Is it cheaper to build a basement or a second story?

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.

How much does it cost to finish a basement in Cincinnati Ohio?

Finishing a basement typically costs between $7 and $23 per square foot with an average of $25 per square foot. Most homeowners can expect to pay from $2,800 to $33,985, or $18,395 on average, for a 400 to 1,500 square foot space. The price includes labor, materials and any permits you need.

Is it worth finishing a basement?

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.

How do you tell if you can finish a basement?

1. Soft concrete.
2. Cracked, bulging, or curved outside walls.
3. Horizontal cracks.
4. Doors that won’t latch properly.
5. Stuck windows.
6. Cracks on any floors in your home.
7. Cracks in the flooring.
8. Bowing or slanted floors.

How long does it take to frame a basement?

Framing the wall of the basement takes around 2 to 3 days to finish.

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.

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 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.

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.

Does a finished basement count as square footage in Ohio?

Does a basement count toward overall square footage? 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.

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.

What is the cheapest way to finish an unfinished 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 redo my basement on a budget?

1. Focus on the ceiling, floor and walls.
2. Improve part of the basement.
3. Paint the ceiling and walls.
4. Make room for storage.
5. Light up the space.
6. Create a space for crafts and activities.
7. Add easy-to-install flooring.
8. Paint or stain the floor.

What comes first when finishing a basement?

Many unfinished basements have simple concrete walls. To finish them, you’ll need to first insulate, then frame, and then finish up with drywall.

What comes after drywall in basement?

Once drywall is complete trim carpenters will come in to begin their work. The first step in the trim out is to install all of the doors and door casing. Once complete cabinetry will normally be installed followed by the baseboard.

Should you insulate a finished basement?

Insulating basement walls properly is extremely important if you want to enjoy your finished basement investment. Every year thousands of basements are finished with poor insulation details that lead to mold, mildew and moisture problems that render the newly finished space un-usable.

What adds the most value when finishing a basement?

1. Additional Bedroom.
2. Additional Bathroom.
3. Great Return on Investment.
4. Way to Add Space if Zoning Codes Don’t Allow Other Additions.
5. Income Property.
6. Add Recreation/Storage/Guest Space to Home.
7. Sweat Equity.
8. Don’t Have to Use High End Materials.

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.

Is a slab foundation cheaper than a basement?

Slab foundations on average are about $10,000 cheaper than most crawl spaces. Slabs are much cheaper if a crawl space or basement must be carved out of solid rock, which can be very expensive. Slab foundations make it less likely that radon gas will leak into the house.

What is the cheapest foundation for a house?

If you’re building a home, a concrete slab makes sense because of its low cost. It’s the cheapest option available, and, comparatively speaking, it’s the quickest solution. The right crew can lay a concrete slab foundation in a short period of time, and the drying process doesn’t take much longer.

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.

How do I start remodeling my basement?

1. Step 1: Decide How You Want to Use the Space.
2. Step 2: Set a Budget.
3. Step 3: Clean Out Your Space.
4. Step 4: Conduct a Moisture Test.
5. Step 5: Research Local Codes and Requirements.
6. Step 6: Insulate Your Basement.
7. Step 7: Take Care of Electrical and Plumbing.
8. Step 8: Frame and Put Together Any Additional Walls.

What is a Yankee basement?

What Is A Yankee Basement? A Yankee basement is a root cellar. The name for the space comes from the dugout in baseball, which is the area where teams have their benches located in foul territory.

How do you put a toilet in a basement without breaking concrete?

You can tie a bathroom tub or shower into an upflush toilet system, which eliminates the need to break into the concrete floor. The system sends the wastewater from the shower drain and toilet to a holding tank before being pumped to the main sewer line.

Can a toilet be installed in a basement?

If you think plumbing can be difficult above ground, then you can only imagine the challenges that arise when installing a basement toilet. But don’t give up just yet: With the right plumbing solutions for your space, you can easily install a basement toilet.