Many homes have a basement that works as an extra space. But that space is not always well used. If you are thinking of getting more out of this room. you can find out how much does it cost to remodel a basement in this article.
Basement renovation prices are usually between $4.500 and $40.000, depending on whether it is a small renovation or a more complete one. Usually the budget to condition a basement is around $14.500.
It’s important to bear in mind that these figures are approximate: each reform is different and, therefore, may have a different price. That is why it’s so important to request estimates for basement renovations from professionals and specialized renovation companies.
What influences the price of a basement renovation?
The number of square meters of the basement is one of the aspects that usually influences the budget the most: the larger the space, the more work it will require to condition it, so it will require a greater investment.
Other factors that may influence are the type of reforms to be carried out, the quality of the materials used, or the condition of the facilities (when it is necessary to renew them, the budget is higher).
The use that you want to give the basement will be decisive to calculate the budget, since depending on this it will be necessary to carry out some tasks or others to condition it.
On the other hand, certain modifications may require a project to renovate the basement, or perhaps obtain certain permits, such as building permits. That is why it is so important to have the advice of a good renovation company from the beginning.
Without going any further, it may sometimes be necessary to increase the height of the room and, to achieve this, it may be necessary to excavate the ground, which implies a major reform. Although the price of building a basement from scratch will always be higher than that of reform.
What can the budget include to renovate a basement?
The budget to reform or condition a basement can include different tasks of masonry, electricity, plumbing, painting, carpentry …
For example, it usually includes changes in floors and walls, the renovation of the facilities, the improvement of the waterproofing or the insulation of the room, or the construction or demolition of partitions, among other possibilities.
In the end, the objective is to turn the basement into a habitable and functional area, adapting it for the use that you want to give it and counteracting the deficiencies that it may have in terms of luminosity, humidity, and ventilation.
Waterproofing
The location of the basements can lead to problems of humidity or leaks, so waterproofing is an improvement to take into account when you want to reform this room.
Different systems can be used to waterproof basements (from laying asphalt or waterproof sheets, to applying mortars and resins), and the task can be carried out from the inside or the outside, depending on the circumstances.
The basement waterproofing price is usually around $20 / m2 or $30 / m2, but it is possible to find figures below and above these prices depending on the system used and other specific issues.
If there are leaks, it is essential to locate their origin and solve the problem. And it may also be advisable to check the foundations, to verify that they are in good condition.
Thermal isolation
The environment in a basement is usually colder than in the rest of the house. That is why another common reform has to do with the thermal insulation of the room, taking advantage of all the possibilities offered by insulating materials (polyurethane, insulating sheets, cladding, cellulose, etc.).
Insulating a home usually costs between $10 / m2 and $100 / m2, depending on the method chosen, so the price of thermal insulation in the basement can also vary depending on this.
Plumbing and electricity
There is another task in which all basement renovation projects tend to coincide: the revision of the electrical and plumbing installations. For example, when you want to build a bathroom in the basement, or when one of the objectives is to reform or install a kitchen in this room, it is essential to review and even renew these types of facilities.
Depending on what is required in each case, the complexity of the intervention may vary, and the same happens with the price. For example, if you want to improve the artificial lighting in the basement with the installation of new lights or lamps, you may have to carry out a new electrical installation.
The most advisable thing is for a professional to assess each situation to offer a personalized budget adapted to the circumstances.
Ventilation and air conditioning
Sometimes the natural ventilation of basements is not enough to maintain air quality, and it may be necessary to install a forced ventilation system.
The price to install a mechanical ventilation system can start from approximately $2.000, although the price may vary depending on the characteristics of the installation.
Air conditioning-related improvements are also often made to achieve greater comfort. For example, you can install an air conditioning and heating system, and even underfloor heating.
Space division
It is quite common for basements to be open spaces, without dividing walls. However, to make better use of the room, the space is often compartmentalized.
For this, you can choose to build brick or plasterboard partitions, although there are other possible solutions, such as glass partitions or paved walls.
It’s no secret that a renovated basement adds more value to a home and is an additional space that can have multiple uses. But always remember that you must have the help of professionals to build, in addition to all the permits you need to avoid legal problems.
