Basement finishing in West Fargo
Help finishing the basements of one of North Dakota's fastest-growing cities.
West Fargo grew from 25,830 people in 2010 to 38,626 in 2020, about a 50 percent jump in ten years, and its housing stock grew with it. That means a lot of houses that are a few years to a couple of decades old, many with unfinished or partly finished basements waiting for a family room, an extra bedroom or a bathroom.
Finishing a newer basement
Newer West Fargo homes often come with poured walls, a sump, drain tile and a plumbing rough-in, which makes finishing simpler. Before you plan rooms, check where the furnace, water heater, sump and panel are, since those need access, and ask whether the builder left a passive radon pipe that could be tied into later.
Near the Sheyenne River
The North Dakota Geological Survey has documented homes needing foundation stabilization in low-lying areas to the west and east of the Sheyenne River in West Fargo, where the water table can sit just a few feet below the surface when the river is high. If your basement walls or slab show fresh cracks, have them evaluated before framing over them, and ask about building walls on the slab so they can tolerate some movement.
Who issues permits?
West Fargo is its own city. Its Building & Inspections department administers the building code by issuing permits and doing inspections, so the permit comes from West Fargo, not Fargo.
Common questions
My West Fargo home is only a few years old. Does it still need a radon test?
Yes. North Dakota DEQ reports 63 percent of the state's homes above the EPA action level, and newer, tighter homes aren't exempt. Test before you finish.
Can I finish the basement if the builder warranty is still active?
Usually, but read the warranty first. Some builder warranties limit coverage for areas changed by other contractors.
Services in West Fargo
- 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.