QA

Question: How To Start Finishing A Basement

Step 1 Decide How You Want to Use Your Basement. Step 2 Draft a Detailed Basement Floor Plan. Step 3 Look for Signs of Moisture in Your Basement. Step 4 Do a Basement Inspection. Step 5 Consider Your Electrical and Plumbing Needs. Step 6 Choose Your Basement Insulation. Step 7 Frame Walls & Choose Your Basement Drywall.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

Is it worth it to finish a basement?

A finished basement can increase your property’s value by 70%. While a basement does not add to the overall square footage of the house, that fact is usually beside the point for homeowners. Finished basements often function as an informal living room/family room, office, home classroom space, and guest rooms.

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.

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 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 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.

Can you finish your own basement?

A basement renovation is a great home improvement project because it not only can increase the value of your home – it also gives your family more space for living and storage. And, as with any renovation, the most important stage is the planning. Here are a few simple steps to help you get started.

What brings down property value?

Having short sales and especially foreclosures on your street decreases the value of your home. Even if they are not direct comparables, as in same square footage and the number of bedrooms and baths, they are in your immediate neighborhood, so can make the entire area depreciate in value.

Is finished basement considered living space?

While a finished basement is considered living space where your property value is concerned, it’s only in rare instances that this living space is counted towards the square footage. Even if your basement is not an exception to the rule, a finished basement is an asset to your property value.

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.

Should I finish basement before selling?

It’s usually advised to finish a basement for your own enjoyment, then recoup some of the money spent down the road when you decide it’s time to sell. That said, there are buyers that actively seek homes with finished basements.

Is a finished basement a good return on investment?

In the United States, on average, finishing a basement will give you a return of 70 to 75% of your investment. For example, if you spent $1,000 on improvements, it would increase the value of the property by about $700. If you spent $10,000 on improvements, it would increase the value of the property by about $7,000.

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.