How Much Does It Cost to Finish a Basement in Phoenix, AZ? [2026 Data]

Basement remodel costs depend on your project and location. Check with a local pro for your specific job.

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Cost Insights
  • The cost to finish a basement in Phoenix, AZ, is $25 to $65 per square foot.

  • Completing a half-finished basement costs about half as much as a full finishing project.

  • Laying floors in your basement will cost $4,000 to $10,000, depending on materials.

  • Working with a local basement remodeling pro ensures quality work and a higher return on investment of 65% to 75%.

Phoenix, AZ’s cost of living is on par with the national average, which means midrange pricing on major home projects like finishing or remodeling a basement. The average cost to finish a basement in Phoenix, AZ, is $33,056, but depending on the scope of the project, materials, add-ons, and local labor rates, your total cost could range anywhere between $15,495 and $77,475.

Finishing a Basement Cost Factors 

The most important cost factor for basement finishing in Phoenix, AZ, is project scope, but square footage, material choices, permit fees, and other factors will influence the final price.

Project Scope

Your final basement finishing cost relies on your starting point. In some cases, you might not even have an unfinished basement to work with, so you’ll have to factor in the cost to build one. On the other hand, you might already have a built or semi-built space that just needs remodeling to turn it from an unfinished to a finished basement.

Project TypeAverage CostCost per Sq. Ft.Description
Finishing an unfinished basement$15,000–$75,000$21–$65Includes a new foundation
Finishing a half-finished basement$20,000–$50,000$25–$50Smaller scope (e.g., movie room or laundry area)
Remodeling a finished basement$12,500–$37,500$30–$50Cost depends on rooms and additions like kitchenette or laundry room

Square Footage

Basement finishing costs vary by size, with larger spaces increasing total project costs.

Basement Size (Sq. Ft.)Average Cost
500$12,500–$32,500
750$18,750–$48,750
1,000$25,000–$65,000
1,500$37,500–$97,500
2,000$50,000–$130,000

Basement finishing costs $25 to $65 per square foot in Phoenix, AZ, so the larger the space, the more you’ll spend to turn it into a cozy den or welcoming guest suite. Finishing a smaller, 500-square-foot basement will cost $12,500 to $32,500, while a larger, 1,500-square-foot basement will cost $37,500 to $97,500.

Materials

The materials you choose will play a major role in your overall basement finishing cost, with prices varying based on quality, durability, and design preferences. Higher-end materials and finishes will raise your total cost, while standard options help keep the project within budget, so it’s important to balance where to spend and save.

  • Flooring: Typically costs $4,000 to $10,000 total (around $5,000 for 500 sq. ft.), with hardwood reaching up to $25 per square foot and carpet or laminate ranging from $3.50 to $11 per square foot.

  • Paint: A professional paint job costs an average of $2,000, while DIY paint runs $35 to $100 per gallon (averaging $40 per gallon).

  • Egress Windows: Egress windows cost $2,700 to $5,900 each, including installation, though permits and excavation can increase costs, and they add natural light and value to the space.

  • Door Installation: Exterior basement entrances cost $600 to $1,800, while interior doors range from $400 to $900 each. Exterior access is particularly useful for guest suites.

3 basement finishing costs, with materials being 70% of the total cost

Sump Pump Installation

A sump pump will cost $150 to $1,500 to install. This system is crucial for, you guessed it, pumping out large volumes of water that might accumulate from rain, a bad plumbing day, or any other event that could lead to flooding.

Waterproofing

To avoid soggy stuffed animals and wet carpet, waterproofing your basement will cost an additional $4,400 on average, or $2 to $10 per square foot. Your final basement waterproofing cost depends on the method you use and the extent of work required. Depending on your local climate, there may be a best time of year to finish your basement, since waterproofing can’t always be done in all temperatures. For the best results, find a basement waterproofing contractor near you.

Building Permits and Code Requirements

Acquiring the necessary building permits will make up $500 to $1,500 of your total cost to finish a basement. There are also additional fees for electrical and plumbing work, which you’ll likely need for your basement remodel project. A contractor will usually include this in your service package, but if you’re handling the building yourself, be sure to factor it into your budget.

General Contractor Costs

The best way to ensure compliance with finished basement building codes and a great result is to hire a local basement remodeling team in Phoenix, AZ. Working with pros ensures quality work, proper permitting, and most importantly, a beautiful, high-value basement. On average, the labor cost of hiring basement finishing pros in Phoenix, AZ, is $40 to $100 per hour.

Additional Pros to Consider Hiring 

You’ll also need to budget for labor costs for the other pros you hire to finish a basement:

  • Electricians: Connect power to the basement, charging $50 to $130 per hour.

  • Plumbers: Install fixtures, water, and sewage lines for $45 to $200 per hour.

  • HVAC Techs: Install heating, air conditioning, and ventilation, costing $24 to $40 per hour.

  • Drywall Installers: Add walls and ceilings after framing is in place, costing $60 to $90 per hour.

  • Painters: Put the finishing touches on your finished basement for $25 to $60 per hour, per painter.

Does Finishing a Basement Increase Home Value?

You’ll see a big jump in home value from finishing a basement in Phoenix, AZ. Exact figures vary widely depending on the square footage that the basement adds, the quality of the work, and the finishes and add-ons you choose. Depending on these factors, you can expect this project to yield a return on investment (ROI) of 65% to 75%.

How Angi Gets Its Local Cost Data 

To help homeowners plan their next project, Angi provides readers with carefully researched cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We start with national average project costs, which we collect by analyzing competitor information, retailer material costs, and input from professional contractors. We then apply local price index data to calculate location-specific estimates that reflect what homeowners typically pay in their local area. To do that, we use data from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), including its Regional Price Parities (RPPs), which measure price differences across cities. This helps us account for differences in labor, materials, and overall cost of living, so estimates in higher- or lower-cost areas better reflect real-world local pricing.

Every estimate undergoes a thorough editorial review to verify accuracy, consistency, and alignment with observed market conditions.

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.

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