Basement finishing in Kaukauna
The Fox River splits the city into a North Side and a South Side, and its housing spans more than a century.
Kaukauna had 17,089 residents and about 7,060 housing units at the 2020 census. Its history goes back further than most of the Fox Cities: in 1793, Dominique Ducharme received 1,281 acres here from the Menominee in what's considered the first recorded land deed in Wisconsin. The city incorporated in 1885, and a hydroelectric plant on the river earned it the nickname "The Electric City." The Thilmany paper mill dates to 1883.
A river city's basements
With four bridges linking the North and South sides, Kaukauna's older neighborhoods grew up close to the river and the mills. Homes there are older and their basements were built as cellars and utility space, often with low ceilings and limited window area. Newer subdivisions toward the city's edges tend to have deeper basements that are better suited to bedrooms and full finishes. Either way, the first question is whether the basement stays dry through spring melt.
Bedrooms and egress
Older basement windows are usually too small to count as an egress window under Wisconsin's code, which requires a net clear opening of at least 20 by 24 inches. Adding a basement bedroom often means cutting a larger opening and installing an areaway with a ladder if it's deep.
Permits
Kaukauna is its own city, so basement permits come from Kaukauna rather than Appleton. The contractor should confirm submittal requirements with the city before scheduling work.
Common questions
Do you cover both sides of the river in Kaukauna?
Yes. Call with your address and we'll connect you with a contractor who works there.
Can an old basement window be enlarged for egress?
Usually. The contractor cuts the foundation to a code-size opening, adds a header if needed, and installs a window and areaway. That work needs a permit.
Services in Kaukauna
- Basement finishingFraming, insulation, wiring, heat, drywall and floors to turn an unfinished basement into real living space.
- Basement remodelsUpdating a basement that was finished years ago, from new floors and lighting to a full tear-out and redesign.
- Basement bathroom installationA half or full bath downstairs, including drain work, an ejector pump if needed, venting and an exhaust fan.
- Basement bedrooms and egress windowsA legal basement bedroom under Wisconsin's code: two exits, an egress window and well, and the right alarms.
- Basement wet bars and kitchenettesA bar with a sink, beverage fridge and storage, or a small kitchenette for a guest suite.
Nearby areas
Thinking about the basement this winter?
Long Wisconsin winters are when a finished lower level earns its keep. Call to talk it through with a local contractor.