Finishing a Basement: Everything You Need to Know
Create a cozy space to unwind
Highlights
Finishing a basement costs $15,000 to $75,000, with an average price of $32,000.
Finishing a basement takes five weeks on average, but can take as long as 12 weeks.
You’ll need to waterproof your finished basement to protect it against moisture damage.
On average, homeowners see a 70% ROI from finishing a basement.
Finishing a basement is a transformative project that expands a home's livable space and boosts its value. Whether you create a cozy retreat, add extra bedrooms, or set up a fun entertainment area, finishing a basement involves careful planning, skilled craftsmanship, and attention to detail. Before you embark on this home remodeling project, explore all the ins and outs of finishing a basement.
What Is Considered a Finished Basement?
Here’s what’s considered a finished basement: it’s a below-ground-level space that has been fully renovated to provide a comfortable, livable area similar in quality to a home's main floors. The space includes completed walls, flooring, ceilings, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems that meet residential standards.
Finished basements feature amenities such as proper lighting, insulation, and ventilation, making them suitable living areas. Additional features such as bathrooms, kitchens, or separate entrances can make them even more enjoyable.
Advantages of Finishing a Basement
A finished basement can be transformed into functional areas such as an additional bedroom, home office, entertainment room, gym, or rental unit. This extra living space can accommodate growing families or provide a dedicated area for hobbies and relaxation, making the home more versatile and comfortable.
A well-finished basement can also add substantial value to a home, making it more attractive to potential buyers. This investment can yield a high return on investment (ROI) when it comes time to sell, as buyers often appreciate the additional usable space. Finally, a finished basement can improve your home's energy efficiency by adding insulation and reducing heat or cooling loss.
Disadvantages of Finishing a Basement
Finishing a basement can be an expensive remodel, with the cost of materials, labor, permits, and potential modifications to the home's existing structure and systems. Unexpected issues such as moisture problems, structural repairs, or the need to upgrade electrical and plumbing systems can further tighten your budget. This financial burden can be significant, especially if the project runs over budget or encounters delays.
Basements are inherently prone to dampness and flooding, leading to mold growth and structural damage from moisture and water damage. Proper waterproofing and ventilation can be challenging and costly, and even with these measures, there is no guarantee against future water issues. Also, many basements have limited natural light and lower ceilings, making the space feel less inviting and comfortable than an addition on a main floor.
Cost of Finishing a Basement
The cost of finishing a basement varies greatly depending on the space's size and the features you choose to include. For instance, basement remodels can cost as little as $2,800 if you DIY most of the work or as much as $100,000 for a professional crew to do high-end work. However, most homeowners pay between $15,000 and $75,000 for a standard basement remodel, with the average project costing $32,000.
The silver lining is that a finished basement adds value to a home. The amount of value a finished basement adds will vary based on the completed work, but most homeowners see a 70% return on their investment.
Project Timeline for Finishing a Basement
The time it takes to finish a basement will largely depend on the scope of the project. However, the timeline most often ranges between two and 12 weeks, with the average remodel taking five weeks.
Planning, Design, and Hiring
How you use the finished basement—for instance, whether it’s an additional bedroom, office, or rec room—influences the overall design and utility requirements.
When planning your finished basement, it’s helpful to set up a budget and include some extra money as a contingency fund to cover unexpected issues. With the purpose and budget in mind, you should create an initial design layout and concept to visualize your ideal space.
The planning phase involves researching and hiring professionals such as contractors. It’s wise to get quotes from multiple local basement finishing professionals, check references, and select the best team to take on the job.
Permits and Prep Work
Contractors will apply for the necessary building permits and schedule inspections to ensure the project meets local regulations. The team will manage site preparation, which involves clearing the basement area and addressing issues such as moisture or foundation cracks. They handle the purchase of materials and fixtures needed for the renovation.
Structural Work
The construction team will build walls, partitions, and any other structural supports to define the space's layout. Afterward, contractors install rough-in plumbing and electrical systems, ensuring that these installations are properly coordinated with other professionals and scheduled for inspection. Heating and cooling systems are modified as needed to ensure the basement is comfortable and meets the home's overall HVAC requirements.
Insulation and Drywall
The insulation and drywall phase of finishing a basement focuses on enhancing energy efficiency and preparing the space for final touches. Contractors install insulation to ensure the basement remains comfortable and energy-efficient.
Following insulation, they hang, tape, and finish drywall, creating smooth surfaces ready for painting or other finishing treatments. However, drywall may not be suitable for your basement as it's prone to moisture in humid environments. Your contractor may suggest alternatives to drywall in basements such as exposed brick or concrete, cement board, or veneer plaster.
Flooring and Ceiling
Contractors will install the selected flooring materials, which could include options like carpet, tile, or laminate, depending on the desired aesthetics and functionality. They will also simultaneously complete the basement ceiling installation, whether installing a drop ceiling for accessibility or using an alternative to drywall for a more integrated look.
Finishing Touches
During the final phase of finishing a basement, contractors focus on painting walls and ceilings while installing baseboards, moldings, and trim. The team will install light fixtures, electrical outlets, plumbing fixtures, and any built-in furniture or cabinetry.
Final Inspection
After construction is complete, the contractor will schedule and ensure the passage of final building inspections to confirm compliance with finished basement code requirements. The team will clean up any construction debris to ensure the finished space is ready to use.
Frequently Asked Questions
The most challenging part of finishing a basement is addressing moisture control. Basement waterproofing is an essential task that requires a professional’s skills and knowledge. If you don’t properly waterproof your finished basement, it’ll be vulnerable to dampness and water damage. Ensuring proper insulation and ventilation to combat these issues while meeting building codes adds complexity to your remodeling project.
The greatest value in finishing a basement is simply creating additional usable living space. Adding a bedroom or a bathroom can significantly increase the functional appeal and convenience for homeowners. Quality craftsmanship and attention to detail in finishing materials and amenities also contribute to higher resale value.
Save money by making cost-effective decisions such as minimizing structural changes and avoiding costly construction revisions. DIY simpler tasks such as painting or basic cleanup to reduce labor costs. Opt for energy-efficient fixtures and materials that may qualify for rebates or tax incentives.