Basement remodel costs depend on your project and location. Check with a local pro for your specific job.
Basement finishing costs an average of $10 to $30 per square foot in St. Louis, MO.
Small, 500-square-foot basements could cost as little as $3,000.
General contractors in St. Louis, MO, charge $50 to $150 per hour.
Basement finishing offers a return on investment (ROI) of $60 to 80%.
Thanks to its lower cost of living compared to the national average, St. Louis, MO, has lower costs for projects like refinishing a basement. The cost to refinish a basement in St. Louis, MO, ranges from $14,265 to $71,325, or $30,432 on average. You’ll pay more or less depending on the scope of the project, the size of the basement, materials, labor rates, and a few other cost factors.
There are many factors that affect the cost to finish a basement in St. Louis, MO, including project scope, size, materials, permits, waterproofing, and more.
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 Type | Average Cost | Cost per Sq. Ft. | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Finishing an unfinished basement | $50,000–$100,000 | $30–$50 | Includes a new foundation |
| Finishing a half-finished basement | $25,000–$65,000 | $10–$30 | Smaller scope (e.g., movie room or laundry area) |
| Remodeling a finished basement | $65,000–$140,000 | $10–$50 |
Basement finishing costs vary by size, with larger spaces increasing total project costs.
| Basement Size (Sq. Ft.) | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| 500 | $3,000–$15,000 |
| 750 | $7,500–$22,500 |
| 1,000 | $10,000–$30,000 |
| 1,500 | $13,000–$45,000 |
| 2,000 | $20,000–$60,000 |
Basement finishing costs $10 to $30 per square foot in St. Louis, MO, so the larger the space, the more you’ll spend to turn it into a cozy den or welcoming guest suite. A smaller, 500-square-foot basement will cost $3,000 to $15,000 total, while a large, 1,500-square-foot basement will cost $13,000 to $45,000 to finish.
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 $1,500 to $4,500 total (around $3,000 for 500 sq. ft.), with hardwood reaching up to $20 per square foot and carpet or laminate ranging from $3.50 to $11 per square foot.
Paint: A professional paint job costs around $750, while DIY paint runs $20 to $70 per gallon (averaging $25 per gallon).
Egress Windows: Egress windows cost $1,500 to $5,000 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 $800 to $15,000, while interior doors range from $200 to $800 each if you want to add value with a basement room. Exterior access is particularly useful for guest suites.
A sump pump will cost $1,400 to $2,000 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.
To avoid soggy stuffed animals and wet carpet, waterproofing your basement will cost an additional $3,000 to $10,000, or $3 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.
Acquiring the necessary building permits will add $1,200 to $2,000 to your total cost to finish a basement. In St. Louis, MO, permit fees scale with the total cost of 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.
It’s always worth hiring a St. Louis, MO, basement remodeling company for major projects such as this. These professionals have the proper licenses, will pull permits on your behalf, work according to finished basement code requirements, and most importantly, will ensure the job is done right the first time. Hiring a basement finishing pro will cost $50 to $150 per hour in St. Louis, MO.
There are a few other professionals to hire for your basement finishing project, including:
Electricians: Ensure safe, reliable power to the basement, charging $50 to $150 per hour.
Plumbers: Install fixtures, connect water, and add sewage lines or drains for $45 to $150 per hour.
HVAC techs: Install and connect heating, air conditioning, and ventilation, costing $70 to $150 per hour.
Drywall installers: Add walls and ceilings after framing is in place, costing $40 to $100 per hour.
Painters: Put the finishing touches on your finished basement for $35 to $75 per hour.
Finishing the basement in your St. Louis, MO, home is a great way to boost property value. You could see a return on investment (ROI) of 60% to 80% from this project, and a home sale price increase of 10% to 20%, depending on project specifics. Considering the high value of a finished basement, this is a good choice for anyone looking to speed up the future sale of their home.
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.
They did a really good job waterproofing my basement. The crew was professional, arrived on time, and explained the entire process before getting started, and completed the job with great attention to detail. It's clear they take pride in their work. I'd definitely recommend...
General Installation SystemsHired P & P to update a rental property. They were very professional quick with a quote time response. Very reasonable and fair pricing for all the work done at property. As they began work they fixed and updated things that weren't on quote highly impressed with all their work. Very...
P&P General ContractorsWe could not have been more pleased with our experience with Dana King! This is the design / build / remodel firm you are looking for. We felt taken care of throughout the experience from the initial discussions through to the end. Dana and her project managers guided us through the remodel,...
Dana King Design-Build and RemodelingI think the process was fine. Whenever we called we were able to get what we needed. The guys came in and finished doing the electrical for my basement in 1.5 days. Happy so far with everything.
Innovate ElectricWe have used Birkenmeier and sons for several construction jobs at our home in Clayton. Each time, they did a great job and exceeded our expectations.Al was great communicating throughout the projects. He is detail oriented and provided highest quality work. He is experienced and able to help...
I was extremely pleased with not only the finished product but also in the communication with Tom throughout the whole process. He worked diligently and updated me throughout his work. Also provided many helpful ideas on my remodel. Would certainly recommend!
Quality Carpentry and Remodeling LLCWe hired Brian to mud a previous door entrance that we had installed dry wall on. He was fast and extremely courteous. Heâ s been very responsive when my wife and I text him about future projects, costs, etc., which helps because we our first time home owners. We will definitely be hiring...
TNC Painting & Remodeling LLCOutstanding customer service and didn’t push me into spending more than I needed. Gave me a great deal on my basement repair. Gave me a great repair solution and it seems to be holding back all the water. With the ton of rain, my basement is dry. Would call them again for other repairs I need.
Stratum Structural SystemsSuperb job on my basement floor and ceiling.
They also replace 3 basement windows, one upstairs window and installed E-shield insulation. I will use them again for more home improvements in the future.
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Find out the average basement remodel cost in St. Louis, MO. Learn what you can expect to pay for local basement finishing and plan your renovation budget.
Need to fix basement water problems or safeguard your home in St. Louis, MO from damage in the future? Use this basement waterproofing cost guide to budget appropriately.
Finishing an attic can make a great addition to your home. This guide breaks down the cost to finish an attic in St. Louis, MO, including labor, materials, and more.
When it comes to creating a downstairs oasis, knowing who to hire to finish your basement is key. Here's how to find the best professional for the job.
Ready to transform your lower level? Learn about basement finishing costs, design ideas, and how to hire a local basement remodeling contractor for the job.
A finished basement adds valuable living space to your home. Learn how much value a finished basement adds to your home and what affects your return on investment.
