BasementFinishing

Basement Finishing Estimate

An affordable basement finishing estimate may persuade you that this project would be a worthwhile investment. Finishing a basement can increase the value of your property while giving you and your family access to a convenient, comfortable space. Compared to the cost of adding a room to a house, a basement finishing estimate generally seems very reasonable. Request an estimate from several qualified contractors in your community on the cost of this valuable home improvement project.

Cost isn't your only consideration when it comes to finishing a basement or taking on any other home improvement project. The contractor you choose should have the proper licensing and credentials for your state, as well as liability insurance to cover any accidental property damage. Check local references to find a contractor, even when finishing your own basement, who has a reputation for finishing jobs in a timely, cost efficient manner. Many contractors have portfolios of pictures of their past basement finishing projects, which they can provide along with your estimate.

Components of a Finishing Quote

The estimate for a basement remodel will vary based on the scope of the project, the quality of the materials used and the amount of labor required to complete the job. A basic basement finishing estimate could include the cost of water sealing the walls and floors, repairing an uneven foundation, installing installation and wall paneling and installing a drop down ceiling. Insulation, water proofing and ventilation are necessary components of a professional estimate if these steps have not been completed.

A more complicated basement finishing estimate might include the costs of installing new flooring, enlarging or installing a window and making modifications in the lighting or electrical wiring. Adding a half bath or a wet bar to your basement may require the assistance of a professional plumber, which should be added to your estimate. Creating new storage facilities, like a closet, cabinets or shelving, must also be included in a basement finishing estimate.

Checking the basement for the presence of radon is another necessary component of this project. Radon is a radioactive gas that is present naturally in some areas of the country. A radon inspection may be required in your community. Your basement finishing estimate should include the costs of making your space compliant with local construction codes and acquiring any necessary permits. A licensed contractor or your local planning agency can help you determine which structural fixtures need to be addressed to make this area safe.

Decorating this underground space adds the final touch to your basement finishing estimate. Once the walls, floors and ceilings have been finished and you have adequate air flow, water flow and lighting, you may want to add carpet, fresh paint, wallpaper, mirrors, countertops and other design elements to enhance the room's decor. While some homeowners calculate interior decorating costs separately, others include them in their remodel budget from the beginning, so that they'll have enough cash left over after the major renovations are complete.

Do It Yourself Finishing Estimate

Homeowners with basic carpentry skills and an understanding of water proofing and insulation can complete many of the basic aspects of this home improvement project without help from a licensed contractor. Before you begin making a do it yourself budget, determine which of these tasks you could take on yourself. Water sealing surfaces, fixing cracks in concrete walls or floors, cleaning and caulking or weather stripping windows, framing walls and installing insulation are jobs that many skilled do it yourselfers are willing to take on.

Jobs that involve plumbing or electrical wiring may be performed more effectively and safely by licensed contractors. If you're including a new bathroom or a laundry room in this remodel, a contractor can make this part of the renovation easier and more efficient. Enlarging or adding a window, a project that may affect the structural components of the room, may also require the help of a licensed professional.

The size of the area that you're remodeling and the quality of the materials you use will affect a do it yourself basement finishing estimate. Larger basements will require more flooring and wall paneling materials than smaller spaces. Using high grade wood paneling or wood flooring, naturally quarried stone countertops and customized cabinets will contribute to the overall cost of your project. To stay on track with your budget, determine how much you want to spend on each area of your renovation.

A basement finishing estimate should give you a reliable account of the amount you'll invest in this project. However, you should also anticipate the possibility that you might have to go over budget in certain areas if unexpected structural problems are found, or unavoidable delays occur. Work with a team of reliable, licensed contractors who can help you devise a budget that's both realistic and comprehensive.