On average, a basement remodel will cost between $85 – $150 per square foot. How much you spend depends on a number of things, like where you live, the type of work done, materials used, etc. Here are a few questions to ask yourself if you’re curious to know which end of this wide range you fall:

• Are you starting with a finished basement vs an unfinished basement?
• Do you want a full kitchen and bathroom vs a half bathroom or kitchenette?
• Do you want custom cabinets vs standard options?
• Do you want high quality materials and finishes?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, you’re on the high end of that range (closer to $150 per square foot). If you answered no to most of these questions, you’re closer to the low end of that range (near $85 per square foot). Remodeling a finished basement may actually be more expensive than an unfinished basement, due to demolition or site preparation. If your home has a partial basement, extending the foundation will significantly add to the cost.

Some of the most expensive aspects of a basement remodel include:

• Plumbing
• HVAC
• Electrical
• Drywall
• Flooring
• Interior Footing Drain

Hudson Valley basement remodeling first gained popularity for functional storage, storm safety, and the occasional open space for kids or hosting While adding a basement bedroom is still common, as we spend more time at home you may find yourself looking for functional ways to expand your home’s living space. Open concept design has been a big part of traditional home remodeling. In your basement remodel, you can incorporate an open concept layout by taking advantage of the naturally expansive room or make the space feel larger by if you live in a smaller home. It may require adding or removing walls, which will add to the cost. Other popular basement remodeling ideas include:

Basement Bathroom Remodel Cost

As with any home renovation, a basement bathroom will be one of the most intensive — and expensive — rooms to add or renovate. It will require plumbing, electrical and material costs. Depending on the layout of your basement, it may also require moving things around, which will raise costs.

Layout changes are often the most cost-heavy. Any time you are tearing down walls and updating the layout of a finished room, this infers that anything within those walls will need to be modified. When it comes to plumbing, HVAC, and electrical, these tend to be the most cost-heavy updates.

Adding A Kitchenette In Your Basement

Adding a kitchenette into the design of your basement will allow you to easily entertain and host guests on both floors of your home. Most kitchenettes include a sink, a microwave, a mini-fridge, and a hotplate. Some homeowners are now choosing to add in smaller stoves and ovens into their design so that they’re able to cook full meals without ever leaving the basement. While adding a kitchenette may increase your remodeling budget, it will also increase the value of your home should you ever decide to sell.

Another major benefit of adding a kitchenette to your basement is the opportunity to rent or list your basement on Airbnb. Adding the value of a kitchenette to your basement drastically increases rentability (along with the cost you could charge for the space). With online options for most schools, renting has increased in popularity across the country beyond in just college towns!

Build A Home Gym In Your Basement

With some gyms remaining closed, installing a home gym can be a great convenience and a more desirable way to keep fit. With a home gym, you get to control your own cleanliness and avoid being exposed to potentially harmful viruses. Adding a home gym to your basement provides you endless opportunities to tailor it to your specific fitness goals. When adding a home gym to your basement, you may face the cost of adding or removing walls, adding additional ventilation, or adding more electrical outlets to accommodate gym equipment. Consider adding wall mirrors, padded flooring, and inspiring quotes to your basement home gym to make it your own.

If your gym has opened back up, then a home gym can help reduce the cost of a specific membership. For example, creating a space at home to accommodate a Peloton station and yoga area could help drastically cut back on the cost of attending in person classes. (Pro tip – it can also make it easier to keep up with your fitness goals if you already work from home!)

Build A Basement Playroom

A large, open basement can be the perfect space for children. Costs will vary based on what you do, but don’t be afraid to think outside the box. Built-in bookshelves and storage spaces for toys, reading nooks, and secret spaces or climbing areas can transform a room into a whole new world. Additionally, with this space you can create an exciting yet function homework or home learning area. Chalkboard walls, built in desks, and exiting wall art can foster a productive environment for your child. Costs will vary based on how much demolition you need and what materials you use. For older children, you can transform it into a “rec room” with video games, TVs, or indoor arcade games. Costs will again vary, but you’ll want to make sure the electrical work is top-of-the-line. Think lots of outlets, built-in speakers, and maybe even a space for a mini-fridge.

Design A Home Office

One of the most popular requests we’re seeing in Hudson Valley basement remodeling is designing a home office. As working from home becomes the new normal for many of us, a home office is a must! They not only offer a quiet place to unwind, but also allow you to have some privacy while working away on your computer. Having a designated workspace in your home will help separate time for work and time for home life. A well designed home office can foster a sense of productivity and intention during your work day. For your home office, you will need good lighting for reading and durable flooring for your office chair.

If you don’t have space for a dedicated home office, even a thoughtfully designed nook can support flexible schedules. Many workplaces are going hybrid and offering flexible schedules that include both in-office and at-home options. Some schools are also opting for a similar schedule. Both of these shifts in the way we work and study have guaranteed that a home office or nook will only add value to your home!

Build A Basement Guest Suite

If you need more space for your guests or an incoming relative, the basement may be the perfect place to add a new guest suite. Most guest suites offer a bedroom, bathroom, and a small living room for entertaining. You could also consider adding a kitchenette for even more convenience. You could use this space as an In-Law apartment for aging relatives to keep them close.  If you don’t have many overnight guests, you could also turn your guest suite into an apartment to rent for additional income. No matter your guests length of stay, no one likes living out of a suitcase. Consider adding a closet and additional storage space for your visitors.

We’ve also seen an increase in popularity of college students to stay home longer – whether for virtual classes or until they’ve secured a post-grad job. Ensure your college-aged child has their own privacy and space with a well-designed basement guest suite. When adding a guest suite to your basement it is important to consider the cost of installing a kitchenette or bathroom and HVAC to ensure your guests have heat and air.

Add A Basement Home Theater

Who says the kids should get to enjoy all the benefits of a basement remodel? Create your own home theater without taking over your main living room. One of the simpler remodeling projects, the biggest things you need are ample seating and a good spot to set up your large TV. Surround sound can take it to the next level and really make it feel like a theater. (You’ll want to make sure your electrical wiring is up to handling high-end electronics, and maybe even a microwave so you can keep the popcorn handy.

There’s a lot to consider when deciding what you want to include in your basement remodel. We’ve recently discovered the true importance of a home office and home gym, but there are other creative spaces to add! Don’t delay your project, we can help.