Remodeling Job Stories | Calera, AL Basement Renovation
I. Project Overview
Tom and Robin Bird wanted to turn a part of their basement and make it into something even more functional!
For this Calera, AL basement renovation project, Reliable completed framing alterations, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC rough-ins, insulation installation, drywall and interior finishes, cabinetry and countertop installation, and flooring and tile installation!
II. Project Timeline
The Bird project ran from late October of 2024 to early March 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, outlining a carefully organized remodeling process designed to move a home from early planning through final inspection in a clear, predictable sequence.
The project began well before construction with multiple preparation meetings, including an initial site meeting to review the scope of work, a detailed scope-of-work review, and material selection meetings for flooring and backsplash finishes. These early steps are essential because they allow the homeowner, designer, and construction team to align expectations, finalize selections, and prevent delays once construction begins. Cabinet deliveries were coordinated in advance to ensure materials were ready when needed, demonstrating how successful projects rely heavily on planning and logistics before demolition ever starts.
Take a closer look at the pictures of Tom and Robin’s Calera, AL basement remodeling project, with this before and after gallery!
III. Design-Build-Remodel
Following planning and selections, the team coordinated material logistics and project readiness. Cabinet deliveries were scheduled in advance so that long-lead items would be available when needed later in construction. A pre-construction meeting and dumpster delivery marked the transition into active construction, preparing the jobsite for demolition and ensuring safety procedures, scheduling expectations, and site coordination were fully understood. This preparation stage is critical in remodeling because it creates efficiency once physical work begins.
The Bird family chose cabinetry and hardware from Hardware Resources, a well trusted vendor we’ve used for years! They chose multiple kinds of cabinetry, including a 33″ two-door sink base, two 36″ base cabinets with two doors and drawers, a 21″ three-drawer base, a 21″ base cabinet, and a 21″x30″ wall cabinet! All the cabinetry was in Sandstone colors, creating a uniform and elegant aesthetic for the new basement living space.
The project officially moved into construction with demolition and immediate material delivery for framing. Demolition cleared existing structures to make way for the new design, while framing rebuilt and defined the updated layout of the space. Structural framing establishes walls, openings, and layout changes that support the remainder of the project, effectively creating the “skeleton” of the renovation. Cabinetry construction activities followed closely behind, demonstrating how overlapping trades help maintain schedule momentum.
Once framing was complete, the remodel entered the mechanical rough-in phase, one of the most important stages of any renovation. Electrical rough wiring, plumbing rough installation, HVAC work, and concrete trenching for the kitchen island were completed during this time. These systems are installed inside walls and floors before finishes are applied, allowing inspectors to verify safety and code compliance. Insulation installation followed multiple site visits to confirm readiness, improving energy efficiency and preparing the home for drywall installation.
With inspections underway and rough systems approved, drywall delivery and installation transformed the construction environment into recognizable living space. Closing the walls marked a major milestone in the project, signaling the shift from structural and mechanical work to finish construction. After drywall completion, the project advanced into detailed interior work, including cabinetry and trim installation, paint preparation, door installation, and interior painting. These steps began bringing the homeowners’ design vision into visible form.
The finishing phase continued with ceiling installation, specialty access panels, air return grilles, and TV mounting, followed by electrical and plumbing set-outs where switches, fixtures, and functional components were installed. Countertops were fabricated, picked up, and installed alongside final cabinetry adjustments. Flooring installation and backsplash tile work then completed the primary visual elements of the remodel, tying together earlier design selections and giving the space its finished character.
A special order laminate top from Alabama Cabinet Company rounded off the cabinetry, a standard contour 36″ bar top countertop!
As construction neared completion, the project entered the inspection and closeout phase. Final electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and building inspections confirmed that all systems met safety standards and local building codes. The dumpster was removed, signaling reduced construction activity, and the team addressed punch list items, small refinements and adjustments that ensure everything functions properly and meets quality expectations.
You can see the flooring we laid down for this part of the basement, which is PureTech Plus Ellenwood, in Nature Walk Oak color, a 70% recycled and zero PVC flooring material from Mohawk Flooring! We purchased the material from Issis and Sons, one of our most reliable local vendors!
The final stage of the schedule focused on long-term quality and homeowner satisfaction. An entry door replacement, touch-up painting, and completion of remaining punch list details demonstrated continued attention even after major construction milestones were finished. A final re-inspection officially verified compliance and marked project completion.
IV. Conclusion of the Bird Project
Overall, the Bird family’s Calera AL basement renovation was not just an efficient example of how to turn storage into livable space, but it was a key demonstration of just how effective, and headache free, the Design-Build process is for homeowners!
Mr. and Mrs. Bird were so pleased with their project they gave us a 5-Star review!
“Great job. Couldn’t be happier. James made sure everything was done right and communication was great. I knew when and what was scheduled to happen during the entire project.“
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.
Reliable Design-Build-Remodel is a licensed general contractor that provides a wide variety of services to customers throughout Birmingham 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 Helena, AL Whole House Remodel projects! 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:
