Basement finishing in Kimberly
A compact village on the Fox River, named for the Kimberly-Clark mill that defined it for more than a century.
Kimberly had 7,320 residents at the 2020 census, up from 6,468 in 2010, in a village of about 2.4 square miles. It was known as The Cedars and then Smithfield before taking the Kimberly name in 1889, the year Kimberly-Clark built its mill on the Fox River. That mill closed in 2008, and the village acquired the site in 2017 and has been redeveloping it under the name The Cedars.
Small lots, practical basements
Kimberly is compact, so expanding a house outward isn't always an option. That makes the basement the logical place to add a family room, guest bedroom or office. Older homes near the river and the former mill tend to have smaller basements, while those built in later decades usually offer more headroom and a sump, which simplifies finishing.
Village permits
Because Kimberly is its own village, a basement permit comes from the village rather than the City of Appleton, even though the communities share a border. Ask the contractor to confirm what the village needs in the application and which inspections it will schedule.
Plan for winter work
Basement projects are a natural winter job in the Fox Cities, since most of the work happens indoors. The exception is an egress window and areaway, which involve digging outside. Contractors often schedule those for when the ground isn't frozen and finish the interior through the colder months.
Common questions
Is Kimberly covered by Appleton's building department?
No. Kimberly is a separate village, so permits for work there come from the village.
Can a basement be finished in winter?
Interior work, yes. Digging for an egress window areaway is easier when the ground isn't frozen, so it may be scheduled separately.
Services in Kimberly
- 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.