When considering finishing your basement, take into account a few pros and cons:
Pros
Can increase the value of your home
Separate space from the rest of the house
Customize and personalize the basement to suit your needs and style
Increase the amount of living space in your home
Cons
May not regain enough value to cover the cost of finishing
Lack of natural light if it’s below ground level
Moisture or flooding can cause costly damage
Installing plumbing and electrical can be messy and costly
Although homeowners often use the terms basement remodeling and basement finishing interchangeably, they are quite different terms.
Finishing a basement is the process of taking a basement space that is not habitable and adding elements to make it usable. This includes adding plumbing, flooring, and insulation.
Remodeling a basement means taking an already existing finished basement and changing it, often by adding or removing walls, adding plumbing, or changing the existing flooring.
Walkout basements are not generally included in a home’s square footage, although they may be if they meet certain conditions that depend on local regulations. A finished walkout basement used as a living space may be counted toward square footage in some locations as long as all codes for livable space are met.
Yes, you can add a door to your basement—it might even be required, depending on building codes in your area and whether or not you’re using the basement as a bedroom. A basement contractor can give you some advice on installation and help you add a door to your basement.
Adding an extension or addition to your home costs more than a loft conversion in all but the rarest cases where the home's structural integrity is lacking. Because a home addition requires a new foundation section or significant structural upgrades to handle a cantilevered portion, the cost compared to almost any loft conversion is significantly greater for the same square footage.
The Penasco, NM homeowners’ guide to basement remodels
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
A basement bar can add value to your home and serve as a great place to entertain. Use this guide on the cost to build a bar in your basement to get started.