The average cost to finish a basement in Northern Virginia is approximately $15 per square foot, although the estimated price can range between $7 and $25 per square foot. Overall, you can expect to spend about $6,000 to $20,000 making your basement livable.
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 do I modernize my basement?
- Lighting. Lighting can overcome a myriad of negative issues such as lack of natural light and low ceilings.
- Create an Open Space.
- Don’t Forget Decor.
- Consider Using Color.
- Functional and Effective Flooring.
- Ceiling.
- Declutter.
- Window Treatments.
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.
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.
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.
Is it OK to paint basement walls?
Painting your basement walls can do more than just improve the look of your home; it can protect your foundation from water damage and moisture. Basement walls that are made out of finished drywall can be painted the same way that you would paint a standard wall in your home.
How do you remodel an unfinished basement?
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.
How can I cover my basement walls without drywall?
- Paint.
- Basement Panels.
- Wood Fiberboard.
- Fabric.
- Vinyl and Wallpaper.
- Stone Veneer.
- Pargeting.
- Exposed Brick.
How much does it cost to finish a basement in Maryland?
The truth is a complete remodel or finishing of your basement will cost a lot more. Remodeling Magazine conducted a study and found that, according to general contractors, basement remodeling costs are approximately $70,000 in the state of Maryland.
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.
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.
Do you need to insulate 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.
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.
Does adding a bathroom in the basement add value?
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.
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.
Why do people not finish basement?
Use As Storage Some families prefer using the basement as a storage space for unused devices or nostalgic items that can’t be thrown away just yet. A basement used as a storage space does not need to be complete as the space won’t have as much traffic as other areas.
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.
What color is good for basement walls?
The best color for basements walls tend to be lighter shades of neutral colors. These colors usually consist of bright whites, light greys or even colors with light brown like sand stone. Sticking with these neutral colors help the room feel open and avoid the common feeling of being boxed in.
What do you put on concrete basement walls?
The most common way to cover concrete walls in a basement is drywall, a.k.a. sheetrock. Drywall comes in panels panels made from calcium sulfate dihydrate or “gypsum.” Panels come in different thicknesses and sizes, the most common being 4′ x 8′ x 1/2″ thick.
Do you have to clean basement walls before painting?
Clean Concrete Walls Prior To Painting Get all the dust out of the air too. it’s very important to paint dry, clean concrete walls. If the walls have dust, residue or dirt on them, the primer and paint may not stick.
What type of flooring is best for concrete basement?
Aside from luxury vinyl, some of the best basement flooring options are sheet vinyl, laminate, carpeting, and prefinished hardwood.