The Cost to Finish a Basement Is Only as Big As You Make It

Aug. 16, 2012 - PRLog -- If you’re looking into buying a home with an unfinished basement, or if you want to finally finish the project you started years ago in the home you already own, you’ve got to consider the cost to finish a basement before you begin making any grand plans. There’s not really an average cost of finishing a basement, as different add-ons and options can add up quickly. Instead, there’s a sort of average range: the cost to finish a basement ranges from about $10 - $35 per square foot.

DIY or Pro?

If you do some of the work yourself, you can significantly reduce the cost to finish a basement. Doing your own painting can save you hundreds of dollars—and the extra effort means you can splurge on something else.

You can also save money by acting as your own general contractor. This requires organization—not construction skills. Coordinating trades, design, and scheduling will cut out a big chunk of your finishing expenses.

If you’re fairly adept with tools, you can also do your own trim-work in a few weekends’ time.

If you’re very uncomfortable doing your own work in your soon-to-be-livable basement, that’s okay—just be sure to factor in the cost of labor when you’re planning your budget.
You’ll definitely want to leave plumbing, wiring, and installation jobs to the pros. They’ll make sure your investment is worth it—and that your whole basement won’t be ruined due to a small mistake.  

Measure It

Before you do any planning, measure the dimensions and square footage of your basement. If you want to finish a large basement, it will cost considerably more to put in expensive molding than it would for a smaller basement. If you have the cash, no worries. But if you’re trying to save a bit of money, keep in mind that more square footage might mean a more bare finish. Ask around and do your research to ensure you’re hiring a reputable company and/or contractor.

Bathrooms

Having a full bath in your basement adds significant resale value to your home, but it’s one of the biggest expenses of finishing the space. However, you really don’t want to skimp on bathroom installation.

Egress Windows

You’re legally required to have at least one egress window in all bedroom spaces. If you don’t have a way out of the basement other than the existing stairs, you’ll need to build one—and that’s a job for the pros.

Flooring Options

Flooring can quickly add to the cost to finish a basement. Choose from laminate, carpet, or engineered wood, and expect to add one or two thousand dollars to your total costs. Staining the existing concrete floor, though, can actually be a very versatile and stylish option—and it’ll save you hundreds of dollars. (You can always add a rug!)
The key to determining the cost to finish a basement is accurate planning and budgeting. Know what you want, what you can afford, and whether or not you’d be able to do the work yourself.

GIna writes on behalf of Sooner State Siding and Windows, a leading home remodeling company based in Oklahoma. You can visit their website at http://www.soonersidingwindows.com/siding.html