With proper planning and attention to detail, a remodeled basement can provide living space that's every bit as attractive and welcoming as the rest of the house.
Typical costs:
Contractors' estimates should include a number of basic factors such as moisture control. Insulation is also a must and it's important to check for radon, a naturally occurring radioactive gas that is common in some parts of the US.
For $500-$5,000, Do-It-Yourselfers can waterproof the walls with a brush-on compound, then add carpeting, paneling, a dropped ceiling or other touches to make a basement into a more usable living area. Actual costs depend a great deal on what shape the basement is in at the start of the project, and whether the upgrades include such items as ground-level windows; improved lighting; a full- or half-bath; and a laundry area. The upper end of the price range includes hiring contractors to install proper ventilation, electrical wiring or plumbing.
Converting a basement into a reasonably comfortable and legal rental unit averages $30,000-$50,000, according to OldHouseWeb.com[1] .
Nationwide, basement remodeling costs average $52,931-$74,974 for a project which includes a 20x30-foot entertaining area with wet bar, a 5-x-8-foot full bath, 24 feet of partition to enclose a mechanical area, painted walls, ceilings and trim throughout, exterior insulation, doors and electrical wiring, according to the annual cost vs. value report by Hanley Wood[2] .
A lot depends on how much is included and the quality of the final project. Finishing a basement in a relatively new home can start around $20 -$35 a square foot, or $30,000 -$70,000 for 1,500-2,000 square feet -- but it can cost $100,000 or more to create a fully-finished space.
Finishing an unfinished basement is similar to building an addition or a new home, but generally the project is smaller and a lot less expensive. Waterproofing and insulation is key; the US Department of Energy gives a detailed overview complete with cost estimates for a range of options.
Local planning departments usually have specific regulations on ceiling height, access doors, radon ventilation, waterproofing and other details of the basement remodeling process. Many building codes now require upgrades such as residential fire sprinklers for new construction or major remodeling projects. Ask about local requirements and get all required permits (or make sure the contractor does this). Depending on the location, permit costs can be next to nothing or extremely expensive; find out exactly what they are and include them in the project's budget.
Foundation walls and floors are almost never straight and plumb, which can make remodeling difficult. Companies such as Owens Corning[3] and Basement Systems [4] sell complete basement-finishing systems which many contractors use.
ThisOldHouse.com[5] looks at the remodeling process.
Shopping for basement remodeling:
Be clear about how the new space is going to be used and, if the basement is currently a storage area, where everything will go once the project is done. Better Homes & Gardens[6] offers design ideas to keep in mind. For inspiration, ThisOldHouse.com provides a quick photo gallery[7] of one basement's sparkling transformation.
Contractor referrals are available through the National Association of Home Builders[8] and the National Association of the Remodeling Industry[9] .
Get estimates from several companies; request and check references. Understand exactly what is (and isn't) included in each estimate, and whether the contractor will do the paperwork for required building permits. Ask about the contractor's length and type of experience, especially if there's anything unusual about your project. Be sure a company is properly bonded and insured and licensed in your state.
10 Quick and Inexpensive Home Makeover Projects To Do While At Home You may not be able to host the large family gathering for the holidays, but there are still many ways to pick up items curbside to spruce up your indoor space for your everyday enjoyment and to bring a more festive spirit. || Posted December 30 2020
10 Key Ways to Prepare for Extreme Snow Forecasters are predicting a true nor'easter will hit the eastern and central states with rain, thunderstorms, ice, snow and high winds over the Thanksgiving weekend. It's crucial to plan ahead, before bad weather hits. || Posted November 26 2013
Of that amount, $15,000 on the labor cost and the rest on material. all walls demolished, cracks in the wall fixed, then insulated and rebuilt, new windows, new electricity wiring, new floor tiling, new web bar, new stairs build from scratch replacing the old. Also, built two closets, one with shelves and the other for clothe-hanging, two utility rooms, one of them where the burner is fire proofed, all walls plastered and painted, wood stained etc. The contractor worked 10 hours a day and finished the entire project in five weeks! (I cooked lunch and provided cold drinks.) could have build a bathroom for $3000, but I decided to do that another time.
Having friends and family ( each with particular trades) Sheetrock and sparkler, carpet installer, electrician, plumber etc. just wondering if anyone knows how much this will cost us in total?? Half the basement is finished, just need to frame one bedroom, add a kitchen and a bath. That's it! Please email me @ [email protected] for your opinions. Want to have it finished for my daughter and first grand baby due in march!
Posted by: Clarendon-Arlington, VA in Arlington, VA.
Posted: February 11th, 2013 06:02AM
Contractor: MNKB
Square Feet: 975
Complete remodel of our walk-out basement. Gutted and replaced literally everything, from the framing to new custom windows and solid doors. Reconfigured plumbing and remodeled the 3-piece bathroom with high-end finishes; completed the laundry room, guest bed room with walk-in-closet, and family room with solid wood custom cabinetry/wet bar, island, built-ins, and gas fireplace with granite surround. Also demolished and rebuilt exterior concrete steps to basement entrance. All finishes are high-end and remodel included many upgrades (in-cabinet/under cabinet lighting, stainless-steel beverage center, central speaker system, etc.) Love the end-result but process was extremely long.
Finished basement on high end house. I designed all of it and spent some time managing the process. Already had lots of windows (walk-out). Used high end materials and design features ( plank laminate flooring with some granite/marble, rope lighting, recessed panels,heavy finish trim molding, recessed lighting, rope lighting, central audio/speakers, full kitchen, full bath,fireplace, zoned HVAC, etc). Took almost 9 months to complete fully. Great finished product.
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