Basement finishing in Moorhead
Basement finishing on the Minnesota side of the Red River, where state rules for code and contractor licensing differ from Fargo's.
Moorhead is the Clay County seat, with 44,505 people at the 2020 census, and home to Minnesota State University Moorhead and Concordia College. It sits on the Red River across from Fargo, on the same flat lake-bed clay, but it follows Minnesota's statewide residential code and licensing rules.
What's different on the Minnesota side?
- Contractor licensing. Minnesota's Department of Labor and Industry requires a residential building contractor or remodeler license for a company that contracts directly with a homeowner for work in more than one special skill. A basement finish usually involves several, such as framing, drywall and finish carpentry.
- Egress when finishing. DLI notes that remodeling an existing basement doesn't by itself require an escape opening, but adding a new sleeping room does.
- Radon in newer homes. The Minnesota Department of Health says new homes in the state have been built radon-resistant since 2009, with a passive pipe that can take a fan later. If your newer home tests high, that pipe makes fixing it simpler.
Older homes near the colleges
Many houses near MSUM and Concordia are older, and plenty are rented. Their basements tend to have low ceilings, small windows and older finishes, so remodeling and adding legal escape windows are common requests.
Permits
Moorhead's Building Codes office issues building permits, and the city says work can't start until the permit is issued.
Common questions
Is a Fargo contractor allowed to work in Moorhead?
Yes, if they hold the Minnesota license the job requires. Ask for the DLI license number and look it up on DLI's website.
Do I have to add an egress window to finish a Moorhead basement?
Not just for finishing, according to Minnesota DLI. You do need one for each new sleeping room you create.
Services in Moorhead
- Full basement finishingTurning a bare concrete basement into finished living space: framing, insulation, wiring, drywall, ceilings and floors.
- Basement remodelingGutting and redoing a dated or damaged finished basement, from wood paneling and drop ceilings to a new layout.
- Basement bathroomsAdding a full or half bath downstairs, including breaking the slab for drains when there's no rough-in.
- Basement bedrooms and egressMaking a basement sleeping room legal in Fargo: an escape window, alarms, and a layout that passes inspection.
- Wet bars and home theatersFamily rooms built around a bar sink, a big screen or both, with the plumbing, wiring and sound control planned in.
Nearby areas
Ready to use the space under your feet?
Call and a local basement finishing contractor will look at the space, the moisture and the permits with you.