The $67,000 Finished Basement in Crown Point, IN

Aka the Under-Budget Basement

A collage featuring a white bookshelf, wood floors, and an LED recessed lighting fixture. Overlay says “$67,000 - Crown Point, IN”.
Photo: chatgpt / NAKphotos / pattonmania / Getty Images
A collage featuring a white bookshelf, wood floors, and an LED recessed lighting fixture. Overlay says “$67,000 - Crown Point, IN”.
Photo: chatgpt / NAKphotos / pattonmania / Getty Images
Nosy Neighbor
Written by Nosy Neighbor
Contributing Writer
Updated Jun 2, 2025
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Welcome to Nosy Neighbor, where we ask all the questions you can’t about home projects and money. From incredible deals to domestic dramas, we’re bringing you real stories—and the real numbers.

Want to (anonymously) share your own story? Let’s get honest, neighbor.

Age: 38

Location: Crown Point, Indiana

How much did you pay for your home?

$250,000–$500,000

What was the project, and why did you do it?

A dark sage green office with a double door closet that has a wooden shelf storage system.
Photo: Angi

Finishing a basement to add more liveable space to the home.

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How many quotes did you get? Did you price shop at all?

Four quotes

What did you think it was going to cost?

$68,650

What did it actually cost?

$67,919

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Why the difference?

A wetbar frames an egress window. The wetbar features drawer and cabinet storage with a butcher block topper.
Photo: Angi

We decided to buy the cabinet handles ourselves instead of having the contractor buy them.  

How did you get the money to pay for the project?

Savings

What did you splurge on that was totally worth it?

Two Murphy doors disguised as bookshelves open into an office and a bathroom. There is a navy blue slat accent wall on the right.
Photo: Angi

Murphy doors ($4,000), smart switches ($1,000), and soundproofing in the ceiling ($3,500).

What did you splurge on that totally wasn’t worth it?

Nothing really! We feel pretty good about pricing overall.

Did you cut any corners?

I don't think so.

What was the most surprising cost?

I wasn't surprised by much of it—we had done quite a bit of research.

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What was the most stressful, emotional, or exciting part of the project?

Our contractor was not as meticulous as we needed him to be, so we had to micromanage him. It was very stressful—and the project dragged out for two extra months. 

A quote: “Advocate for yourself 
if something isn't done exactly how 
you want it.”

Any advice?

Make sure you check your contractor’s work along the way. Advocate for yourself if something isn't done exactly how you want it. 

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Nosy Neighbor
Written by Nosy Neighbor
Contributing Writer
Nosy Neighbor is Angi’s anonymous column where we ask homeowners all the questions you can’t about home projects and money. From incredible deals to domestic dramas, Nosy Neighbor brings you real stories—and the real numbers.

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