Business Details
18 Years
experience
Your Trusted Partner for Basement Renovations in Berlin, CT
Better Built Basements was founded in 2008 by James & Deborah Tranmer and Randall Michalek, driven by a vision to simplify home renovations through superior craftsmanship and personalized service. With over 15 years of combined experience in the home improvement industry, our team recognized the challenges homeowners face during renovation projects, including fragmented contractor communication and scheduling complexities. We established our company to provide a seamless, stress-free experience by offering comprehensive basement finishing solutions under one roof. Our commitment to 100% customer satisfaction is demonstrated through precise quotes, transparent timelines, and daily project updates via our proprietary online portal.As Connecticut's #1-rated basement renovation company, we serve all of Connecticut and Massachusetts from our Berlin headquarters, maintaining strict adherence to local building codes while delivering innovative designs that maximize living spaces. Our vertically integrated model ensures all work is performed by our employees rather than subcontractors, guaranteeing consistent quality across every project.
Services
Basement Renovations
Basement Bathrooms
Basement Kitchens
Home Theaters
Custom Built-Ins
Basement Stairs
Home Gyms
In-Law Suites
Decks
Financing Options
Details
- Year established: 2008
Highlights and features
- We maintain 100% direct employee workforce for quality control
- Our proprietary online portal provides real-time project updates
- 15+ years combined experience in Connecticut basement renovations
- Comprehensive one-stop-shop service model eliminates contractor coordination
- Transparent pricing with no hidden fees or unexpected costs
What people say
Very professional and punctual
Quality work and cleaned up
Completed ahead of schedule
Daily project updates provided
Would use again without hesitation
Services
Basement Renovations
Transform unfinished basements into functional living spaces with customized layouts that maximize square footage. Our comprehensive renovations include structural modifications, electrical upgrades, and code-compliant finishing. Each project receives dedicated project management with daily updates through our proprietary online portal to ensure transparency and timely completion.
Basement Bathrooms
Create functional bathroom spaces in basement environments with proper moisture control and ventilation systems. Our installations include full plumbing rough-ins, code-compliant fixtures, and waterproofing solutions. We handle all aspects from initial design to final inspections while maintaining coordination with local building departments.
Basement Kitchens
Design and install custom kitchen spaces with appropriate electrical and plumbing infrastructure. Our solutions include appliance integration, code-compliant ventilation systems, and moisture-resistant materials. We ensure proper zoning compliance and structural considerations for basement-specific challenges like ceiling height limitations.
Home Theaters
Convert basement spaces into immersive entertainment environments with acoustic optimization and specialized lighting. Our installations include soundproofing materials, dedicated electrical circuits for equipment, and strategic seating arrangements. We coordinate with AV specialists to integrate premium audio-visual systems while maintaining building code requirements.
Custom Built-Ins
Maximize basement storage potential with tailored cabinetry and furniture installations. Our designs optimize awkward spaces under stairs and around structural elements while incorporating lighting and electrical features. Each solution balances aesthetic appeal with functional requirements for long-term usability in basement environments.
People
Jim Tranmer
Owner, Production
With over 15 years in home improvement, Jim oversees all production operations ensuring quality standards are maintained across every project from initial design to final walkthrough.
Randy Michalek
Owner, Production
Co-founder Randy manages field operations and technical implementation, leveraging his extensive construction experience to maintain strict adherence to project timelines and building code requirements.
Deborah Tranmer
Owner, Finance
Deborah directs financial operations and client relations, ensuring transparent pricing structures and accessible financing options that make basement renovations financially viable for Connecticut homeowners.
Kaitlyn Gatzen
Office Manager
Kaitlyn coordinates administrative operations and client communications, maintaining the company's commitment to responsive service through efficient scheduling and documentation management.
Jake Barnett
Production Manager
As production manager, Jake supervises project execution teams ensuring consistent quality control and timely completion while maintaining direct communication with homeowners throughout the renovation process.
Questions
What basement renovation services do you offer?
We specialize in full basement renovations including bathrooms, kitchens, home offices, entertainment spaces, custom built-ins, and egress solutions while maintaining structural integrity and code compliance.
Do you provide financing options for basement renovations?
Yes, we offer financing solutions ranging from $1,000 to $100,000 through multiple lenders with customizable payment plans to accommodate various budget requirements.
How long does a typical basement renovation take?
Project timelines vary by scope but average 30-90 days from design to completion, with daily progress updates provided through our customer portal system.
Are you licensed and insured for Connecticut projects?
We maintain active CT HIC0674237 licensing with full insurance coverage and compliance documentation available upon request for all our renovation services.
What makes your company different from other contractors?
Our direct-employee model ensures quality control, while our proprietary project management system provides real-time updates and transparent communication throughout the renovation process.
