QA

Question: How To Properly Finish A Basement

In what order should you finish 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.

When finishing a basement do you do walls or floor first?

As for the flooring, you would usually do this before or after the trim. With hardwood, you would often do the flooring first, and then the trim goes up tight against it. With carpeting, you would install your trim 1/2″ above the floor and the carpet installers would install the carpet right under that.

Why you shouldn’t finish your basement?

Why some basements should not be finished. Radon levels must be reduced even if you are not finishing your basement. Radon is a colorless gas and known carcinogen that can seep into a home from the soil and rock below. Because it comes from the ground, radon levels are usually highest in basements.

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.

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 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.

Is it hard to frame a basement?

Framing basement walls is the first phase of learning how to finish a basement. I do love the smell of lumber dust on a cool fall morning. Don’t worry, it’s not as hard as it looks, but it’s one of the steeper learning curves. Once you get the basic concepts down it’s just rinse and repeat.

How much does it typically cost to finish a basement?

Finishing a basement costs roughly $20,000, but the total price can range from a few thousand dollars to as much as $80,000 depending on the size and style of the space.

How long does it take to finish a 1000 sq ft basement?

An average of 1000 square feet basement takes around four weeks to finish. To get a better sense of your basement remodeling length, we will put down each step of the remodeling project, along with the time frame for each phase of the project.

Should I drywall my basement walls?

DON’T finish walls until the basement is dry. Even if your basement walls have no visible cracks or leaks you may still have moisture issues. In some cases, taking steps to keep water away from the foundation, such as installing gutters and downspouts, will reduce basement humidity.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

What adds the most value to a home?

What Home Improvements Add the Most Value? Kitchen Improvements. If adding value to your home is the goal, the kitchen is likely the place to start. Bathrooms Improvements. Updated bathrooms are key for adding value to your home. Lighting Improvements. Energy Efficiency Improvements. Curb Appeal Improvements.