How much finish basement

The electrical system in your home must be able to handle the increased demand from the finished basement. Your contractor should know if the current amperage, or strength of the electrical current, is strong enough. A contractor will be aware of the codes and ensure the project is compliant and safe. When budgeting for the cost to finish a basement, there are usually additional costs and considerations.

These can include electrical, plumbing, and flooring; cosmetic upgrades like painting; or protective concerns like sump pumps and waterproofing.

Many cities do not allow homeowners to install wiring or plumbing on their own. A professional electrician or a contractor who is licensed to do electrical work will install new wiring to finish a basement.

On average, the more outlets and switches installed, the cheaper the cost per item. All household plumbing passes through the basement. When you renovate or remodel, you need to design around the plumbing. Boilers and water heaters are commonly found in the basement, as well as sump pumps, furnaces, and HVAC systems. Moving these items may not be affordable or advisable. The overall price of plumbing work depends on whether there is existing plumbing in the space or if new plumbing needs to be installed.

The quality of the materials and the quantity also affect the price. Painting or staining the existing concrete floor is a possible budget-friendly option.

Contractors usually include the cost of labor with the overall price of installation. Adding drywall to basement walls will help reduce energy costs and improve your carbon footprint when heating or cooling your home. Many homeowners design and decorate around plumbing pipes and ductwork by painting them the same color as the walls and ceiling. An egress window provides an alternate escape route from the area in case of a fire or other emergency.

A professional may have to excavate land and reframe an exterior wall to meet building codes. This will result in additional costs to your basement finishing project. For a window to be considered an egress window, a uniformed firefighter must be able to fit through it. One part of the basement finishing process is to install drains and a sump pump.

A sump pump is one way to remedy pooling water because of leaks, foundation seepage, or inadequate drainage. If you live in an area prone to flooding, a sump pump might be necessary as well. Waterproofing is the first step a homeowner should take when finishing a basement. Water leakage in the basement can cause severe damage, and this damage can lead to mold and mildew growth, which can pose significant health threats. Certain types of bugs are attracted to standing water and damp areas within the home.

When a foundation leaks and lets in water, it will develop cracks, which is just the beginning of an even bigger problem. Prevention, repair, and waterproofing are vital to avoiding a multitude of issues. Professional contractors will often include the price of ceiling drywall in the room drywalling and framing costs as part of the entire project.

Some municipalities may require specific measurements for basement ceilings to be up to code. If a homeowner suspects any existing damage or issues with the basement, it can be helpful to have the basement inspected and address any repairs before starting on upgrades. Another factor that will play a huge role in the amount you put into finishing your basement is what materials you actually use and what types of rooms you will be doing in this area. When figuring up material costs, make sure to include everything from plumbing PVC pipe to light fixtures.

The small things really can add up and add extra cost. We finished one bathroom in our basement which is a little more cost considering you will have to purchase a tub, vanity, and toilet, but other than this, we did basic rooms.

This is us starting from scratch since we were building. Our bathroom is pretty small and is nothing fancy. This included drywall, plumbing, electrical, and all fixtures. Not much was spent on flooring, we decided to acid stain that on our own. If you choose to add a second kitchen or home theatre, this will definitely add some extra cost!

We chose to leave that off for now but may add a small one later. Many people wonder if spending the extra money to finish a basement is even worth it. I would say yes! The obvious reason is that finishing a basement adds more square footage to your house, which increases its value. The structure is already in place, you are just adding to it.

This can be very beneficial and a cheaper way to add more room if you need it. Basement renovation costs depend on the layout, if framing and drywall are needed, materials, and construction labor. Get free estimates from basement finishing contractors near you or check out our cost guide below.

A sq. Prices depend on if it's an open-plan or with rooms and a kitchen. Basement finishing usually includes lighting, built-in shelving, waterproofing, framing, plumbing, wiring, drywall, flooring, an HVAC system, and egress windows, thereby turning the unfinished basement space into usable living space.

The total cost of your basement project can be considerably lower if your unfinished basement space is already fully waterproofed, or if you are doing the work yourself. On the lower end is the bathroom at 45 — 72 square feet. The closer you get to high-end materials, the higher the cost, i. Basement construction costs can be double or triple this if the work requires high-end material costs.

The labor cost to finish a sq. This covers all professional labor—carpenters, plumbers, electricians, and general laborers. The more expert help you need, such as a master carpenter or master electrician, the higher the cost. Note: no labor. When framing an existing basement, you are installing a wood framework in preparation for insulation packing, wiring, and plumbing. These are all installed between the wall and the layer of drywall. When building interior basement walls, the first thing you do is frame the concrete walls with a wood frame most-used framing material.

The boards will have studs attached in preparation for the drywall. Areas are left open for windows. Insulation will help to control the temperature and moisture, and it can act as an additional soundproofing agent.

Basement drywall calculations depend on how many walls you have in your basement plan. While the price of the drywall is the same, installing ceiling drywall is more complicated and usually requires additional equipment for the best working access. Forgo a basement ceiling and paint the exposed ductwork the same color as the walls, but this can cause you to miss out on effective insulation. The best flooring for a basement is vinyl or laminate which should be installed as a floating floor to allow for changes in the concrete caused by moisture and temperature.

Below are the least expensive options for each flooring material. To be considered a bedroom, real estate agents and home appraisers say a bedroom must have a closet, door, and a window. Consider turning the space into rooms you have a particular need of and design the space accordingly. The cost of a small basement remodel—changing flooring and moving one wall—can cost a few thousand, whereas a major remodel of adding another bathroom and bedroom or an entire downstairs apartment can cost tens of thousands.

You might have to move walls and plumbing, pull up flooring, tear down ceilings; and upgrade the sump pump, HVAC, and electrical amperage. Depending on the extent of the remodeling to be done and the ease of access for the construction crew, your costs will vary. Basement refinishing can be easier for significant changes because no demolition is required and the framing is open, so all electrical and plumbing work can be done first without any need to drill into or cut open drywall.

Some even include windows and flooring. Your price will depend on a lot of factors, including the existing finish level of the basement and your renovation plans. For the best experience, you should start with an experienced building and remodeling company like Fine Home Contracting. We maintain a level of care that sets us apart, with attention to detail that you can see in every aspect of your basement remodel.

Contact us to get started or find out if we remodel in your area. Living in Connecticut is unique, and all you have to do is take a drive around your town to realize Learn why so many Connecticut residents rank us their 1 choice for home renovations and remodeling. Reach out for a consultation on your project today. Home Remodeling. Bathroom Addition When you are looking for ways to make your basement more like the rest of your home, a bathroom addition is an excellent place to start.