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Basement Finishing
That wasted space downstairs can be ideal for a game
room, guest room, home theater, music room, teen room, home office, gym,
or a hobby room. The attributes of privacy, quietness, and coolness lend
themselves to an endless list of potential room purposes.
Unleash the potential in your basement by creating a whole new living
environment.
It's a great opportunity to increase the value of your
home and add the extra living space you need. If you have an idea of
what you want to do with the basement, put a plan together and call a
contractor to help with the more critical parts of the job.
Estimates will vary, depending upon the features and
materials required. Generally speaking, an estimate will come to about
$40-$60 per square foot, but could cost as much as $100 per square foot
(Remodeling Online). Larger projects, say finishing the basement for a
rental, will cost on the average $30,000 to $50,000 (OldHouseWeb.com).
Waterproofing and insulation is a top priority;
remember, the basement is below ground. The U.S. Department of Energy
gives a detailed overview with cost estimates for a wide range of
options. Your local planning department should also have specific
regulations on ceiling height, access doors, and ventilation.
Building permits will vary in costs and need to be added
to your budget.
Overall, the costs will depend on what you plan and can afford to do in
this project. It will also depend on local pricing for materials, labor,
and permits. Think about what you want to accomplish in basement space,
make a design plan and budget, and call a professional for an estimate.
The outcome will be well worth it.
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