Finished Basement FAQs Answered
Q. Should I finish my basement, attic, or build an addition?
Realtor Magazine’s December 2006 Remodeling Cost vs. Value Report reflects a family room addition costing $78,689, with 71.2% cost recouped at resale; an attic conversion costs $47,494, with 72.7% recouped; a basement conversion costs $60,879, with 73.6% recouped at resale. Depending on the footprint of your home, you usually gain the most useable space by finishing your basement, and at the highest percentage of recouping the money you’ve spent to finish it.
Q. Shouldn’t I install a drop ceiling in case I need to access my ducts, wires, or pipes?
Only if you prefer the look of a drop ceiling over drywall. There is no evidence to show that the mechanicals within your basement ceiling fail more often than those running throughout the rest of your home; therefore, we do not recommend installing a drop ceiling. A skilled tradesman can easily access the pipes, wires, and ducts within every ceiling and wall throughout your home, and simply repair the drywall afterwards.
We see no logical reason to install a drop ceiling in your basement other than it being your style preference. Don’t cheapen your basement with an unattractive material choice based on an unfounded fear; it really affects the overall look and level of the basement finish, and ultimately, peoples’ perception of your home.
Q. How do you hide HVAC ductwork, drain pipes, wiring, etc.?
A good basement design will turn these “problems” into features. Rather than building tightly around structural and mechanical elements and telegraphing what is hidden underneath, innovative designers employ beautiful architectural elements that both hide the “problem” and create a bold and interesting focal point in the room.
Q. How do we heat or air condition the basement?
We usually tie into the existing HVAC system. Because the exterior walls below grade will stay at an ambient temperature of 55 degrees year-round, cooling is not an issue. Air conditioning is usually not necessary to cool the new space, but rather it provides much-needed air exchange, removes moist air from the room, and circulates fresh air into the space. We recommend you use your air conditioning system on the “on” setting, as opposed to the “auto” setting.
Code requires you heat your basement, but a basement also has less of a “heat loss” effect when compared to exterior, above-grade walls. You do need to force some warm air from the HVAC system down into the room. If your current HVAC system is overloaded, you can install a couple of electric baseboards or even a charming fireplace, on its own thermostat, as secondary heating.
Q. What are our lighting choices?
Typically, recessed ceiling lights (“cans”) are advised for general lighting, with wall sconces and table lamps adding style and additional task lighting. Be sure to take advantage of existing windows and enlarged egress windows that provide natural light.
If additional lighting is desired, adding up-lighting can create the illusion of a higher ceiling, providing an extra layer of light within the basement level. Creative use of mirrors also multiplies the effects of lighting, and can be placed in otherwise dim areas.
Q. Why is this so expensive?
Labor expenses to design, frame, fire stop, wire, insulate, drywall, hang doors, and trim out the job make up most of the cost. Contrary to a layman’s beliefs, it’s not just simply “throwing up drywall.” (Or at least it shouldn’t be!)
Q. What is the most important phase of finishing my basement?
The design is most important -- it dictates what the finished product will be. Minimal thought during design leaves even a well-built basement looking lackluster. Compelling design, along with meticulous craftsmanship, yields spectacular results.
Q. Can I do it myself?
Possibly, but should you? Even the handiest homeowner is easily overwhelmed by a monstrous basement and the considerable amount of time it requires to transform it into livable space. Do you know the local and national building codes and have the proper tools and expertise required to deal with mechanical and structural challenges that lurk beneath your home?
Considering the size of the project and the impact it has on your home as a whole, it is a risky investment of time and money, because the end result may not merely disappoint, but actually be unsafe, unhealthy, and devalue your home.
Q. How can I fix my wet basement?
A wet or even damp basement can be hazardous to your health and is not a candidate for finishing until the problem is completely resolved. Best practice is to resolve the source of the issue rather than deal with it through waterproofing, mechanical removal, or dehumidification.
The usual culprit is too much ground water that isn’t properly diverted. Check for clogged gutters and grading that pushes water towards your foundation walls instead of draining it a safe distance from your home. If you can’t correct a water situation by redirecting ground water, you may need to install a sump pump or repair cracks in your foundation or walls. Contacting a water resolution specialist is recommended.
Q. How do I avoid water damage to my basement during storms?
Most basements flood during a power outage. A battery backup system or generator to power your sump pump will keep you dry during a power-outage. Remember that much or all of your basement flooding may be due to improper ground water management. Fixing the source of these problems may solve your water issues completely.
Q. Do I really need to put an egress door or window in?
It depends what township you’re in and what the local guidelines are. A basement contractor will consult your local inspector during the planning stage, so you can plan for building requirements. Most townships do require a secondary means of egress, but some will allow you to finish your basement and not have a secondary means of egress as long as there is no basement bedroom. In the case of building a basement bedroom, there must be a means of egress within the actual bedroom. Some townships that have existing sprinkler systems in residential buildings will allow you to finish your basement without the second egress, as long as the layout of the sprinkler heads works with the new partition walls in your basement remodel. Some additional heads may be required.
Q. How long does it take to finish a basement?
Depending on the size and the complexity of the job, it can range from four to twelve weeks.
Q. How much does it cost to finish a basement?
Our basements range from $22 to $45 per square foot, although square footage is not the only factor in the calculations. Linear footage of interior walls, customization, decorative elements, bathrooms, bars, existing location of pipes, vents, and sprinkler system and modification required thereof, all factor into the final price per square foot.
Q. How can I cut costs in finishing my basement?
The biggest way to keep cost down is to leave a generous portion of your basement unfinished. It’s tempting to sometimes double your living space, but you could probably meet your expansion needs without breaking the bank. Adding interior walls, bars, and plumbing increases the labor immensely, and this is where most of your money goes. Keep a lid on customization. Be creative with furnishings and decorations so that you can achieve division within a large space. Drapery, screens, tall plants and creative furniture placement all cost less than building walls, that require additional lighting, heating, ventilation, electric, etc.
Q. Will it make my house dirty during construction?
Not really. Expect your work site to be broom-cleaned daily and left in an orderly fashion. It can be dusty during the drywall sanding phase. We recommend you keep the heat or air conditioning off during the day that the drywallers are sanding so the drywall dust isn’t circulated throughout the home, and let the dust settle before turning the HVAC system back on. Upon completion of your basement, change the air filters within your HVAC system.
Q. Can I trust this guy?!
Well, they’re too polite to say it, but they’re thinking it. This is the most important decision a homeowner is faced with. Ask family and friends for referrals and about their experience with contractors. When meeting with a contractor, do you feel comfortable talking to him? Would you feel comfortable with him in your home for a month? Do you find him easy to share ideas with? Does he have experience specifically finishing basements? Are the things that are important to you things that he also feels are important? (quality vs. cost) Does he give a guarantee? Always ask for references, and call them.
Compare apples to apples. Some contracting companies will advertise a finished basement at a remarkably low price, but what’s included in that price does not even meet local township building codes. Their final price, when calculated with Code-required additions and your desired features, is usually much higher than the quoted price. Be wary of deals that seem too good to be true.
The lowest price certainly does not equal the best job. “You get what you pay for” applies in contracting. Deciding on your contractor based on price alone is a mistake.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
FINISHING YOUR BASEMENT ...
Exchange your bag-and-box basement storage
for organized shelving hidden within closets
What is egress? Does it apply to me?
The big question ... how much does it cost?
AIR CIRCULATION Depending on the size of the new finished space, you may need to add registers, returns, or vents for fresh air induction. You must also be mindful of not exhausting furnace fumes into your home. Code requires fresh air intake(s) at any heater room to replace the furnace’s need for combustion air. Radon and carbon monoxide are also things that may need to be addressed during a basement remodel.
BUT MY BASEMENT HAS ISSUES …
It’s wise to realistically look at the challenges of finishing your basement. Not every basement is a good candidate for finishing.
EBCON CAN:
- Add ventilation and light
- Move pipes, ductwork, wiring
- Conceal pipes, ductwork, and wiring, in an artistic way
- Insulate
- Install egress windows and doors
- Relocate sprinklers, in conjunction with a certified sprinkler contractor
EBCON WILL NOT:
- Resolve moisture issues. We can give you general instructions to find and fix minor water issues. (click here for that page) Although we will gladly investigate and help you diagnose a problem and employ solutions, we are not professionally trained in and cannot guarantee total resolution of water or moisture issues. We advise you consult a building professional who specializes in that area to be sure you have your problems solved before considering finishing your basement. We even suggest you survive a few hard rainstorms and snow-thaws before you proceed.
References/Site information
Denver Business Journal
Home Improvement Research Institute,
The Wall Street Journal
The Appraisal Institute
This Old House Ventures