I'm planning to finish about 600 square feet of my basement. The project includes adding LVT flooring, painting the rafters black, installing a half bath, handling the electrical work, and putting up drywall with insulation on the exterior walls. What should I realistically budget for this?
3 Answers
Honestly, you’re looking at a pretty wide range here, probably between $10k to $100k. The final cost really depends on several factors like where you live, the materials you choose, and any additional work that might crop up—like breaking concrete for plumbing or upgrading your electrical panel. I recommend getting estimates from general contractors to get a clearer picture. If you're considering a DIY job, make a comprehensive list of what you need, and then add about 50% for unexpected costs.
We finished a basement of similar size about two years ago, and it cost us around $100k. We moved the kitchen and a toilet, updated the electric, put in drywall and LVP, added exterior doors, and so on. We went with a great contractor who really knew what they were doing, but it definitely wasn’t cheap.
For everything except the half bath, I’d estimate around $25k to $50k. Adding a half bath can really inflate the costs, as bathroom jobs tend to be pricey. If you get any quotes under $25k, I’d suggest looking into drywalling the ceiling as it could really enhance the space and help with soundproofing. Make sure to get at least three quotes, and choose one that fits your budget and has solid reviews!