Remodeling Job Stories | Calera, AL Basement Remodel
I. Project Overview
Mr. Matthew Defenderfer’s Basement Remodel project was a massive transformation, turning a space with visible insulation and wires into a prime entertainment area!
Reliable did some interior renovations, plumbing, HVAC, and electrical rough-ins, and countertop installations for the Defenderfer project!
II. Project Timeline
The first project for Mr. Defenderfer took place between June to late October of 2025. Constant communication and oversight through our project software, Buildertrend, allows all of our clients to be completely aware of all aspects of design and construction from start to finish!
This chart tracks the progress of the entire project in our online project management portal Buildertrend, detailing a clear and organized progression that starts with our early design meetings, the plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and concrete work, and then later the mechanical rough-ins, inspections, drywall installation, shower preparation, and the rest of the work to be done before the final punch list review and completion of the project!
Take a closer look at the pictures of Mr. Defenderfer’s basement remodel project for his Calera AL home, with this before and after gallery!
III. Design-Build-Remodel – How Did We Get There?
Reliable started the Defenderfer project by taking a look at the basement framing, as this would be the focal point for most of the project later on.
Our construction process for this basement remodel was designed to keep the project running smoothly from start to finish. It began in late April with early planning meetings, including reviewing ceiling materials and selecting the LVP flooring, important steps that help set the design direction before any tools ever hit the jobsite. By early June, the project transitioned into active construction, starting with a pre-construction meeting, delivery of the dumpster and lumber, and the framing of the basement walls.
As framing progressed, key trade walkthroughs were completed, including plumbing and electrical mark-ups, followed by concrete removal for the new shower area and framing for the bathroom itself.
Key supporting tasks, like removing concrete for the shower, installing ductwork and the fan/light combination, and selecting tile and plumbing fixtures, happened during this phase to make sure every detail was planned before closing up the walls.
Once mechanical elements were ready, ductwork, fan/light installation, and plumbing rough-ins took place through mid-July, leading to inspections to ensure everything met required standards.
Toward the end of July and into August, the space really began to transform with drywall installation, shower pan prep, and shower wall work. Material deliveries continued, along with important steps like tile installation, trim work, staircase finishing, and the Defenderfer’s countertop selections.
You can see here where we also started on the drywall repair for the basement!
We also installed brand new doors from Builder’s Millwork in Bessemer! Builder’s Millwork is a trusted vendor that’s been working with Relaible for years!
Final touches, including measuring for the shower glass, installing the enclosure and mirror, and completing curb and plumbing set-outs, prepared the space for completion.
The shower tiles are Roca Trevi Almond tiles from Issis & Sons, with brushed nickel trim!!
In October, the team performed a punch-list walkthrough to address any remaining details, followed by the final inspection, marking the official completion of the project!
The countertops for this bathroom cabinet are from Maranatha Stone and Floors!
We painted the stairwell going up into the first floor of the house!
Drywall and painting almost always are the latest stages of the project, near completion, and aside from the open ceiling panels, the project was winding down at this stage.
As August rolled into September, the finishing stages took center stage: ceilings were installed and completed, painting was performed in multiple phases for a clean, polished look, and LVP flooring installation helped bring the space together. Cabinets, countertops, plumbing fixtures, and electrical trim-outs were added to finalize the functionality of the new basement.
Overall, the project was an unmitigated success! The door to the space under the stairs was installed, new windows in the basement were set in, and the drop ceiling was finished as well!
The entire process was structured so each phase supported the next, ensuring a smooth, efficient, and well-coordinated transformation of the Defenderfer basement into a beautifully finished living space.
IV. Conclusion of the Defenderfer Project
The Defenderfer project is a great example of how it doesn’t matter how big your project is, or how expensive the materials are, or even if it isn’t the most technically challenging project. What matters in a remodel is changing someone’s home for the better!
Mr. Defenderfer was kind enough to leave us a five-star review!
“We had a wonderful experience working with James and everyone at Reliable Design on our basement remodel. From the beginning, James was very up-front and honest about the process, the challenges, and the cost before we even signed a contract. Once we started the process, it moved very quickly. He and his team had each phase scheduled weeks in advance so we were aware of what was being done in our house. James was also able to adjust plans quickly when we decided to finish out the bathroom at the same time as the rest of the basement after construction began. Along the way, there were no major mistakes and the few minor ones were quickly remedied. The subcontractors James brought in were also all very professional and clearly took pride in doing their jobs well. We are very happy with our new basement and would choose to work with James and Reliable Design again in a heartbeat if we ever dug out a second basement.“
We’re always so excited to work with clients that embrace the Design-Build process, because it tells us that what we’re doing not only makes every remodeling project a completely successful one, but that what we’re doing actually makes a difference in the industry, and more importantly that we’re making a difference in people’s lives.
What Can We Do For You?
Reliable Design-Build-Remodel is a licensed general contractor that provides a wide variety of exterior remodeling services to customers throughout Birmingham, AL and the surrounding areas. Our staff members are proud to be members of this great community and provide services to the following locations:
Our Services
Reliable Design-Build-Remodel isn’t good at just one type of home remodel. We’re adept at many different home improvement services. This means that you won’t have to hire multiple contractors to work on your place if you choose to do more than one update at a time. Our team of experienced professionals can handle the following:
