When it comes to building a home, the basement may be the least of your worries. It’s natural to focus on the areas of your home where your family will spend the most time, such as the living room, kitchen, and bedrooms. However, finishing the basement can be beneficial in many ways!

In this blog, we tackle basement FAQs to provide you with answers to any questions you may have. We also offer basement finishing tips so you can learn the best way to finish a basement.

Basement FAQs

What Are the Benefits of Finishing Your Basement?

The countless benefits of finishing the basement appeal to individuals buying or building a home. Check out what you can expect when you take steps to finish your basement:

• Creates Additional Living Space — Whether you plan to use your finished basement as a TV and game room or an extra bedroom, finishing your basement can allow you to host more guests comfortably in your home. The space can be turned into a mini apartment for in-laws or friends when they visit.
• High Return on Investment — While finishing your basement doesn’t increase your home’s square footage, it does offer a 70-75% return on investment. Your home’s value will increase immensely by having a finished basement.
• Increase the Size of Your Home — When completed according to local building codes, finishing your basement increases your home’s amount of livable space, allowing you to claim an extra bedroom and bathroom. This is a great benefit if you ever plan to sell your home in the future.
• Elevated Energy Savings— Finishing your basement means insulating the walls and padding the flooring, which can help maintain a more-tolerable, consistent temperature. It’ll make the basement less cold, drafty, and damp, helping to minimize heating costs.

How Much Does it Cost to Finish a Basement?

An ideal range to keep in mind would be anywhere from $18,000-$24,000. Unfortunately, there is no concrete answer to the cost of finishing your basement. The cost really depends on the size of the home in addition to the options and materials selected. 

What does Finishing a Basement Entail?

Finishing the basement generally includes installing a sump pump, creating a separate zone for the HVAC system, adding flooring, drywall, baseboards, and trim, and adding built-in lighting. Additional features may include adding a built-in bar or storage unit.

How Long Does it Take to Finish a Basement?

If you’re planning on finishing your basement while your home is being built, you can expect the basement finishing to add approximately two weeks to the traditional home building timeline. However, this time estimate may vary depending on your contractor or home builder.

The Best Way to Finish a Basement

Budget for It

A finished basement might be one of the must-haves in your new home! If that’s the case, you can start to budget for it before you build or buy a home. Simply add it to your house-building budget spreadsheet and continue to put money toward your goal.

Decide On The Purpose of The Basement

Do you plan to create a home gym, kids playroom, man or woman cave, or home movie theatre? Perhaps you just want an extra living room for your large family to enjoy. It’s important to decide on the main purpose of your finished basement so you can plan accordingly. A home gym won’t require the same type of flooring as a living room, and you may need specialty lighting added for a movie theatre. Once you decide on the purpose, figure out the types of materials you’ll use and adjust your budget accordingly.

Install Drainage Mats

Are you worried about potential moisture damage in your finished basement? Drainage mats can be installed under your flooring to create a moisture barrier! They also create an additional layer of insulation, helping to reduce condensation build-up and keep the floor at a warmer temperature.

Consider Lighting Choices

Since basements tend to be darker than the upper levels of homes, it’s important to think about how you’ll brighten up your finished space. Would you prefer recessed lighting or track lighting? You may also opt to add multiple windows for natural light.

Heat Sources

Basements can be chilly without proper heating. Before finishing your basement, consider some built-in heating units that can help you and your guests stay warm and toasty while enjoying the space. You could install a fireplace, electric heater, or even an under-floor radiant heat element.

Finish Your Basement with Berks Homes

If you’re already building a new home, why not just have Berks Homes finish your basement in the process? They’ll check all local codes and ensure your basement is compliant. They’ll also work with you to create the basement that you’re dreaming of!

If your home is already built and finishing the basement is now at the top of your mind, consider using BH Design & Build, a sister company of Berks Homes. They have access to all Berks Homes floor plans and are extremely knowledgeable about the models. They also have 3D design capabilities!

Even better, BH Design & Build offers a 5% discount to any Berks Homes buyer. The coupon would be included in your buyer’s closing packet.

Have questions about finishing your basement? Contact our building professionals today!