Frequently Asked Questions
What is the estimated cost to finish a basement?
How long will it take to finish a basement?
What is the resale value of a finished basement?
Is a permit required to finish a basement?
What do permit costs?
What is an egress window?
Are there requirements for a certain size or number of windows in a basement?
Is a kitchen allowed in a basement?
Is a fireplace allowed in a basement?
Can rough plumbing for a bathroom be moved or added?
Are hot tubs allowed in a basement?
Is it possible to have a hardwood floor in the basement?
What is recommended if our furnace is not large enough to accommodate a finished basement?
Is there an advantage to using a suspended ceiling versus a drywall ceiling?
What is meant by "Allowances"?
Answers What is the estimated cost to finish a basement?
This is our number one question, and of course, there is no direct answer. There are many variables that must be considered before even giving an estimate. Additionally, every contractor charges a different price. You can expect, however, that the more features you are requesting, the more expensive it will be. Solid surface counter tops, wet bars, fireplaces, home theaters, architectural features, steam showers, etc., will raise the per square foot cost. The more basic the basement finish, the less the cost.In addition, a small basement of 700 sq. ft. or less, will cost more per square foot to finish. The bathroom is the most expensive room to finish per square foot, and that cost must be spread over the entire square footage cost – so the smaller the basement, the higher the per square foot cost. The reverse is also true for larger spaces, such as over 1,500 sq. ft.
How long will it take to finish my basement?
Again, this is a question that has no exact answer because of the numerous factors involved. We usually estimate one week per 100 sq. ft. up to 1,000 sq. ft., and one week for every 200 sq. ft. over 1,000 sq. ft. For example, we estimate 10 weeks for a 1,000 sq. ft. basement, and 11 weeks for a 1,200 sq. ft. basement. These estimates can change by several weeks, though, if there are a lot of unusual or time-consuming features.What is the resale value of a finished basement?
That question is probably best answered by a real estate broker whose judgement you trust and research.
Is a permit required to finish a basement?
Yes, absolutely. It is against all building codes to finish a basement without a permit. Additionally, having a permit is for the homeowner's protection and safety. With a permit, all work must be inspected and must pass inspection, assuring that everything meets safety codes. It is also to a homeowner's advantage to have a permit if they are considering selling their home. Potential buyers will require inspections to ensure all work was done to building codes.What do permits cost?
Permits costs vary in each jursidiction, often depending on the estimated cost of the project. Contact your local building department for permit costs.What is an egress window?
Every finished basement must have at least one egress window, and if applicable, an egress window well. Every sleeping room must have an egress window, and they can be one and the same if there is only one sleeping room. An egress (escape) window must have a clear openable area of 5.7 sq. ft., net clear openable height of 24 inches, and net clear openable width of 20 inches. Sill height will not be more than 44 inches above the floor. Windows with a sill below ground level must have a window well with a minimum net clear opening of 9 sq. ft. with a minimum dimension of 36 inches. Window wells deeper than 44 inches must have a permanently attached ladder.Are there requirements for a certain size or number of windows in a basement?
There must be at least one egress window in a basement, and if there is a bedroom, it must be in the bedroom. All bedrooms must have an egress window. There is a code requirement in certain jurisdictions that all habitable space must have 10% natural light and ventilation, so be aware of that requirement.Is a kitchen allowed in a basement?
Many jurisdictions do not allow full kitchens in basements. The stove top is the issue, but most other appliances are acceptable. Check with your local building department.Is a fireplace allowed in a basement?
Yes, a direct vent gas fireplace can be installed in most basements.Can rough plumbing for a bathroom be moved or added?
Yes, but building codes require a 2 inch vent for the toilet in a bathroom. Many older homes, however, do not have a means of venting up through the house.Are hot tubs allowed in a basement?
Yes, but they are not recommended. A de-humidifying system is necessary to deal with the added humidity.Is it possible to have a hardwood floor in the basement?
Yes. It works well if the basement has a wood floor. There are also new products that allow for a wood floor on a concrete floor.What is recommended if our furnace is not large enough to accommodate a finished basement?
Another furnace can be added for the basement, or the existing one can be replaced with a larger furnace. A high efficiency furnace may be needed if the existing flue is too small.
A zoning system can also be added to existing forced air ducting to increase the comfort and flexibility of the basement temperature. It allows for temperature regulation on each floor.
Supplemental electric baseboard heat units are another option. It is the more economical.
Is there an advantage to using a suspended ceiling versus a drywall ceiling?
The only advantage is the ability to easily run wires from room to room with a suspended ceiling. The disadvantages outweigh the advantages, though. Suspended ceilings are unattractive, limit design options, sag and discolor over time. We do not install this type of ceiling.back to top
What is meant by "Allowances"?
An estimate is based on an allowance for a specific cost. For example to determine the cost of an addition an item would be the foundation. A cost allowance of $10,000.00 may be assigned for this, if an engineer determines the concrete should have an extra strength rating, or special fiber's inserted or even larger rebar inserted this would put the foundation over the Allowed price. Also changes in customer desires can excede allowances. A regular basement bathroom may cost $7,000.00 when a customer changes to a jet soaker tub, or granite tile floor with infloor heating, this would impact the estimated price and generate a higher cost.
Most estimates a very close to the final pricing but a 10% to 20% margin should always be allowed for.
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