Bill46

Are there any rules of thumb for estimating the cost to finish a basement, similar to house building, i.e. $1XX.00 per sq. ft.? Am thinking about finishig 900 sq. ft., nothing too fancy, carpet floor, ceiling tiles, 2x4 framing with dry wall and finishing a bath which is already rough plumbed. Haven't solicited any estimates yet. Just in the "what if" stage. Thanks!

yummy mummy

I don't know where you live.
But in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, I was quoted $9,000 to bring my basement to the drywall stage. (Basement is approx. 1000 sq. ft.)

It included stud framing, drywall and taping.
No flooring, no trim, no paint. (I was going to do that myself).

But now, I am going to do it ALL myself.


Hope this helps.

AtlanticWBConst.

Just remember that the actual 'finishing' also includes:

Installing a heating source and control unit. (not cheap to do)
Installing flooring material (carpet, tile, etc.)
Installing lights, electrical outlets, switches...often a new breaker...(also not cheap to do)
Paint.
Baseboard, casing.
Doors.

Hired out, 'finished' starts at $25K-$30K and then goes up, dependant on the size of the foundation...and what you want down there....

Additonal wiring for entertainment center?
Add a bathroom and your talking alot more $
I'm sure that there is more I am not mentioning...

__________________
- Build Well -

AtlanticWBConst.

Just thought I would list this, as sometimes, people don't realize what else is involved in completing a bathroom in their basement. Even if it has already been 'roughed'.

Please keep in mind that 'rough plumbing' in a basement for a bath....is exactly that... just the 'roughing'....You do save some $$.
But, what that rough plumbing is....

....is essentially:
Someone installed the PVC drain lines in the dirt before the concrete was poured. However, all the other expensive stuff is still yet to come.

You will still need:

Permits
Hot & cold water feed lines and shut offs.
Sewage exhaust line
Sewage ejector pump
Power to the sewage ejector pump.
Exhaust fan for bath
Exhaust to outside vent
The toilet
Also: Confirmation that your in-home system (Hot water tank/ septic system/ town lines can handle this and ....approve/OK it)
You will still have to spend money on:
The sink, the vanity base, the vanity top (last small one we did was granite and cost $500.00 for just the vanity top)..

Tub unit or shower unit/their fixtures
Electrical light switch and lines.
Electrical lines to exhaust fan and control unit
Electrical lines to your light.
Some kind of heating unit ...or source ... in the bathroom
...also, the control unit for the heat.
Flooring: tile? or other = $$
.....Not to mention, the sheetrock/insulation/paint/trim/door/misc.

....all that alone is definitely going to add up to over $10K, just for the bathroom...have you seen the price of copper lately?...ouch!!

(tho.....maybe less if you are a licensed plumber AND electrician, you know someone who can do alot of it for free, and have a friend that can get you things at whole sale...)..now that's a great neighbor or close relative to have....

Just something to take into consideration....

__________________
- Build Well -

the man

WB Const.

Outstand job you covered most of it, people think, " I just want to finish my basement" that's all

al

silverbullet96

Hi there,
I'm new to this forum...and finding it very helpful.
I'm a new homeowner (well 3 years new). I've got an older house (1940 construction) in Toronto. I'd like to create a basement apartment out of the existing unfinished basement and am looking into costs for this renovation.

I was wondering if anyone knew of websites where you could 'plan' out the basement reno. Something that helps you with the floorplan...possibly with the costs?

I'll be using some help of family and friends (many of which are tradespeople already) but will need to also hire out some of the work to be done.

Thanks