QA

Question: How To Finish Your Basement Yourself

Is it cheaper to finish a basement yourself?

While NARI estimates the cost to finish a basement as about $40,000, a DIY version can cost a lot less, especially if you’re creative with some of the basics.

What is the cheapest way to finish a basement?

Paneling can be used as an inexpensive way to finish you basement walls or ceiling. Use a strong adhesive to put strips of wood on your concrete basement walls, and then use wood screws that match your paneling to attach the paneling to the wood strips.

Should you finish your own basement?

While an unfinished basement works great as extra storage space, your basement could be used much more effectively if it were finished. Besides expanding your home’s functional space, finishing a basement can give the property’s value a major boost.

What is the first step to finishing a basement?

From insulation and framing to selecting your paint and finishing touches, follow these steps to finish your basement walls. Step 1: Install Insulation. Step 2: Frame the Walls. Step 3: Install Utilities. Step 4: Mount Drywall. Step 5: Paint.

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.

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

Finishing a basement typically costs between $7 and $23 per square foot with an average of $25 per square foot.Average Cost Per Square Foot to Finish a Basement. Size (Square Feet) Average Price 800 $12,000 1,000 $15,000 1,200 $18,000 1,500 $21,350.

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 frame and drywall 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.

What can I use for basement walls instead of drywall?

Wood Planks. Wood planks will be a fantastic option to consider for anyone who would like to achieve a rustic look. Plastic Panels. Plywood. Veneer Plaster. Pegboard. Lath and Plaster. Wahoo Walls. Textured Wall Panels.

How much does a finished basement add to home value?

The appraised value of finished basement space is generally 50% to 60% of the value of the main level square footage. To maximize the cost/value ratio, the market experts recommend keeping the basement budget below 10% of the existing home’s value. Staying between 5-10% is a good plan.

Can I wire my basement myself?

YES! You can legally wire your own basement. If you weren’t sure…now you know YOU CAN. You don’t have to have an electrician’s license, or need to be certified in electric or anything like that to wire your basement.

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 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.

How much will it cost to finish my basement?

Cost to Finish a Basement Per Square Foot The average cost to finish a basement is $32 to $47 per square foot or about $39 per square foot on average. A small, open-plan, 500-square-foot basement will cost about $20,000 while a 1,500-square-foot basement with three rooms and a bathroom costs around $57,000 to finish.

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.

How do people afford to finish a basement?

5 ways to finance a basement remodel Home equity line of credit (HELOC) Home equity loan. FHA 203k loan. Personal loan. Contractor financing.

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 you need mold resistant drywall in a basement?

Nor will it prevent mold in the case of flooding, when water saturates the drywall and the organic wood framing behind it. But in rooms that experience frequent humidity and are often subject to mold and mildew, such as bathrooms or basements, mold-resistant drywall is a good choice.

How many sheets of drywall does it take to finish a basement?

For two walls: 270 square feet. Measure the ceiling: 15 x 10 = 150 square feet. Add the areas together: 180 + 270 + 150 = 600 total square feet. Round up: 16.67 = 17 sheets.How to Estimate Drywall or Sheetrock. Sheet Size Square Feet 4×8 32 4×9 36 4×10 40 4×12 48.

Do appraisers look in basements?

If you have a functional attic, basement or garage – your appraiser will factor those assets into your overall home value. In most cases, the square footage of these areas won’t count towards your total home’s square footage.