Top 5 Expenses That Affect Basement Remodeling Cost

11/26/2014

Category: General

According to the Home Advisor, an average cost for basement remodeling is between $19,000 and $26,000. Where does all this money go? Materials and labor are the two high-ticket items, but let our Maryland basement remodeling experts break it down even further. Below are the top basement remodeling expenses you should definitely consider when you are performing basement renovations.

Waterproofing

Some basements are located fully or partially above ground, while others can be buried pretty deep. The part of your basement that is below the ground level can be prone to leaking, depending on how old your home is and how well it was built. If you have a leaky basement, waterproofing is a necessary expense that will help protect all of your other expenses. Installing new carpeting only to find it soaking wet after a storm is one of the most unpleasant surprises you can get.

Bringing it Up to Code

Basements need to meet certain requirements in order to count as a livable space, as well as count toward your home’s total square footage. From window and ceiling height to staircase angle and means of egress, there are many measurements and requirements to follow.

If you live in an older home and want to add resale value with your basement remodel, this could mean spending money on things that seem unnecessary. Moving the staircase or adding windows can be both costly and time-consuming. Talk to your Maryland basement remodeling contractor to get an idea of what needs to be done to bring your basement up to code and get the most bang for your buck.

Plumbing

Moving and installing plumbing are some of the costliest jobs in terms of labor. However, adding a bathroom to your basement will definitely improve your basement’s usability and value. The cost of the bathroom will depend on its size, finishes and, most importantly, the rough-in plumbing already in place.

Below-grade bathrooms pose an additional challenge when sewer lines end up being buried above your plumbing fixtures. This means certain adjustments are needed to help the waste water move upward from your plumbing fixtures to the sewer line or a septic tank. A basement bathroom can cost anywhere from $5,000 to $15,000, which is a hefty chunk of your total remodeling budget.

Insulation

A drafty basement is not only unusable in winter, but may also make your entire main floor feel colder. Because basements are not prone to as much heat loss as above-grade structures, there were no requirements for basement insulation until early 2000s. However, modern basements should follow insulation recommendations issued by the U.S. Department of Energy. Insulation of the basement floor slab and walls typically leads to improved comfort and energy efficiency in your basement and the rest of your home.

Lighting

If your basement is below ground for the most part, it might be challenging (and expensive) to get a good amount of light down there. Your first option for natural light is windows, which would still let in a limited amount of light due to their low position. Window wells often help maximize the use of basement windows, but they have their limits. A skylight is another option that can really lighten up a dark basement. For the nighttime, recessed lighting works best in the basement, as it allows for multiple light locations and accommodates the low basement ceilings. No matter what you choose, keep in mind that you will need more lights in the basement than you would in a typical room upstairs, so budget accordingly.

Looking for someone to plan and budget for your basement remodeling project? Our remodeling professionals at Archway Remodeling will be happy to help—just give us a call at 410-259-5068 or contact us online.