QA

Question: How To Finish Basement

What is the cheapest way to finish a basement?

You can save on the cost to finish a basement by doing things not bound by codes: installing trim or doors, painting walls and woodwork, and installing flooring, says Buckeye Basements’ Jon Smith. Beyond that, count on using some pros.

Is it possible to finish your own basement?

While you can simply paint your basement ceiling to help blend in pipes and utilities while leaving them accessible, installing a finished ceiling will give your renovated basement a more complete look. It accomplishes the job of covering exposed pipes and floor joists while still allowing access to overhead utilities.

How much does it cost to finish a basement yourself?

On average, the cost for a basic finish job falls anywhere from $6,500 for a DIY job to $20,000 if you are hiring a carpenter to assist, but costs can go much higher for larger spaces. Note that these average costs do not include major plumbing or electrical work.

How do I prepare my basement for finishing?

How to Prep For a Basement Remodel Forget About Finishing Your Utility Area. Identify Any Water Issues. Take Drop Ceilings Into Account. Identify Where You will Need Additional Outlets. Get Your Permits. Decide How You’ll Deal with Waste Removal. Remove the Junk. Gather Specialized Tools.

What is the most expensive part of finishing a basement?

Framing an unfinished basement can be very expensive due to both the labor and lumber costs. Surprising to many, the cost of lumber can actually end up being the most expensive part of the project. One way to offset those costs is by using metal studs.

Does finishing a basement add value?

“When done well, a finished basement will add significant value to your property. On average, a finished basement will give you a 75% return on your investment. In areas where extra living space is in great demand, this will be even higher,” says Katie DeWeese, an interior design, remodel and redesign specialist.

How much does it cost to finish a 1000 sq ft basement?

Expect to pay $7,000 to $23,000, or $15,000 on average, to finish a 1,000 square foot basement.

How much does it cost to frame and sheetrock a basement?

Framing: You should expect to spend about $1 per square foot to frame your basement. Drywall: It costs around $1.50 per square foot to hang drywall in your basement. Ceiling: Basic ceiling installation can cost as little as $1-2 per square foot. But, if the project is complex, it can cost around $6 per square foot.

Should you put a vapor barrier on basement walls?

It provides the best coverage and R-value and and functions as a moisture barrier in and of itself. But if you use fiberglass insulation batts, then a moisture barrier will prevent water and moisture from entering your walls and creating mold and mildew.

How do you make an unfinished basement into a finished basement?

The best way to make your unfinished basement feel complete is by adding accents and decor just as you would to any other room in your house. In addition to the basement ideas above, like hanging string lights and adding area rugs, bring in other details that will add warmth, texture, and ambiance.

Should I Drylock basement walls before finishing?

Before using Drylok, it is vitally important that you prep your walls by removing any failing paint. If you have unpainted cinderblock, you should be good to go. Our walls were covered in multiple layers of old paint, which was chipping and peeling off in most places.

How can I save money to remodel my basement?

7 ways to save on your basement remodel Opt for an inexpensive, prefabricated egress window and well. Test exterior walls for moisture before finishing. Cut out some studs. Install drop ceilings. Skip the carpet and install luxury vinyl tile instead. Add a bathroom (or at least a half bath) near existing plumbing.

Do I need a permit to finish my basement?

In most instances, you will need a permit to finish a basement. Many municipalities require permits for finishing a basement if you install a new wall. The definition of a wall includes installing drywall over a previously existing framed wall. Any type of plumbing, electrical, or HVAC work will also require a permit.

How many hours does it take to finish a basement?

basement will take about 10 – 12 hours of work for three carpenters and two helpers. It might take longer if building arches or performing complicated ceiling work will be involved. All rough in electrical might be completed in a day. Hanging and finishing drywall may be done in 3 – 4 days.

What can I use instead of drywall in my basement?

24 Types of Drywall Alternatives For Your Wall, Basement, Ceiling, Shed Wood Planks. Plastic Panels. Plywood. Veneer Plaster. Pegboard. Lath and Plaster. Wahoo Walls. Textured Wall Panels.

Why do people finish their basement?

A Finished Basement Boosts Comfort Since a finished basement regulates temperatures, you are also much less likely to find mold, pests, and excess moisture in this area of your home. The air quality is also much better in a finished basement than an unfinished one.

How much will my taxes increase if I finish my basement?

Yes, it will, since the overall value of your property also increases when you finish your basement. The value can increase by up to 70 percent of your remodeling costs which makes up for a significant increase overall.

Is it difficult to finish a basement?

Some basements are natural candidates for finishing. Others will require structural work before walls and plumbing can be installed. If the structure is old or poorly built, there may be issues with the foundation, ceiling height, electrical, plumbing, or other fundamental features.

Does a walk out basement count as square footage?

A basement must have a legal ingress or egress to count as square footage. This is partially a safety issue. However, sometimes only the above-grade square footage of a walk-out basement is included in the home’s total square footage.

How do you finish a basement without drywall?

The alternatives besides drywall or studs that can be used to finish your basement wall are wood planks, plastic panels, veneer plaster, wahoo walls, plywood, and pegboards. These options are easy to set up and maintain compared to drywall or studs that have problems with moisture and dust.