"Amanda was really very good! At first I was very skeptical, thinking why did I pay money to just speak with someone on the phone about my kitchen remodel project... but after just a few minutes of her addressing some of the issues/questions I emailed to her earlier, I knew it was worth it. It was very clear that she knew her business and she gave me several ideas that I had not even thought about. I told her that I would definitely recommend her to friends and I will very likely use her again myself for my next home project!
Although it’s not required, air ventilation in a finished basement can help improve the air quality, prevent moisture and mold issues, keep musty odors away, and also maintain the air quality throughout the rest of your home. Proper ventilation will help maintain the value of your investment in finishing your basement. Try basement ventilation methods like installing vents or a dehumidifier for best results.
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
Anything having to do with the structure of your home, such as raising the ceiling, is usually the most expensive part of finishing a basement. Another project component that could be a surprisingly high expense is adding an exterior entrance.
It’s less expensive to finish your basement than it is to build an addition to your home. The average cost to refinish a basement is $32,000 (between $7 and $23 per square foot) while building an addition to your home costs $50,325 ($80 to $210 per square foot). Depending on the size of your basement and other factors, like moving plumbing and electrical, refinishing a basement is a more cost-effective option in most cases.
Roughing in and connecting utilities are the hardest parts of finishing a basement, and they’re the parts we typically don’t recommend doing as a DIY project. Unfortunately, your finishing timeline can be extended by weeks while you wait for contractors and inspectors to install electrical wiring, plumbing lines, and heating/cooling equipment and carry out inspections.
The Carlin, NV homeowners’ guide to basement remodels
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Hiring a bad basement remodeler can wreak havoc on the look and longevity of your unfinished space. Here are red flags to look for as you vet basement contractors.
