How Much Does a Basement Remodel Cost? [2026 Data]

If you have already invested in a finished basement, it may be time to consider upgrading with a remodel. Basement remodel costs range anywhere from $3,250 on the low end to $57,000 on the high end, though most homeowners spend an average of $22,879. Basement remodeling is a popular home improvement project that offers a significant return on investment (ROI). This project can provide anything from extra living space or a new guest suite with a bathroom to a home gym and entertainment area.

Basement Remodel Cost Factors

To estimate the cost of your next basement remodel, consider the following cost factors.

Basement Remodel Cost by Size

Unsurprisingly, a larger basement will be more expensive to remodel. An average basement remodel can cost anywhere from $30 to $75 per square foot. However, higher-end remodels with luxury features can creep over $120 per square foot.

Cost to Hire a General Contractor

A general contractor would be the professional of choice for such a large project. They will have access to other pros as needed—electricians, architects, plumbers, etc., so you should only have to deal with one point person. General contractors charge between 10% and 25% of the total project cost as their fee. It’s rare for a general contractor to charge hourly for such a large job.

Electrician Costs

If you’re changing how your basement is used, you may need to hire an electrician to wire lighting, outlets, and more. Some common tasks for an electrician during a basement remodel include:

• Adding outlets: $100–$450 each

• Installing a light switch: $60–$300 each

• Adding light fixtures: $150–$900 each

Plumber Costs

Adding a bathroom, kitchenette, or laundry area to your basement means you’ll need to hire a plumber. Plumber’s costs may include:

• Toilet installation: $225–$530

• Adding a sink: $215–$660

• Installing a shower: $1,100–$8,500

Additional Pros to Consider Hiring

Depending on the details of your basement remodel, you may need to hire some additional pros to complete the project. 

• HVAC contractor: $2,000–$3,000

• Structural engineer: $70–$250 per hour

• Egress window installer: $2,700–$5,900

Cost to Remodel a Basement by Location

While all basements are underground, location matters a great deal. You can often scale the cost of the remodel by the cost of living (COL) for the area, adding a premium for hard-to-access areas like tight basement stairwells in New York City or San Francisco.

Remember that the least expensive options will be in the suburbs, between 30 minutes and two hours from a major city. Outside of that zone, you’ll pay surcharges for travel. Also, basements are not common in every city and state. So the fewer basements in the area, the higher the quote is likely to be. Local climate can also make a difference—depending on how busy contractors are each season, there may be a best time of the year to remodel your basement that could save on some project costs.

Additional Basement Remodel Cost Factors

A basement remodel goes far beyond putting up drywall and rolling out the beige carpet. It is a complicated procedure that involves a number of cost factors. Consider the below aspects before signing off on a construction contract. 

Features

If you have an already finished basement, the sky is really the limit in terms of remodeling possibilities. Depending on your needs and budget, this often-forgotten space can be transformed into nearly anything that could be found on the upper levels of your home. Adding a bathroom or bedroom can add value to your home, but you can also turn your basement into a wine cellar or home theater.

With that in mind, the cost of remodeling your basement is only limited by your imagination—and your budget.

According to data from Angi, about 26% of homeowners want to add a bathroom to their basement. Roughly 19% want to add a bedroom, 13% want storage, and 11% want a laundry room.

Permits and Inspections

Make sure to budget permits as part of your basement renovation costs. While the specifics will depend on the county or city where you reside, most basement remodel permits range from $500 to $2,000.

If you are working with an experienced company, they will typically take care of obtaining permits, but be sure to read the details of your contract and verify this piece.

Framing

If you're framing an unfinished basement, you'll need to install framing for the walls. Expect to spend between $4 and $10 per square foot for professional installation. 

Insulation

Your basement may not need quite as much insulation as the rest of your home, depending on how much of it is protected by the surrounding earth. Adding insulation to a basement remodel averages between $1.50 and $2.50 per square foot. Remember that basement ventilation is also essential and could add to the price of insulating. 

Drywall

Once the framing is complete and the mechanicals are in place, the next step will be drywall at between $1.50 and $3 per square foot. 

Flooring

Keep moisture in mind when choosing a floor for your basement remodeling project. Common flooring choices include vinyl, vinyl laminate, tile, or carpet. Expect to spend between $3 and $11 per square foot for most basement floors and between $6 and $20 per square foot for tiled areas. 

Painting

No basement remodeling project is complete until the wall and ceiling are protected. The cost of a professional painting of walls, ceilings, and trim work in a basement averages $4.70 per square foot of finished space or $2.75 per square foot for just the walls.  

Mold Removal

Basements are prone to water damage. When removing drywall or flooring, you may find that mold has started to grow in your basement. If it’s a small amount of non-toxic mold, you can treat it yourself using a DIY mold removal method.

But if you need to jack the foundation or fix slab leaks, your costs may be higher. The average cost for foundation repair is between $2,000 and $7,100.

Asbestos Removal

Asbestos may be a concern during your remodel if your home was built before the 1980s and your basement has vinyl flooring or millboard installed between 1952 and 1982.

There’s no DIY test for it (nor should you try to test it on your own). If you’re at all worried about asbestos, it’s best to hire a local asbestos removal company. It is not something you should tackle on your own, as mishandling can lead to mesothelioma and other asbestos-related conditions.

If you have asbestos, you should expect to spend an average of $2,100 to remove it. 

Waterproofing

Turning a basement into living space means you need to keep moisture out to protect against mold and mildew. Several waterproofing methods are available to ensure water doesn't infiltrate your new basement remodel. The average cost of keeping water out ranges from $5 to $10 per square foot.

Foundation Repairs

If you notice cracks starting to develop behind your drywall or underneath your newly ripped-up flooring, it may be a sign that your foundation needs attention.

Minor repairs (like a small crack in the floor) are relatively affordable to fix, usually around $500.

But if you need to jack the foundation or fix leaks, your costs may be more. The average cost for foundation repair is between $2,000 and $7,100.

Why You Should Hire a Basement Remodeling Pro

Hiring a local basement remodeling pro may cost more upfront, but it ensures your project is completed safely, efficiently, and up to code. Basement remodeling often involves plumbing, electrical work, moisture management, and structural considerations—mistakes can be costly and cause long-term problems. Professionals have the tools, training, and expertise to transform your basement into a functional and comfortable living space.

Here’s why it’s ideal to hire a basement remodeling pro

Basement remodeling is a complex project that requires specialized skills and careful planning. Here are some of the top reasons to work with a pro:

• Contractors can design a layout that maximizes space while addressing moisture and egress requirements.

• Pros handle plumbing, electrical, and HVAC work safely and according to code.

• Experienced remodelers use professional tools and materials to ensure high-quality finishes.

• Professionals can identify hidden issues, such as water leaks, mold, or structural concerns, before they become major problems.

• Hiring a pro helps avoid costly mistakes and ensures your remodel is completed on time and within budget.

If you want to DIY prep for a basement remodel

You can do some prep work to make the process smoother and more cost-effective:

• Clear the basement of personal items, furniture, and storage boxes.

• Note any problem areas, such as damp spots, leaks, or uneven flooring, to share with the contractor.

• Ensure easy access to the basement, including stairs and doorways, for tools and materials.

• Take photos or measurements of the current space to provide helpful context for the remodel plan.

• Proper preparation combined with professional expertise helps ensure your basement remodel is safe, efficient, and results in a space you’ll love.

Remodeling vs. Renovating a Basement

Homeowners looking for a total overhaul—either by choice or due to unforeseen damage—would be better off going for a remodel. This involves removing key elements and making large changes to the room such as adding walls or a bathroom. This is the more expensive option but can completely transform your space.

A renovation is a lower-cost option that can still have a large impact, albeit more visual than structural. A renovation may involve painting, changing the flooring, and removing a piece of drywall or two. Basement renovations are a great choice for homeowners who want to spruce up the space but don’t want to undergo major construction. 

How to Save Money on Basement Remodeling Costs

While the cost of finishing your basement includes a significant investment, a finished basement can add value to your home. However, there are several ways to save money and budget for your basement remodeling costs to maximize the investment.

• Obtain at least three price estimate bids for the project from different contractors. Avoid choosing a company that offers hugely discounted pricing, as the deal is likely not what it appears. 

• Balance your finish and fixtures between basic and luxurious as your budget allows. 

• Perform some of the preparation work, such as demolition, yourself.

• DIY the finish trim work and painting if possible. 

• Work with a designer that can work with the existing plumbing and electrical to minimize those costs. 

• Don't bother finishing the space around things like the furnace and water heater—simply wall them off and account for adequate access. 

• Be creative at the recycled building materials store and try incorporating some reused and bargain materials into your design.

Does Remodeling a Basement Increase Home Value?

Basement remodeling offers a return on investment, or ROI, of around 70%, making it a worthwhile project. Also, having the extra space to work, play, or welcome out-of-town guests can help everyone feel a bit more relaxed. For potential buyers, a remodeled basement is a very attractive aspect of a home (which is reflected in the ROI).

Families with young children or kids in college will especially appreciate the separate space that often feels detached from the main house. A 70% ROI is one of the highest returns for a home improvement project, and the increase in serious buyers may even allow you to collect multiple quotes, turning your house sale into a “seller’s market” gem.

How Angi Gets Its Cost Data

Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We’ve surveyed thousands of real Angi customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects. 

Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to [email protected]. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.