Costs to renovate a basement in Philadelphia Sweeten has found that the average basement conversion in the Philadelphia area is $75,000. The project for this size budget includes a 20′ x 30′ room and a 5′ x 8′ bathroom with a shower and a bar area as well as insulation and laminate flooring.
What is the cheapest way to remodel a basement?
You can save on the cost to finish a basement by doing things not bound by codes: installing trim or doors, painting walls and woodwork, and installing flooring, says Buckeye Basements’ Jon Smith. Beyond that, count on using some pros.
How can I save money to remodel my basement?
- Opt for an inexpensive, prefabricated egress window and well.
- Test exterior walls for moisture before finishing.
- Cut out some studs.
- Install drop ceilings.
- Skip the carpet and install luxury vinyl tile instead.
- Add a bathroom (or at least a half bath) near existing plumbing.
How much does it cost to finish a basement in Chicago?
Basement renovation costs in Chicago A starting budget for a basement is around $100 psf. At the low end, average renovation costs are around $40,000, which includes a bathroom with a shower. Flooring options can vary significantly, including laminate, vinyl, engineered wood, porcelain tile, or stained concrete.
What is the hardest part of finishing a basement?
What’s the biggest challenge in finishing a basement? “Typically, the biggest challenge is working around obstructions. There are heating ducts, plumbing drains, water pipes, gas lines and electrical wires that are all off and hung below the floor joist.
Is finishing a basement worth it?
Many people wonder if finishing their basement is worth the time, effort, and money to remodel their downstairs space. To answer that directly, yes, finishing your basement will almost always increase the value of your property. The standard return is around 70%, according to Remodeling.HW.net.
What is the cheapest way to finish a basement ceiling?
A super easy DIY option for your basement ceiling is glue-on tiles. Typically made of polystyrene or fiberboard, these tiles come in a variety of colors, sizes, and styles, and are also paintable. You’ll need to install a foundation, like plywood, to glue them to. But after that, it’s as simple as glue and stick.
Does finishing basement increase home value?
In the United States, on average, finishing a basement will give you a return of 70 to 75% of your investment. For example, if you spent $1,000 on improvements, it would increase the value of the property by about $700. If you spent $10,000 on improvements, it would increase the value of the property by about $7,000.
Should you put insulation in basement walls?
Walls. Basement walls should be insulated with non-water sensitive insulation that prevents interior air from contacting cold basement surfaces—the concrete structural elements and the rim joist framing.
How much does it cost to drywall a basement ceiling?
Drywall: It costs around $1.50 per square foot to hang drywall in your basement. Ceiling: Basic ceiling installation can cost as little as $1-2 per square foot. But, if the project is complex, it can cost around $6 per square foot.
Do I need a permit to finish my basement in Philadelphia?
You need a permit to finish a basement in Pennsylvania if there is structural work done, the egress points are being altered, or any big changes are being made to the electric, gas, mechanical, or plumbing systems. No permits are required for cosmetic work or ordinary repairs.
How much value does a basement bathroom add?
Adding a basement bathroom can increase your home’s resale value by 10%-20%. It also can turn a wasted space into an enjoyable addition to your home. The average basement bathroom will cost $3,000-$25,000, depending on the existing plumbing and condition of your basement.
How much does a 2000 square foot foundation cost?
An average home is about 2,000 square feet and a foundation can cost from $13,000 (including materials, labor and permitting) to more than $40,000 if it’s a basement foundation. For a project on the low end, budget around $15,000 in case of cost overruns and around $45,000 for a project on the higher end.
What to Know Before finishing a basement?
- Check the Foundation. Before starting any construction in your basement, assess the state of the foundation.
- Identify Code Violations.
- Eliminate Water Issues.
- Insulate Properly.
- Assess the Ceiling.
- Work Around the Essentials in Your Design.
What should I put on my basement walls?
The Basics of Basement Walls Attach wood furring strips, Z-shape channels, or 2×4 studs to flat, dry masonry walls, then add insulation and cover the strips or studs with drywall. Such treatments give basement walls a smooth, even surface that accepts finish materials such as paint, wallpaper, or paneling.
Why do so many houses have unfinished basements?
Some just want the room to act as extra storage or utility room that won’t need as much attention as other rooms. It could also be that a homeowner wants to leave a basement incomplete to pave way for its customization. Such a basement will remain incomplete until the owner is ready to start the redesign process.
Do basement bathrooms count appraisal?
As a general rule of thumb, listing agents and appraisers don’t count a finished basement toward the overall square footage, especially if the basement is completely below grade—a term that means below ground level.
Does a finished basement add value to appraisal?
The appraised value of finished basement space is generally 50% to 60% of the value of the main level square footage. To maximize the cost/value ratio, the market experts recommend keeping the basement budget below 10% of the existing home’s value.
Does adding a bedroom in the basement add value?
Does adding a bedroom in the basement add value? Absolutely. Buyers are all about usable space and are willing to spend a little extra to have more of it. According to Remodeling Magazine, a midrange basement refinish yields on average 70% ROI.
How much does a basement ceiling cost?
Raising a basement ceiling typically costs about $19,200 and can range from $16,000 to $24,000. During this process, the house is lifted and the foundation is raised to a new level.
What is the difference between sheetrock and drywall?
Drywall is a flat panel made of gypsum plaster sandwiched in between two sheets of thick paper. It adheres to metal or wood studs using nails or screws. Sheetrock is a specific brand of drywall sheet. These terms are often used interchangeably.
How much does it cost to drywall a 12×12 room?
The average cost to drywall a 12×12 room is $580 to $1,800. Drywalling a master bedroom or living room costs $850 to $3,100. Most drywall contractors charge higher rates per square foot for small jobs.
What is the best ceiling for a basement?
Suspended ceilings are one of the most popular basement ceilings. Consisting of a simple grid and lightweight tiles or panels, a suspended ceiling covers exposed beams, ductwork, and electrical wiring, while allowing easy access for repairs or leaks.
What can I use instead of drywall in my basement?
- Wood Planks. Wood planks are an age-old drywall alternative that has certainly stood the test of time well.
- Veneer Plaster.
- Lath & Plaster.
- Plywood and Sheet Wood.
- Texture Wall Panels.
- Brick & Masonry.
- Exposed Concrete Block.
- Cement Board.
Should I drywall my basement ceiling?
A big advantage of having a drywall/sheetrock ceiling in a basement is that loss of headroom will be minimal. Drywall uses less space so it is a good choice when you have low ceilings and need to take advantage of all the headroom possible. Drywall will not sag.