Tulsa, Oklahoma
Basement Renovation in Tulsa, OK
Unlock Your Home’s Hidden Potential Below Grade — serving Tulsa, Tulsa County, and the surrounding area since 2000.
Basement Renovation in Tulsa, Oklahoma
Cornerstone Homes & Properties brings over 20 years of design-and-build expertise to Tulsa and its surrounding neighborhoods. From Midtown bungalow renovations to new construction in South Tulsa, we deliver custom homes, additions, and remodels with in-house design, transparent pricing, and hands-on project management.
Tulsa, Oklahoma stands as the second-largest city in the state, home to roughly 413,000 residents within the city limits and nearly one million across the greater metropolitan area. Known worldwide as the former Oil Capital of the World, Tulsa has evolved into a diverse, forward-looking city with thriving aerospace, energy, and technology sectors, yet it has never lost the neighborly warmth and civic pride that define Oklahoma living. For families and individuals looking for a custom home builder in Tulsa, OK, Cornerstone Homes & Properties offers the rare combination of small-town values and large-project capability. Headquartered in Claremore — about 30 miles northeast of downtown Tulsa along the Will Rogers Turnpike — Cornerstone has been designing and constructing custom residences, renovations, and outbuildings across northeastern Oklahoma for more than two decades. Our decision to serve the Tulsa market stems from a simple reality: many of our Claremore-area clients work, worship, and socialize in Tulsa, and as word of our craftsmanship spread, Tulsa homeowners began reaching out to us for the same personalized building experience we had delivered throughout Rogers County.
What makes Tulsa such a compelling place to build or renovate a home is the sheer variety of its neighborhoods. Midtown Tulsa, stretching roughly from the Arkansas River north to the Inner Dispersal Loop, is famous for its tree-lined streets, walkable blocks, and eclectic mix of Tudor Revival, Craftsman, and Art Deco residences dating to the early twentieth century. Homeowners in Midtown frequently partner with Cornerstone for thoughtful whole-home renovations that preserve historic architectural character while introducing modern mechanical systems, open floor plans, and energy-efficient windows. Just south of Midtown lies Brookside, a vibrant corridor along Peoria Avenue filled with locally owned shops, restaurants, and bungalows on generous lots. Maple Ridge, immediately east of Brookside, is one of Tulsa's most prestigious historic districts, where stately homes sit beneath mature oaks and the demand for high-quality renovation work remains constant. When you hire a custom home builder in Tulsa, OK who understands these neighborhoods the way Cornerstone does, you gain a partner capable of honoring the character of an older home while upgrading it for twenty-first-century living.
South Tulsa represents a different building opportunity altogether. The corridor stretching south along Memorial Drive, Yale Avenue, and Lewis Avenue toward the Jenks and Bixby school districts features newer subdivisions, larger lots, and a suburban character that appeals to growing families. Home construction in Tulsa Oklahoma's southern reaches often involves ground-up custom builds on half-acre to two-acre tracts, where Cornerstone's in-house design team can create floor plans optimized for the specific topography and orientation of each site. Whether you envision a single-story ranch with an oversized garage, a two-story transitional plan with a main-floor master suite, or a modern farmhouse with board-and-batten siding and a metal roof accent, our team translates your ideas into construction-ready drawings and then builds them with meticulous attention to detail. South Tulsa also offers convenient access to the Creek Turnpike and Highway 169, giving residents quick commutes to employers throughout the metro.
Education is a top priority for many families who choose to build in Tulsa. The Tulsa Public Schools district operates more than 50 elementary schools, along with middle and high school campuses spread across the city. Families in South Tulsa may also fall within the highly regarded Jenks Public Schools or Union Public Schools districts, both of which consistently rank among the best in Oklahoma for academics, athletics, and extracurricular programs. Broken Arrow Public Schools serve portions of the southeastern metro as well. Cornerstone Homes understands that school district boundaries often drive the home-building decision, and we help clients identify lots and neighborhoods that align with their preferred attendance zones. Our familiarity with the geographic boundaries of each district ensures that the investment you make in your custom home also places your children in the educational environment you value most.
Tulsa's cultural and recreational amenities rival those of cities many times its size. The Gathering Place, a 66-acre riverside park that opened to international acclaim, offers world-class playgrounds, gardens, skating rinks, and event spaces that have become a centerpiece of daily life for Tulsa families. Philbrook Museum of Art, housed in a 1920s Italianate villa surrounded by formal gardens, draws visitors from across the country, while the Gilcrease Museum holds one of the finest collections of Western American art and artifacts in the world. Downtown Tulsa's Arts District pulses with live music venues, galleries, and restaurants, anchored by the BOK Center and the ONEOK Field baseball stadium. Residents who build custom homes in Tulsa enjoy easy access to all of these attractions, and Cornerstone designs homes that complement the active, culturally rich lifestyle the city affords — from mudrooms sized for gear-laden families returning from The Gathering Place to wine rooms and entertaining spaces inspired by Tulsa's vibrant dining scene.
Cornerstone Homes & Properties differentiates itself from other Tulsa-area builders through a fully integrated design-and-build process. Many production builders offer a limited catalog of pre-drawn floor plans with a fixed set of upgrade options. Cornerstone takes the opposite approach. Every home we build starts with a blank sheet of paper and a conversation about how you actually live. Our in-house designers sit with you — at our Claremore office, at a Tulsa coffee shop, or on your lot — and sketch concepts in real time. We discuss room adjacencies, natural light, storage needs, outdoor connections, and the small details that turn a house into your home. Because design and construction operate under one roof, pricing feedback is immediate: if a design decision has a significant cost impact, you know about it before the first stud is framed, not after. This transparency is central to who we are, and it is a primary reason Tulsa homeowners choose Cornerstone over larger, less personal builders.
Our construction methodology reflects over 20 years of building in the Oklahoma climate. Tulsa's weather ranges from ice storms in January to triple-digit heat in July, with severe thunderstorms and occasional tornadoes punctuating the spring and fall. Cornerstone builds to exceed code requirements, incorporating features such as engineered roof trusses rated for high wind uplift, continuous exterior insulation for thermal performance, advanced moisture management details at windows and wall penetrations, and storm shelter options that meet FEMA 361 standards. We have built through enough Oklahoma weather cycles to know which products and techniques perform over the long term and which do not. That hard-won experience translates directly into a more durable, energy-efficient, and comfortable home for you.
Beyond new custom home construction, Cornerstone is a trusted partner for major renovation and addition projects throughout Tulsa. Kitchen renovations rank among our most requested services, and for good reason — the kitchen is the heart of every Oklahoma home. Cornerstone kitchen remodels feature custom cabinetry, quartz or granite countertops, professional-grade appliances, thoughtful lighting design, and functional layouts that eliminate the bottlenecks common in older Tulsa floor plans. We also design and build room additions ranging from expanded master suites and sunrooms to second-story pop-ups that add square footage without sacrificing yard space. For homeowners in Midtown, Brookside, or Maple Ridge, our renovation team approaches each project with a preservationist's eye, ensuring new work integrates seamlessly with existing trim profiles, window proportions, and rooflines.
Outdoor living construction is another specialty we bring to the Tulsa market. Oklahoma's generous spring and fall seasons make screened-in porches, covered patios, and outdoor kitchens some of the most enjoyed spaces in any home. Cornerstone designs these spaces as true extensions of the interior, matching materials, scale, and finish quality so the transition from inside to outside feels effortless. We also build detached garages, workshops, and accessory structures for Tulsa homeowners who need dedicated space for hobbies, vehicles, or home-based businesses. Every outbuilding we construct meets the same structural and aesthetic standards as our primary residences.
Navigating Tulsa's permitting landscape requires experience and attention to detail. The City of Tulsa enforces its own zoning ordinances, building codes, and stormwater management requirements, and projects in historic overlay districts such as Maple Ridge or Swan Lake carry additional architectural review steps. Cornerstone handles every permit application, plan review submission, and inspection coordination on your behalf. We maintain productive working relationships with the Tulsa Development Services department, and our construction documents are prepared to the level of detail that reviewers expect, which translates into faster approvals and fewer revision cycles. For projects that fall within Tulsa County's unincorporated areas or adjacent municipalities like Jenks and Bixby, we are equally familiar with the applicable regulations.
Tulsa's road network makes commuting and daily life convenient regardless of where you build. Interstate 44 and the inner-loop expressway system connect all quadrants of the city, while U.S. Highway 75, Highway 169, and the Broken Arrow Expressway (Highway 51) provide efficient north-south and east-west routes. The Creek Turnpike links South Tulsa to Broken Arrow and points east, and the Will Rogers Turnpike connects Tulsa to Claremore, Vinita, and the Missouri border. Tulsa International Airport sits just a few miles northeast of downtown. Many Cornerstone clients appreciate that our Claremore headquarters is a straight 30-mile drive up Highway 66 or the Turnpike, making site visits, material selections, and face-to-face meetings easy to schedule without the delays that often plague builders who are spread thin across too wide a geography.
When you partner with Cornerstone Homes & Properties for your Tulsa project, you are choosing a builder whose reputation has been built one home at a time over more than 20 years. We do not mass-produce houses; we craft them. Every floor plan is original, every budget is respected, and every timeline is communicated honestly. Our clients in Midtown, South Tulsa, Brookside, and beyond will tell you that what sets Cornerstone apart is the personal relationship — you have Craig's cell phone number, you get weekly progress updates with photos, and you never wonder what is happening on your job site. If you are ready to build a custom home, renovate a historic gem, or add the outdoor living space you have always wanted in Tulsa, Oklahoma, we would welcome the opportunity to sit down, listen to your vision, and show you how Cornerstone turns plans into places people love to come home to.
Our Basement Renovation Process
Cornerstone Homes designs and builds custom basement renovations in Claremore, Rogers County, and the Tulsa metro area. From finished family rooms and home theaters to guest suites, home gyms, and storm shelters, our team transforms underused below-grade space into the most valuable square footage in your home—backed by 20+ years of craftsmanship and a comprehensive warranty.
At Cornerstone Homes, we believe a basement should be more than an afterthought. Too many homeowners in Claremore and across Rogers County treat their below-grade space as little more than a dumping ground for holiday decorations and forgotten furniture. But that unfinished concrete box beneath your feet represents hundreds—sometimes thousands—of square feet of untapped potential. A well-designed basement renovation can add a fully functional living level to your home without expanding your footprint, increasing your property value while giving your family the room it needs to grow. Our approach starts with understanding how you actually want to use the space. Maybe you need a quiet home office away from the upstairs activity, or a recreation room where the kids can spread out without taking over the living room. Perhaps you have been dreaming of a dedicated home theater, a private guest suite for visiting family, or a home gym that saves you a monthly membership. Whatever the vision, our in-house design team works with you to develop a layout that maximizes every square foot, accounts for structural realities, and integrates seamlessly with your home’s existing mechanical systems. We do not sell cookie-cutter finishing packages—we design custom basement living spaces built specifically for how your family lives in northeastern Oklahoma.
Waterproofing and moisture management are the foundation of every successful basement renovation, and nowhere is that more critical than in Rogers County. Oklahoma’s clay-heavy soils expand dramatically when saturated during spring rains and contract during the dry summer months, creating hydrostatic pressure against foundation walls that can push moisture through even hairline cracks. Add the region’s high water table in low-lying areas near Claremore Lake and the Verdigris River corridor, and you have conditions that demand a comprehensive moisture control strategy before a single wall is framed. Cornerstone addresses this from the outside in: we evaluate exterior grading and downspout discharge, inspect and repair any existing foundation cracks, apply interior waterproofing membranes, and install drainage systems—including interior French drains and sump pumps with battery backup—to ensure your finished basement stays dry through the heaviest Oklahoma storms. We also monitor relative humidity levels during and after construction and specify vapor barriers, dehumidification capacity, and insulation assemblies that prevent condensation on cold foundation walls during Tulsa metro summers when outdoor dew points routinely exceed seventy degrees.
The design possibilities for a finished basement are virtually limitless, and our team has built them all across Rogers County and the greater Tulsa metro area. Family rooms with open layouts, recessed lighting, and luxury vinyl plank flooring create inviting gathering spaces that feel nothing like the dark, damp basements of decades past. Dedicated home theaters with stepped seating platforms, acoustic wall treatments, and pre-wired surround sound deliver a cinematic experience steps from your bedroom. Guest suites with full bathrooms, walk-in closets, and private entries give visiting family the comfort and privacy of a hotel without the cost. Home gyms with rubberized flooring, mirrored walls, and dedicated HVAC zones let you train year-round regardless of Oklahoma’s unpredictable weather. We have also designed and built basement kitchenettes with wet bars, craft rooms with extensive storage, wine cellars with climate-controlled cabinetry, and dedicated playrooms with built-in storage systems that keep toys organized and out of sight. Whatever combination of uses you envision, Cornerstone’s design team creates a cohesive floor plan that balances open living areas with private rooms, maximizes natural light from egress windows, and incorporates the mechanical and storage spaces every basement still needs.
Building code compliance is a non-negotiable part of any basement renovation, and Cornerstone handles every detail so you never have to worry. In Rogers County and the City of Claremore, finished basement bedrooms require code-compliant egress windows—openings large enough for an adult to climb through in an emergency and for firefighters to enter from outside. Our team sizes and installs egress window wells with proper drainage, step-in access, and weather covers that meet or exceed International Residential Code requirements adopted by Oklahoma municipalities. We also ensure that ceiling heights meet the minimum seven-foot clear requirement for habitable space, coordinate fire-rated assemblies where the basement connects to an attached garage, and install interconnected smoke and carbon monoxide detectors on every level. Electrical work is permitted and inspected to current National Electrical Code standards, including dedicated circuits for high-draw appliances, GFCI protection in wet areas, and arc-fault breakers where required. If your basement renovation includes a bathroom—and most of ours do—we handle the plumbing tie-ins, sewage ejector systems where gravity drains are not available, and proper venting to ensure everything passes inspection the first time. Our familiarity with Rogers County and Claremore inspection processes means we know exactly what inspectors look for, and we build to those standards from the start.
Northeastern Oklahoma sits squarely in Tornado Alley, and a basement renovation offers a unique opportunity to integrate a safe room or storm shelter directly into your home’s living space. Rather than relying on a standalone above-ground shelter or a cramped garage-floor unit, Cornerstone can design a reinforced safe room within your finished basement that doubles as a closet, storage room, or utility space during everyday life and provides FEMA-compliant protection when severe weather strikes. We build these rooms with poured concrete or reinforced concrete masonry walls, steel doors rated for EF5-level wind speeds and debris impact, and independent ventilation so occupants can shelter safely for extended periods. For families in Claremore, Owasso, Catoosa, and throughout Rogers County, knowing that your storm shelter is ten steps from your bedroom—not a sprint across the yard in the dark—provides genuine peace of mind. We coordinate safe room construction with the overall basement floor plan so the reinforced space integrates naturally into the design, and we can help you explore FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant Program funding that may offset a portion of the construction cost for qualifying safe rooms in Oklahoma.
Ready to transform your basement into the most useful space in your home? Contact Cornerstone Homes for a free consultation. We will visit your property, assess your existing basement conditions—including foundation integrity, moisture levels, mechanical system locations, and available ceiling height—and discuss your vision for the space. From there, our design team develops a custom floor plan with realistic budgets and timelines tailored to your project. Hundreds of families across Claremore, Rogers County, and the Tulsa metro area have trusted Cornerstone to renovate and finish their basements, and we would be honored to help you unlock the full potential of yours. Whether you are converting a raw concrete shell into a finished living level or updating an outdated basement from the 1980s with modern finishes and improved waterproofing, our team has the experience, the local knowledge, and the craftsmanship to deliver a result you will enjoy for decades.
What Sets Our Basement Renovation Apart in Tulsa
Waterproofing & Moisture Control
Rogers County’s expansive clay soils and seasonal water table fluctuations make comprehensive moisture management essential for any finished basement. Cornerstone installs interior waterproofing membranes, French drain systems, and sump pumps with battery backup to keep your space dry year-round. We evaluate exterior grading, downspout discharge, and foundation crack repair before framing begins, and we specify vapor barriers and dehumidification strategies that prevent condensation on cold concrete walls during Oklahoma’s humid summers—protecting your investment from the ground up.
Egress Windows & Safety
Every finished basement bedroom in Claremore and Rogers County requires a code-compliant egress window large enough for emergency escape and firefighter access. Cornerstone sizes, cuts, and installs egress window wells with proper drainage, step-in access ladders, and weather-resistant covers that meet International Residential Code standards adopted across Oklahoma. We also install interconnected smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, fire-rated assemblies between the basement and any attached garage, and arc-fault circuit breakers—ensuring your renovation passes inspection and keeps your family safe.
Custom Living Spaces
From open-concept family rooms and home theaters to guest suites, home offices, and dedicated playrooms, Cornerstone designs basement living spaces that feel as bright, comfortable, and intentional as any above-grade room in your home. We use recessed LED lighting, luxury vinyl plank and engineered hardwood flooring, and carefully planned ceiling treatments to create spaces that defy the old stereotype of a dark, cramped basement. Our design team optimizes furniture layouts, traffic flow, and natural light from egress windows so your finished basement becomes your family’s favorite level.
Electrical & HVAC Integration
A finished basement demands properly sized electrical and climate control systems to function comfortably. Cornerstone installs dedicated electrical panels or sub-panels with circuits sized for home theater equipment, kitchen appliances, and high-draw gym equipment. We extend or zone your existing HVAC system—or install a dedicated mini-split system—to maintain consistent temperatures below grade throughout Oklahoma’s extreme seasonal swings. Every installation is permitted and inspected to current National Electrical Code and mechanical code standards enforced in Rogers County.
Bathroom & Kitchenette Additions
Adding a bathroom or kitchenette to your basement dramatically increases both functionality and resale value. Cornerstone handles plumbing rough-ins, sewage ejector pump installation for below-sewer-line connections, proper waste venting, and finish work including tile, vanities, and fixtures. Our kitchenette builds include wet bar plumbing, under-counter refrigeration, dishwashers, and countertop selections that complement your home’s style. We coordinate every trade so the plumbing, electrical, and finish carpentry come together seamlessly in your Claremore or Tulsa metro basement.
Soundproofing & Insulation
Proper insulation and soundproofing transform a basement from a noisy echo chamber into a quiet, energy-efficient living space. Cornerstone installs closed-cell spray foam or rigid foam board insulation on foundation walls to eliminate thermal bridging and prevent condensation. For home theaters, music rooms, and bedrooms, we add resilient channel, sound-dampening drywall, and acoustic insulation in ceiling and wall assemblies to minimize noise transfer between levels. The result is a basement that stays comfortable year-round and keeps sound exactly where you want it—critical for families in Rogers County who want a true retreat below grade.
How We Build Your Basement Renovation in Tulsa
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Assessment & Consultation
We visit your home to evaluate your existing basement conditions, including foundation integrity, ceiling height, moisture levels, mechanical system locations, and available access points. We discuss how you want to use the space—family room, home theater, guest suite, gym, storm shelter—and review your budget and timeline expectations. This no-obligation visit gives us the information we need to develop an accurate scope of work for your Claremore or Rogers County basement renovation.
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Design & Planning
Our in-house design team creates a detailed floor plan with room layouts, lighting plans, electrical and plumbing locations, and finish selections. You review 3D visualizations of the finished space and refine every detail before construction begins. We also prepare a transparent line-item budget and handle all permitting with Rogers County and Claremore municipal authorities so you have complete clarity on cost and schedule before we start work.
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Waterproofing & Prep
Before framing begins, we address the most critical element of any basement renovation: moisture control. Our crew repairs foundation cracks, installs interior drainage systems and sump pumps, applies waterproofing membranes, and verifies that exterior grading directs water away from your foundation. We also rough in any below-slab plumbing for bathrooms or kitchenettes and install egress window wells. This preparation phase ensures a dry, code-compliant shell ready for finishing.
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Construction & Finishing
With waterproofing complete, our experienced crews frame walls and soffits, run electrical and HVAC, insulate, hang drywall, and install flooring, trim, and fixtures. A dedicated project manager coordinates every trade and provides regular progress updates. We build to the same quality standards we apply to our custom homes—because your basement deserves the same craftsmanship as any other room in your Claremore or Tulsa metro home.
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Final Inspection & Handover
We conduct a thorough quality walkthrough with you to verify that every detail—finishes, fixtures, lighting, HVAC performance, plumbing function—meets your expectations and our standards. All required municipal inspections are completed and approved. We hand you a finished basement backed by our comprehensive warranty covering structural elements, waterproofing systems, and workmanship, plus ongoing post-construction support for anything that comes up after you start enjoying your new space.
Why Homeowners in Tulsa Choose Cornerstone
- ✓Second-largest city in Oklahoma with a metro population near one million
- ✓Diverse neighborhoods including Midtown, Brookside, Maple Ridge, and South Tulsa
- ✓Home to The Gathering Place, Philbrook Museum, and Gilcrease Museum
- ✓Top-rated school districts: Tulsa, Jenks, Union, and Broken Arrow
- ✓Historic Art Deco architecture and a vibrant downtown Arts District
- ✓Major employers in aerospace, energy, healthcare, and tech sectors
- ✓Excellent highway connectivity via I-44, Highway 169, and the Creek Turnpike
- ✓Approximately 30 miles from Cornerstone's headquarters in Claremore
Basement Renovation FAQs for Tulsa Homeowners
- How much does a basement renovation cost in Claremore, Oklahoma?
- Basement renovation costs in the Claremore and Rogers County area vary based on square footage, scope of work, and finish level. A basic finishing package with framing, drywall, flooring, and lighting costs significantly less than a full renovation with a bathroom, kitchenette, home theater, and storm shelter. During your free consultation, we assess your existing conditions and discuss your goals to provide a detailed, line-item estimate before design begins. Our transparent budgeting process means no hidden fees or surprise change orders—you know exactly what to expect at every phase of your northeastern Oklahoma basement project.
- Does my basement need waterproofing before finishing?
- In almost every case, yes. Rogers County’s clay-heavy soils expand and contract with moisture changes, creating hydrostatic pressure that can force water through foundation walls and floor joints. Even basements that appear dry may have elevated humidity levels that will cause mold, mildew, and material damage once walls are enclosed. Cornerstone evaluates every basement for moisture intrusion, foundation cracks, and drainage deficiencies before framing begins. We install interior waterproofing systems, vapor barriers, and dehumidification solutions tailored to your specific conditions—protecting your renovation investment for decades.
- Do I need a permit to finish my basement in Rogers County?
- Yes. Finishing a basement in Claremore and Rogers County requires building permits for structural framing, electrical work, plumbing, and mechanical systems. If you are adding bedrooms, you will also need to install code-compliant egress windows. Cornerstone handles all permit applications, scheduling, and inspections on your behalf. Our team is familiar with local building department requirements and inspection timelines, which means fewer delays and a smoother process. We ensure every aspect of your basement renovation—from fire-rated assemblies to GFCI-protected circuits—meets current International Residential Code standards as adopted in Oklahoma.
- How long does a basement renovation take from start to finish?
- Most basement renovations in the Claremore area take six to twelve weeks from the start of construction to final walkthrough, depending on size and complexity. Projects that include bathrooms, kitchenettes, or storm shelters typically fall on the longer end of that range due to additional plumbing, concrete, and inspection requirements. Add two to four weeks of design and permitting before construction begins. We provide a detailed project timeline during the planning phase and keep you updated throughout, so you always know when your new living space will be ready to enjoy.
- Can you add a bathroom to my basement?
- Absolutely. Adding a basement bathroom is one of the most popular upgrades we perform in Claremore and Rogers County homes. If your home’s main sewer line exits above the basement floor level, we install a sewage ejector pump system to handle waste removal—a reliable and code-compliant solution we have used in dozens of local projects. We handle all plumbing rough-in, venting, tile work, vanity installation, and fixture selection. A finished basement bathroom adds significant convenience and resale value, especially when paired with a guest bedroom or home gym.
