Giving your basement a facelift is often an exciting yet daunting undertaking for many homeowners. A finished basement translates to extra living space in your home as well as an increase in property value. However, basement remodel costs typically run anywhere between a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands of dollars or even higher. With such a vast range to work with, getting an accurate ballpark figure for your project is challenging. What factors come into play when calculating the cost?
Factors to Consider When Calculating Basement Finishing Cost
Remodeling a basement typically entails changing the layout and installing new finish materials. It could also involve changing the purpose of the space for instance by installing a master room or a kitchen. Since there cannot be a standard cost for the project, take a look at the factors to weigh when budgeting:
- Contractor Costs: While a DIY project could reduce costs, in many cases it may not be practical. Contractor rates vary by location and area of specialty. Electrical, design, and plumbing rates are often the highest. To avoid surprises, get a full description quote from a seasoned contractor.
- Project Scope: A major factor affecting cost has to do with what the project involves. If you plan to install new plumbing or add rooms, the cost will reflect these extra features. To illustrate, installing a wet bar costs between $6,000 and $22,500 while a master suite can run up to $25,000. Projects that have to incorporate egress windows (exit points) will also incur higher costs.
- Size and Condition of the Space: Finishing a large basement of up to 4,000 square feet can set you back up to $300,000. On the other hand, a basement of less than 1,000 square feet could be below $10,000. In addition to size, another factor is the state of your basement. Before the remodel project begins, a contractor has to address such issues as moisture and mold, which will increase costs.
- Permits: Local authorities typically require permits for projects that involve wiring, installing new plumbing, or altering the structure of your basement. The figure ranges from $100 all the way to $2,000 depending on location.
Calculating Average Cost to Remodel Basement
The national average basement remodel cost can vary between $35,000 and $40,000 depending on various factors Based on the above factors, your total project cost can run as low as $15,000 or as high as $75,000. Almost every remodel project will include flooring (between $1,000 and $35,000) and paint ($1,250 and $3,500). Other mandatory costs include drywall ($1, 500 to $8,000), framing ($1,000 to $4,500), and insulation ($1,500 to $4,500). Installing windows could run up to $7,000 while new plumbing and electricals could cost up to $20,000 and $15,000 respectively.
How to Save on Basement Remodeling Cost
Before initiating your project, conduct a thorough assessment of the space to address any underlying issues. Doing so will reduce the potential waste that comes with redoing work because of a problem that skipped attention. Avoid making changes after the project begins as these will involve altering the plans, which will incur extra costs. Finally, choose a single reputable remodeling contractor to handle the entire project rather than subcontract it to multiple parties. This will eliminate the inconvenience of different pricing rates, making it easier to get an accurate ballpark estimate.
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