Cost of finished basement

[stenz]

Just wanted to see what contractors or people who have had their basements finished paid per sq feet.

I have a 1100 sq foot basement that I would like to get finished at some point. I was curious to see what it might cost me.

Thanks

[rondog]

I had someone give me an estimate for our itty bitty basement. I bet you'll shit bricks! Then go looking for how-to books and skilled friends.

[Great-Kazoo]

How finished? Full on ready to move friends & family down stairs. OR finished as in plumbing and electric roughed in, studs set and concrete resealed? Guestimate in the $10K range, not incl permits, fixtures, paint etc.

[asmo]

$27-$35 per sq ft. Is the going rate last time I checked (last year).

[stenz]

I would paint and do probably all the trim work. I can do some things just not frame, electrical, and drywall.

[Rooskibar03]

Coworker looking at similar size basement at was quoted 30k, fully finished with a full bathroom.

[flogger]

$27-$35 per sq ft. Is the going rate last time I checked (last year).


Yep, probably more. Lots of variables, permits, plans, product and people. Adds up fast.

[asmo]

Yep, probably more. Lots of variables, permits, plans, product and people. Adds up fast.

That number (27-35) was for a full basement, full electrical, carpeting, hardwood, bathroom, shower, full plumbing, drywall, texture, all permits.

Mine came out at $31/sqft.

[stenz]

Mine is already insulated and has roughed in plumbing. That might help cost some....

[NFATrustGuy]

I finally completed my basement project a little over a year ago. The quotes I was getting with very basic finish were in the $30-35/sq.ft. range for average quality finish. I ended up contracting out the most of the framing and all the drywall and did everything else myself. I ended up spending the same $30-35/ft., but went pretty high end… Solid core doors (9 of them babies), 6" baseboard, crown moulding, granite countertop in the wet bar area, insulation in ceiling and all walls, 17 can lights, cedar-lined walk-in closet, etc.

I had done a little electrical before, but almost zero trim work. I found out that I'm VERY slow with all this stuff, but it was a pretty rewarding experience. To help you get started with estimates, for ~1300 square feet, the framing was about $4500 and so was the drywall… this includes materials and labor.

I pulled permits and had all the inspections and received a certificate of completion to keep it all legal.

I need to get to work on the main level of my house to bring it up to the same quality as the basement. It's pretty funny because my main level has generic 1995 tract home cheapie trim and overall finish and my basement looks like it belongs in a swanky $500K home. One of these days I'll remodel the main level, but I keep spending my money on guns and reloading supplies!

[bryan s]

A lot of that stuff isn't real difficult and if you consider yourself a hands on person and do some reading and research you'd be surprised how much you could do yourself. I had basic knowledge of electrical and did it all myself after reading some how-to books and managed to pass inspection on my first try.

[Snowman78]

Just wanted to see what contractors or people who have had their basements finished paid per sq feet.

I have a 1100 sq foot basement that I would like to get finished at some point. I was curious to see what it might cost me.

Thanks

Here is what I did, see post # 42
https://www.ar-15.co/threads/95919-DIY-guys-get-in-here-finishing-basement-and-garage/page5

[Wulf202]

Anywhere between $25-$100 a sq ft. Free floating slab adds more, every room adds to the cost, every finish upgrade adds to the cost, bedroom egress adds to the cost but adding bedrooms seriously increases value, as does bathrooms. Bars are just money pits.

Depending on the time frame and the current work load my helper and I may be able to come down for a weekend and do the framing.

[stenz]

Anywhere between $25-$100 a sq ft. Free floating slab adds more, every room adds to the cost, every finish upgrade adds to the cost, bedroom egress adds to the cost but adding bedrooms seriously increases value, as does bathrooms. Bars are just money pits.

Depending on the time frame and the current work load my helper and I may be able to come down for a weekend and do the framing.

I might take you up on that offer. I have to pull permits for framing right?

[SideShow Bob]

If you are interested, I a couple Master Electricians that are always looking for work, one has his own company and the other is wanting side work. I also know a couple Journeyman Electricians looking for side work, evenings and weekends. One of the Journeyman Electricians has done extensive work for a member here.

[Wulf202]

I might take you up on that offer. I have to pull permits for framing right?

You're supposed to but the reality is that you can get framed. Rough plumbing and electrical before you NEED an inspection.

You're going to need atleast a sketch when you pull your permit. The cost of the permit is usually small compared to the job. If you're saving money and hiring guys like me and Bob's friend you have to phrase it that we are helping you do the work. If I do the work for you I'd need different insurance and I'd have to get a business license in that city etc. All that overhead is why you see numbers like $30k for a basement

Also if you move any of the supporting jacks you need an engineer. Its best just to build the walls around them

[rondog]

Our dinky-ass basement is "finished", but it looks like it was done by drunken inbred rednecks. A city inspector here for a water heater install checked it out and yep, it was done with no permits. So our basement essentially needs to be gutted and remodeled, with permits and inspections. But it's so crammed fulla shit I doubt that'll ever happen.

But this - this is just TOO friggin' cool! http://twistedsifter.com/2014/09/guy-turns-storage-room-into-rustic-cabin-man-cave/

[Wulf202]

You really only need to remove the sheetrock and kill the electrical then pull the finished parts off assuming you have no major code issues.

[rondog]

You really only need to remove the sheetrock and kill the electrical then pull the finished parts off assuming you have no major code issues.
Talking about me? I realize that, but it's a major undertaking just to clear the place out enough to work on it.

[Wulf202]

Ok. Some inspectors try to convince people that they have to tear everything out no matter what.

[eg bter]

Just finished the framing in mine. Doing it all myself I should end up around $10-12/square foot.

5590355905

FYI the damn permit was about $800 :(