What is the average cost of basement finishing

This allows for easy access to the HVAC and electrical systems. Basement flooring needs to be moisture-resistant or waterproof to protect it from humidity and moisture buildup. Read more about which types of flooring are best for basements to determine which is best for your budget. Epoxy has become a popular, waterproof flooring solution used in basements and garages. The final product can look like a vibrant custom color or mimic marble. The cost to finish a basement bedroom tends to be much lower than a bathroom.

Yes, most finished basements require an egress window to be considered up-to-code. Talk to your contractor or check building codes in your area for more details about the necessary egress dimensions, height from the floor and other safety measures. Most area building codes require a finished basement to be 7 feet tall. To achieve this, the unfinished basement will need to be taller than 7 feet.

Request a consultation from experienced local contractors to see if your basement is eligible for finishing. Many unfinished basements also have old, creaky stairs without risers. The cost of railings depends on the material metal, wood or glass and style you choose.

Walkout and garage basements are appraised differently than fully-below-grade basements. Rachel is a home improvement writer and content editor. In addition to being a contributing writer at Forbes, she writes for small businesses and creative agencies. This gets pretty pricey depending on how many egress windows your basement needs.

While the national average is close to four grand, this is in part because homeowners typically want to install custom egress windows that mirror the materials and design of the house. Basements have a reputation of being damp, moldy, and musty for a reason. Groundwater from rain or melting snow can seep in from the walls and the floors , and some houses have interior moisture sources as well. You can DIY this test with a roll of duct tape and aluminum foil or plastic wrap.

Mildew and mold develops within 24 to 48 hours after water exposure. And if you ever sell your home and the buyer can prove that you failed to disclose known moisture issues in your basement or deliberately concealed them, they can sue you over it. Since these walls have no role in holding up the house above, one of the easiest ways to save money is by reducing the number of studs in those walls. Load-bearing walls require studs placed every 16 inches , however, non-loadbearing allow for studs placed every 24 inches.

Our page on Average Cost of Drywall Installation has additional cost information and considerations. Flooring is naturally one of the most important parts of finishing a basement. If you choose wood flooring, prices can get even higher.

The electrical work for finishing a basement may involve wiring areas for new lighting, wall outlets, cable, speakers, etc. If you are in need of an electric panel upgrade or a new panel completely, this will cost extra. A temptation if you are on a budget is to complete the work yourself. The table below shows the price difference between doing the work yourself and hiring a professional. The above costs all represent the basic and necessary costs of finishing a basement.

However, there are some additional costs outlined below that may be necessary or of interest to you for your basement remodeling project. The first thing to mention is that, in some cases, if you are undertaking major remodel to finish a basement, that your local jurisdiction may require you to get a permit for the work. If you are working with a contractor, they will usually be able to take care of this process for you.

One of the biggest expenses you can have when it comes to finishing a basement is repairs to the foundation. For a more detailed look at these costs, go to our page on the Average Cost of Foundation Repair. One additional and expensive option for a finished basement is to extend the foundation to create more space. If you intend on making your basement a livable space, then you need to make sure it is free from basement flooding issues. Determine how much you are willing to spend and develop a budget, broken down by the cost categories listed above.

When creating a budget, the most important step is to figure out what is the absolute maximum that you are able, and comfortable with, spending in cash and taking on as debt.

This maximum should also take into account an additional 20 percent for change orders or extras that are inevitable with all major renovations, says Steckel. Check the legal requirements in your area before you begin. For example, a bedroom may require an egress window in case of fire, and bathroom plumbing will need to be up to code. This will include pulling any permits that are required to do home improvement work in your area.

To be confident your renovation is up to code, Steckel recommends hiring a professional to oversee the work, as they will be experts on the specific codes and permits needed. As a simple rule of thumb, removal and replacement of existing products or features does not require a permit, says Steckel. If the project is simple and no permits are required you may be able to complete the work yourself. When selecting a contractor, start by asking for recommendations from people who have used one before.

Word of mouth is an excellent way to find reliable professionals. You might also check online sources or guides. Without these credentials in place, you will be the one held liable should anything go wrong during the course of the project, including workers getting injured.

Finally, being able to communicate easily with the contractor who oversees your project is also important when hiring a pro. This includes being sure the individual understands your goals and vision before work starts and that they will be responsive to emails, phone calls and even text messages if there are questions or concerns once work is underway.

Home improvement projects can be pricey, but there are ways to cut back on costs without sacrificing quality. Here are a few ideas. To lower your costs, consider selecting midgrade materials that can be purchased as seconds or floor models.

ReStores carry everything from appliances and lighting to building materials. As an added bonus, the proceeds from sales support the non-profit. When it comes to decor for your newly finished basement, you can try sourcing second-hand furnishings or accents that are still in good condition from platforms such as OfferUp, Facebook Marketplace and Nextdoor.

When shopping for any of these items, think about the ongoing use of the area and opt for less expensive options on things that will have no detrimental long-term effect to your living space. If you are undertaking a large home improvement project like finishing a basement, it may not make sense to take a fully DIY approach. Still, there may be some jobs that you can do to reduce your overall cost.

Some parts of a home improvement project that are more DIY-friendly include demolition, painting, installing flooring and countertops or tiling a shower. Here again you can look to recycling centers like ReStores for less expensive items when safe and appropriate. With a little research of the various costs involved and an assessment of what you can afford, creating a budget is the easy part.

What often gets neglected is tracking and sticking to your budget. Keep a log of all expenses associated with your home improvement project and deduct them from your budget categories regularly. Items to include in a budget for a finished basement might include flooring, waterproofing, lighting, electricity, furniture, ceiling, drywall, insulation, lighting, HVAC, plumbing, painting, decor and permits, as well as walls, doors and windows, says Bailey Carson, home care expert at Angi.