Converting a crawlspace to a completely finished basement costs $50 per square foot on average with a typical range of $30 to $75 per square foot. Adding 2,000 square feet under your home runs $60,000 to $150,000. Expanding an existing partial basement into a full one might run $20,000 to $70,000.
How much does it cost to add a basement?
How Much Does a Basement Cost? Unfinished Basement, New Construction: $10-$25+ a Square Foot Finished Basement, New Construction: $30-$100+ a Square Foot Adding Basement to Existing House: $30,000-$70,000+
How much does it cost to convert a partial basement to full?
The average cost to convert a partial basement to a full basement averages $40,000 to $120,000. It is common for older homes to have partial basements. This means they may have a cellar or a foundation beneath one part of the home and a slab foundation or crawl space beneath another portion.
How much does it cost to frame a basement with insulation?
It costs $1,795 on average to frame a basement, not including insulation and drywall. Framing costs approximately $7 to $16 per linear foot on its own, but $20 to $30 per linear foot with drywall. The cost of insulation is $1,650 when using 3.5-inch batt and roll barriers.
How much does it cost to install basement shelving?
The cost to install basement shelving ranges from $1,500 to $4,000. Basement shelving takes on many forms and appearances. You can have custom built-in shelves surrounding an entertainment center. You can also have simple metal shelving installed to hold items for storage.
What to do if your basement is not high enough?
What do I need to use my basement for?
Do you need money to finish a basement?
Do you need permission to expand your basement?
Is a basement watertight?
Can you expand a basement into habitable conditions?
Can you use a basement as a games room?
See more
Can you make an existing basement bigger?
If you've outgrown your living space, knowing how to plan a basement extension can be a fantastic way to make the most of the home you already have. Not only can this type of project add space and value to your house, but it has the potential to transform how you use it, too.
Is it cheaper to build up or a basement?
Generally speaking, building up tends to be less expensive than a basement. That said, not too long ago, lumber was at an all-time high and basements were the better option. Check with your builder and they can advise you on the pros, cons, and cost of each.
Is it worth digging out a basement?
Even so, digging out a basement can be worth it. With generous ceiling height, it'll feel like an integral part of the house and not just a finished basement. Sometimes, it is the only way to get additional space in your house and can be well worth it.
How much does it cost to make a basement deeper?
between $50,000 and $90,000Can you make your basement deeper? If you don't have a crawl space but a partial basement you want to make deeper, you can expect to spend a little less—between $50,000 and $90,000 on average.
Can you add bedrooms to a basement?
So, can you use your basement as a bedroom? In short, yes. You can use your basement as a bedroom, but you have to ensure that it complies with the proper building codes. Basement living spaces require an emergency exit and rescue openings, also known as an egress code.
How do I convert my basement into a room?
1:374:19Interior Design — How To Turn Your Basement Into A Bright BedroomYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd we just got some simple roman blinds for the smaller windows. And we chose drapes for theMoreAnd we just got some simple roman blinds for the smaller windows. And we chose drapes for the entrance into the laundry. Room that's right which doesn't close it off keeps it still bedroomy.
Do basement conversions add value?
Boost Your Home's Value There is no reason your basement conversion should not add serious value to your home. It is generally accepted that it can add from 10% to 20%.
How do you add an existing basement?
You will need to provide new foundation walls for your new addition. If your existing basement does not already match the footprint of the house above, you may decide to add new foundation walls underneath the exterior walls of your house, replacing any existing crawl space or post foundation.
What is benching a basement?
Bench footing is a process through which you can lower the basement and provide extra structural support to the foundation. There is no need to dig under the foundation in order to provide extra height to the basement.
Can a basement be added to an existing house?
Basements are great for providing increased storage, space for entertainment, and resale value. The average cost to build a full 2,000-square-foot basement with no existing crawlspace is around $110,000. If you already have a crawlspace, you can add a basement for about $45,000.
Can I lower the floor in my basement?
The most common method to lower the basement floor is doing basement underpinning. This requires digging beneath the footings of the home (the concrete that distributes the foundation load) and building additional concrete beneath the current foundation.
Can I excavate my own basement?
It's most certainly not possible on your own. There are many different reasons to avoid digging out your crawl space, whether you're hoping to do it yourself or with an expert's help, including these. Structural instability is one of the biggest reasons you might want to avoid digging out your crawl space.
How much does it cost to add a basement to a house?
Adding a basement to an existing house can cost $30,000-$70,000 or more, depending on the size of the existing crawlspace or half-basement or if the house is on a slab foundation, and how much of the work is do-it-yourself and how much is done by contractors.
How much does it cost to build a safe room in a basement?
Having a prefabricated safe room (a welded steel box, a steel skeleton with steel planks or a prefabricated unit that is bolted together on site) installed in a basement can cost $3,000-$20,000 or more, depending on materials and size.
How deep should a house foundation be?
In colder parts of the country, a home's foundation must be below the frost line, which can require digging down several feet (typically about 2.5'-5', depending on location). In those areas, adding a basement during new house construction may require only a few more feet of digging to create a usable basement area.
Why is basement not feasible?
In some areas a basement is not feasible because of a high water table or unusual soil conditions (particularly in coastal or marshy areas, or in many parts of Texas, Oklahoma and Arkansas); the cost of excavating through solid rock; or because there is frequent earthquake activity.
What is included in a finished basement?
A finished basement typically includes all of that plus flooring, walls, ceilings, drywall, windows, and additional waterproofing and more in order to provide ...
Can you use a basement as a tornado shelter?
Although traditionally residents of tornado-prone areas have been told to take shelter in a basement if a storm shelter is not available, a basement does not necessarily function as a good tornado shelter unless the basement has been designed and reinforced for that purpose.
How much does it cost to remodel a basement?
The average cost to finish a basement is $32 to $47 per square foot or between $22,000 and $46,000. A 500 sq. ft. basement remodel costs $20,000, and a 1,000 sq. ft. basement renovation is $38,000 on average. Prices depend on if it's an open-plan or with rooms and a kitchen.
How much does a 600 sq ft basement cost?
A 600-square foot basement finish costs $23,960 to $28,240 with average-quality materials.
How much does it cost to paint a basement ceiling?
The cost to paint an exposed basement ceiling is $1.16 per square foot for a smooth surface and $1.60 per sqft. for a rough surface. Spray painting will be 15% – 30% lower.
How many BTUs per square foot for a new HVAC unit?
New HVAC Unit – One ton of AC is required for every 400 – 600 square feet and homes typically require 30 to 60 BTUs per square foot. Buy according to how many BTUs and tons of AC you need.
How much does it cost to pour a basement foundation?
The basement foundation cost for 1,200 square feet is approx. $17,200. The average price to pour a concrete basement foundation is $11,560 or $9.64/SF for a 1,200-square-foot basement. This cost includes excavation, foundation, concrete, retaining walls, and backfill, but the final cost includes:
How much does it cost to add a bathroom to a basement?
The average cost to add a bathroom to a basement is $7,600 or between a range from $2,500 to $12,400. A basement bathroom addition can add 10% – 20% to the value of your home. Drainage and plumbing will be your two most significant cost factors. For a small basement, a half-bath with no shower or tub is adequate, while a bedroom suite needs a full bathroom.
How much does it cost to fix a crack in a concrete slab?
If your foundation is sinking, mudjacking costs $3 to $6 per square foot to raise the slab.
How much does a basement permit cost?
A building permit can cost about $1,350 on average. The price depends on your geographic location, basement size, and the scope of the project. The price of a permit usually includes any required inspection fees. If your basement project involves plumbing or electrical work, or it entails making the space livable, you’ll need a permit. Plumbing and electrical work need to be up to code to ensure proper drainage and prevent blown fuses, short circuits, and fires. Beginning a basement remodel without a permit risks being issued a stop-work order from the city and paying fines and additional fees. You may even have to remove the unpermitted work before you can resume the work. If you ever need to file an insurance claim on the remodeled area, the insurance company may request copies of the work permits, or they might deny the claim. The process of selling the property may also require copies of any remodeling permits. It’s always better to acquire the necessary permits when beginning a basement remodel.
How much does it cost to waterproof a basement?
Waterproofing a basement costs approximately $4,500. If there is existing water damage, add $2,850 for basement drainage repair. Water leakage in the basement can cause severe damage, and this damage can lead to mold and mildew growth, which can pose significant health threats.
Why do you need to finish a basement?
Finishing a basement will help you and your home become more energy efficient. An unfinished basement typically allows air to escape and enter the house, and this will affect heating and cooling costs. Drywall, insulation, and new flooring will help keep the temperature regulated so your HVAC system doesn’t have to work overtime to keep the space cool in the warmer months and warm in the wintertime.
How much does it cost to install a sump pump in a basement?
The type of soil surrounding the home will determine the need for a sump pump, as certain soil types don’t drain as effectively as others. If you live in an area prone to flooding, a sump pump might be necessary as well. The average price for a sump pump installation is $575.
How much does an egress window cost in a basement?
An egress window provides an alternate escape route from the area in case of a fire or other emergency. An egress window costs $3,900 on average, and the egress window must be up to code.
What is a partially finished basement?
A partially finished basement is sometimes called a half-finished basement. It could contain bathrooms, showers, a laundry room, exercise equipment, or furniture. It may have some drywall installed, rough-in plumbing, insulation, and heating and cooling.
How much does it cost to install 500 sq ft of flooring?
The cost of 500 square feet of flooring typically runs $3,000. For hardwood, expect to pay up to $22 per square foot and between $3 and $11 per square foot for laminate and carpeting. It’s crucial to install moisture barriers for basement flooring to protect it from damage.
Basement Cost
According to Jason, the price of basement installation ranges from $10 to $35 dollars per square feet. If you have a basement that is an average size of 1000 square feet, the grand cost of it would be in between $10,000 to $35,000 dollars.
Save From The Cost
As far as you’ve read earlier, the best way to save on building a basement would have to be the do-it-yourself revolution in basement building. There are a lot of good contractors out there, but those are just for people who may not have all the time in the world to do a basement project.
Average cost of a basement renovation
Basement renovations typically run around $18,400, according to Home Advisor. But like all projects, the total cost will depend on the size of your space, the materials you choose and the cost of labor in your area.
Compare financing options for renovating a basement
You have a variety of financing options to finish your basement, including credit cards, personal loans and HELOCs.
What factors do I need to consider when renovating my basement?
Less expensive materials and doing it yourself will reduce the total cost of your basement renovation. Just keep in mind that certain projects — like working with plumbing or electricity — will likely require a professional.
What other costs should I consider?
Beyond the material costs for your basement, there are three other areas that will eat up your budget:
Bottom line
The cost of finishing your basement will depend on its current condition and the updates you’d like to make. The less finished the space, the more it will cost to turn it into a cozy hideaway.
Frequently asked questions
Most experts recommend setting aside 5% to 10% of your budget for run-of-the-mill projects. But because there may be hidden issues in your basement — mold, mildew and structural problems are common — it might make sense to have a larger contingency.
Kellye Guinan
Kellye Guinan is a seasoned financial writer with over 500 articles under her belt spanning all things loans from auto to personal to business and everything in between. With four years in the field and five years of research experience, she's able to make complex personal finance decisions easier for anyone to tackle.
How much does it cost to enlarge a basement window?
Cost to Enlarge a Basement Window. The cost to enlarge a basement window ranges from $4,000 to $7,000. You cannot enlarge all basement windows, however. If you have a window well 5, it can be difficult to clear enough earth from the foundation to expand the window.
How much does it cost to remodel a basement?
The cost of a basement remodel is between $30 and $90 per square foot. This depends on several factors, including the remodel type, material quality, and basement condition. Most remodels begin with a finished basement, but sometimes, your basement may need more work before it can be used as a living space.
What is basement finishing?
Basement finishing and basement remodeling sound similar but are different projects. If your basement is currently in its original condition, meaning the walls and floors are concrete but the wiring and plumbing are exposed, your basement is unfinished. The basement should be waterproofed and given surface finishing. This means a basement “finishing system” or drywalling 1 the walls and laying flooring. Finishing usually means turning the space into a waterproof and usable area without a real purpose. It can be a bonus room, storage room, or rumpus room for kids, but it has no single purpose.
What to do with a partially finished basement?
Basement remodels transform a basic finished basement into living areas that may include living rooms, bedrooms, bathrooms, home offices, or other spaces.
How much does it cost to paint a basement ceiling?
The cost to paint a basement ceiling averages $900 to $1,200. These costs assume the ceiling is drywall and you are painting the entire ceiling. If the basement is broken into smaller rooms, you may not need to paint the ceilings in the entire space. Also, many ceiling systems for basements are not designed for paint, including those made with PET felt and other acoustic materials. If you have an exposed ceiling, it may be painted, but this varies and may impact the final costs.
What is basement remodel?
A basement remodel gives that space purpose. It may divide the basement into different rooms, creating bedrooms, bathrooms, living rooms, exercise rooms, and home offices. Or, it may simply complete the space for a single purpose, such as an entertainment room or home gym.
How much does it cost to convert a basement to a gym?
The cost to convert a basement to a gym averages $2,500 to $5,000. Basement-to-gym conversions are common and easy to do. Rubber gym floors are inexpensive and can be installed DIY, but you can have slightly more expensive gym flooring installed by a professional. While good lights and mirrors are recommended in home gyms, they are not always necessary. The conversion - before the cost of the gym equipment - is easy and inexpensive. Because there are many types and ways to make a home gym, expensive equipment is not necessary for every setup.
What to do if your basement is not high enough?
If your current basement does not have enough head height, then you will need to dig down. This is one of the most expensive types of conversion, and you should consider wisely before calling in your basement conversion experts.
What do I need to use my basement for?
Lighting. If you wish to use your basement for anything more than storage, you will need light. Where possible a natural source of light is preferred, like the windows you find in basement dwellings. A dark space is not an inviting space, so ensure that you use lighting appropriately.
Do you need money to finish a basement?
Many people forget that the cost of finishing your basement does not end when your work has been completed by builders. Asides the possible surveys you may need and the actual building work, you will need money to complete your new rooms. If you are adding a bathroom, this is an added expense; a kitchen is another.
Do you need permission to expand your basement?
Unless you live in a listed building, you will not necessarily need to apply for permission to expand your basement. If you have a party wall however, you will need to inform the neighbours. They have the right to oppose your plans, and disputes can occur.
Is a basement watertight?
Depending on the age and situation of your build, your basement may not be watertight and indeed not suitable for habitable space without adding a damp course layer. In this article instead of providing an estimate for the total cost of you conversion, we will concentrate on the different elements that will all be part of the final bill.
Can you expand a basement into habitable conditions?
If you are looking for the cost to expand basement space into habitable conditions, there is no one answer. You can spend a little or a lot. The end results will be reflected in the amount you spend. If you simply decide to use your basement and paint it and put some flooring down, you could be in for a nasty shock. Depending on the age and situation of your build, your basement may not be watertight and indeed not suitable for habitable space without adding a damp course layer. In this article instead of providing an estimate for the total cost of you conversion, we will concentrate on the different elements that will all be part of the final bill.
Can you use a basement as a games room?
Even if you are only going to use your basement as a games room, you will need to buy flooring, furniture, and complete your basement space . Before going ahead with a basement conversion, think about all the expenses they are and decide on your budget.
