a remodel can include structural changes, layout updates, and custom finishes that match the rest of your home’s style. We often start by reconfiguring walls to create open floor plans or adding framed rooms for bedrooms, offices, or entertainment areas. From there, we handle all aspects of the build, including drywall installation, flooring replacement, trim work, painting, lighting upgrades, and ceiling finishes.
For more comprehensive remodels, we also provide plumbing and electrical services, which allow us to add bathrooms, kitchens, or laundry areas. Waterproofing and insulation improvements are often included as well, ensuring your basement remains dry, comfortable, and energy efficient. At Millhawlk, we pride ourselves on offering end-to-end basement remodeling in Framingham and MetroWest, managing every stage from design and permitting to construction and final finishes.
Yes! Adding a bathroom or kitchenette is one of the most popular upgrades homeowners choose during a basement remodel, and our team has extensive experience designing and installing them. Adding a bathroom requires careful planning to ensure proper plumbing, ventilation, and waterproofing. Depending on your basement’s current setup, we may connect to existing plumbing lines or install a pump system to move wastewater up to the main drain line. Once that’s established, we can build anything from a half-bath for convenience to a full spa-style bathroom complete with shower or soaking tub.
A kitchenette is another excellent option that makes your basement more functional and self-contained. For in-law suites, ADUs, or rental units, a kitchenette with cabinets, a sink, countertop space, and appliances allows the basement to operate as an independent living space. Even for lifestyle basements, adding a small wet bar or snack station enhances convenience for entertaining. By working with Millhawlk, you’ll get a team that understands both the technical requirements and design considerations, ensuring your new bathroom or kitchenette is both code-compliant and beautifully integrated into your basement.
One of the greatest advantages of remodeling your basement is the flexibility to design a space that truly fits your lifestyle. At Millhawlk, we offer a wide range of design options, from practical layouts to luxury upgrades. Many homeowners choose to create additional bedrooms, playrooms, or family rooms, while others prefer specialized spaces like home gyms, wine cellars, or home theaters. For those who work from home, a quiet office in the basement provides a productive retreat, while entertainment enthusiasts often opt for custom bars, game rooms, or media centers.
In addition to layout choices, we guide you through selections for flooring, lighting, wall finishes, and trim. Flooring options range from waterproof vinyl plank to elegant tile or engineered wood. Lighting can be designed for both function and mood, from recessed LED fixtures to accent lighting for display areas. We also offer custom trim, built-in shelving, and paint finishes to match your home’s style. For clients who want multi-purpose spaces, we can design basements with flexible zones that serve more than one function. For example, a home office that doubles as a guest bedroom. Whatever your vision, our design team ensures your basement is tailored to your needs and built to the highest standards.
Yes, basements can be converted into Additional Dwelling Units (ADUs) or in-law suites, provided they meet local building codes and permitting requirements. These projects often involve adding or upgrading plumbing, electrical, ventilation, and egress windows or doors to ensure the space is safe and fully functional. At Millhawlk, we have experience designing ADUs and in-law suites that include kitchens, bathrooms, and private entrances, making them ideal for family members or as rental units.
An ADU or in-law suite is a smart investment because it increases your home’s versatility and value. In many cases, it can also generate income to offset mortgage costs. Our team handles the entire process, from design and permitting to construction and finishing, ensuring your new space is compliant, comfortable, and built to last.
Waterproofing is one of the most important considerations in basement construction. Even small leaks or humidity issues can compromise drywall, flooring, and finishes. At Millhawlk, we evaluate your basement for potential water problems before beginning construction. This may involve sealing foundation walls, installing vapor barriers, upgrading drainage systems, or adding sump pumps.
We also use moisture-resistant materials where appropriate, such as Durock in bathrooms, waterproof flooring options, and specialized insulation. By addressing water concerns early, we ensure your finished basement remains dry, healthy, and durable for years to come. Proper waterproofing not only protects your investment but also prevents mold growth and structural issues.
Basement flooring needs to be durable and moisture-resistant. Popular options include vinyl plank flooring, engineered wood, ceramic tile, and polished concrete. Vinyl plank is one of the most common choices because it’s waterproof, attractive, and available in many styles. Engineered wood offers a natural look while resisting moisture better than solid hardwood. Tile is durable and works well in basement bathrooms or kitchens, while concrete can be sealed or stained for a sleek, modern finish.
At Millhawlk, we help you choose a flooring option that fits your style, budget, and how you plan to use the space. For example, a basement gym might benefit from rubberized flooring, while a wine cellar could look stunning with stone or tile. Because flooring plays such a large role in both function and design, we make sure every choice complements the rest of your remodel.
Your basement has the potential to become one of the most valuable and enjoyable parts of your home. Whether you want a finished basement, a modern remodel, or a custom lifestyle space, Millhawlk Design & Construction is here to make it happen. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and start planning your basement project in Framingham or MetroWest, MA. Call or text us today at (774) 300-2972 to get started!
