Hey everyone! I'm a first-time homeowner and I'm just starting to get quotes for remodeling my basement, which is about 1300 square feet. I'm considering tackling some of this myself to save money. Can anyone share what kind of costs I should expect for materials and labor hours? Initially, I'm thinking about just framing the walls, adding insulation, and some outlets for now. I plan to leave it as a big open space until I can afford to add rooms and a bathroom later. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
3 Answers
Seriously consider doing it yourself! Just be sure to read up on moisture barriers and insulation specific to basements. Plus, since the framing isn’t structural, you can really frame it however you need!
If you have the time, I definitely recommend DIY! Just keep in mind, having kids around might make it a bit challenging.
For a full basement job like adding two bedrooms and a bathroom, I'm paying around $32,000 for 750 sq ft in central NY, including materials. If you're handy, going DIY could save you money, with framing costs around $8,000 for 1300 sq ft. Just be cautious of contractors jacking up prices if you hire out! Unfortunately, my kids are keeping me from taking on this project myself right now.
I’m in a similar boat with the same plans, so I’m really interested in how it goes for you!
Did you already have bathroom plumbing in place before starting your project?