Does my basement need waterproofing before finishing?

If there's any history of dampness, seepage, or musty smell (and in this climate there usually is), yes. It's far cheaper to control moisture before the walls go up than to tear out finished space later.

Can I add a bedroom in my basement?

Yes, but a basement bedroom legally requires an egress window or door large enough to climb out of in an emergency. We build the egress as part of the project so the room is code-legal.

Can I turn my basement into a rental apartment?

Often, yes: as a basement ADU with its own entrance, kitchen, bath, and egress. It's one of the more affordable ways to add a rental unit because the structure already exists.

Serving Clackamas County, OR

Basement Finishing in Clackamas County

Gencon's basement finishing contractors transform unused Clackamas County basements into living space (offices, media rooms, guest suites, and wet bars) with waterproofing and permits handled throughout.

Free estimate: 503-825-0123

A finished basement is the cheapest square footage you'll ever add. You already have the walls and the roof. But in a climate this wet, it lives or dies on moisture control. Gencon finishes Clackamas County basements that stay dry, from home offices to legal apartments.

What we build downstairs

Family and media rooms, home offices, and home gyms
Guest suites and legal basement apartments or ADUs
Wet bars and second kitchens
Egress bedrooms and full bathrooms

Moisture first: always

Clackamas County sees 40+ inches of rain a year, and a basement is the lowest point in the house. Before any framing goes up, we address water: grading and drainage, vapor barriers, waterproofing, and a sump system where needed. Finishing over a damp basement is how you get mold behind brand-new walls, so we don't skip it, and we won't finish a basement we haven't made dry.

Permits, egress, and ceiling height

Turning unfinished space into living space is a permitted change, and it comes with rules: any bedroom needs an egress window or exit that meets code, adding plumbing is regulated, and there are minimum ceiling-height requirements for habitable rooms. We handle the permits and build to the Oregon Residential Specialty Code so the space is legal, safe, and insurable.

What basement finishing costs

Basement finishing is usually priced per square foot and is among the most cost-effective ways to add living space, since the shell already exists. Waterproofing, a bathroom, or a full apartment conversion moves the number up.

Frequently asked questions

Does my basement need waterproofing before finishing?: If there's any history of dampness, seepage, or musty smell (and in this climate there usually is), yes. It's far cheaper to control moisture before the walls go up than to tear out finished space later.
Can I add a bedroom in my basement?: Yes, but a basement bedroom legally requires an egress window or door large enough to climb out of in an emergency. We build the egress as part of the project so the room is code-legal.
Can I turn my basement into a rental apartment?: Often, yes: as a basement ADU with its own entrance, kitchen, bath, and egress. It's one of the more affordable ways to add a rental unit because the structure already exists.

Our basement finishing services

Basement Apartments

Gencon converts Clackamas County basements into legal apartments and ADUs, egress windows, kitchens, baths, and permits handled so you can add living space or rental income.

Basement Waterproofing

Before you finish a basement, keep it dry. Gencon provides basement waterproofing and moisture control across Clackamas County, built for our wet climate.

Available across Clackamas County

We bring this service to homeowners throughout the county, including:

Oregon City Lake Oswego Happy Valley Milwaukie West Linn Canby Sandy Gladstone Wilsonville

Planning a basement finishing project?

Book a free, no-pressure consultation and estimate with our family-owned team.

Call 503-825-0123