WHAT DOES YOUR QUOTE INCLUDE?
Framing
- 2’’x4’’ premium-grade wood studs for all wall frames
- Foam barrier between the bottom plate and the floor
- A combination of wood and metal studs for all duct work
Electrical**
- LED slim-line recessed light fixtures
- Dimmer décor switches
- 3-way décor switches
- Decor plugs as per ESA code (every 9 linear feet)
Insulation
- ROXUL Safe’n’Sound for interior demising wall and furnace room
- 6mil-thick vapour barrier
Drywall
- ½”’ Drywall installation on all walls and basement ceiling
- ½” Mould-resistant drywall on all perimeter walls
- ⅝’’ Type-X drywall for interior walls in the furnace room
- Drywall installation includes taping, mudding, sanding, and priming
Flooring
- 12mm-thick laminate flooring
Trim & Doors
- ½” MDF paint-grade colonial-trim doors
- Shoe moulding throughout the finished areas in the basement
- 6-panel hollow-core prehung doors with a matching trim
- One solid-core door for the furnace room
- Colonial-trim windows to match the doors
- Cabinet door for the electrical panel plus a lock
HVAC
- Adjusting heat ducts
- Installing cold-air return vent
Paint
- Applying two coats of Benjamin Moore high-quality paint with low Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC)
*All materials we use in our basement projects comply with the Ontario Building Code.
**Final quantity of electrical items will be determined by electrical schematic drawings.
BASEMENT RENOVATIONS
Add Extra Space and Value to Your Home
For most homeowners, the basement is a premium space that often goes underutilized. Whether it be for hosting, relaxation, fitness, or one of the several other options available, turning your basement into a beautiful, inviting space should be at the top of your renovation list.
That said, basement renovations require quite a bit of planning and development work. From initial design to the final stroke of paint, a lot goes into creating the basement of your dreams. This article will explore the work required and the costs associated so that you can properly plan for your next renovation project.
How Much Do Basement Renovations Cost?
Your basement renovation cost will depend heavily on a few key variables, the first being the size of the space in square feet. Because larger spaces will require more labour hours and materials, they will naturally cost more to complete. For your reference, expect basements of the following sizes to cost the associated amounts in Canadian dollars:
- 400-600 sq. ft. = $42,000 – $52,000
- 600-800 sq. ft. = $52,500 – $68,500
- 900-1000 sq. ft. = $77,000 – $85,700
- 1100-1400 sq. ft. = $94,000 – $120000
Although material quality and project complexity will skew the figures slightly, these numbers should provide you with a ballpark range of what a proper basement renovation will cost depending on the size of the space.
Basement Renovations Cost Factors
Like any other home renovation project, your two primary costs will come from materials and labour. For larger basement projects, this notion remains truer than ever. Depending on the size and complexity of your basement renovation project, tens (if not hundreds) of hours will be spent on construction, and thousands of dollars of materials will be used. More complex projects will be priced accordingly, with premium materials and complex styling costing more than their standard alternatives. You should consider your basement renovation an investment in the value of your home and the quality of your lifestyle, and with that find a balance that fits your budget.
Basement Renovation Cost Breakdown
Housed within the labour and material quality costs are a handful of more technical renovation items that you’ll need to consider for your project. They include everything from initial planning to infrastructure and development. Below we’ll explore them in detail and explain the price ranges you should expect to see.
Plumbing
Your newly renovated basement will need to have a water connection in order to install a bathroom, sink, and so on. You’ll need a plumber to come in and ensure that the water and sewage lines are properly installed and working correctly. As such, the plumber on site will charge you per-hour depending on the complexity of the work and the time it takes to complete.
Building Permits
Before you can begin your basement renovations you’ll be required to get the proper permits and permissions from local government authorities. Anticipate this portion of the project to cost between $3500 and $5000, dependent on the complexity and size of your project.
Inspections
Inspections will be required if you’re adding any plumbing or electrical elements to your basement during renovations. Inspections are important because they’ll ensure that the work completed is up to municipal standards and prevent damage due to leaks, electrical fires, and so on. Inspection costs will vary greatly depending on the size of the project and whether you’re having plumbing work, electrical work, or both completed.
Framing
If your renovations are going to involve the creation of multiple rooms, you’ll need to consider the cost to frame a basement. Framing costs will depend on a few variables, including whether or not old walls need to be knocked down and how many additional walls and doorways need to be built. You should anticipate framing costs to range anywhere between $15 and $30 per linear foot.
Drywall Installation
If you do happen to frame additional walls as you go through your renovations, you’ll need to consider the cost to drywall a basement. Heavily dependent on the type of drywall material used, anticipate a cost of approximately $20 per sheet. On top of that, the actual drywall installation will cost you anywhere from $1 to $3 per square foot.
Beyond standard drywall, you also have the option to add special textured finishes, including soundproofing and mold resistance. These will come at an additional cost, of course, with soundproofing starting at $50 per 4×8 panel.
Insulation
In order to help with temperature regulation and basement warmth, you’ll want to ensure that your walls, both new and old, are insulated correctly by a professional team. Standard rigid and spray foam insulation options will cost anywhere between $1.50 and $5.50 per square foot, including the material and installation labour.
Ceiling
No basement renovation would feel complete without a beautiful new ceiling. Although seemingly standard, there are several ceiling options available that offer unique styles at differing price points. The three most common include:
- Drop Ceilings make use of acrylic panels to create a beautiful design that appears more expensive and luxurious than it actually is. As an affordable, stylish option, expect to pay anywhere between $2 and $6 per square foot.
- Sheet Paneling makes use of traditional ceiling materials to create a simple, elegant style that is reliable over years. As the most commonly used ceiling option available, expect to pay anywhere between $12 and $30 per panel.
- Tongue and Groove Wood makes use of high-quality materials to create an elegant, layered ceiling experience. That said, it is also the most affordable, and you can expect to pay anywhere between $1 and $3 per square foot.
Flooring
Basement flooring is one of the first items any visitor will notice and you’ll want to make sure it leaves a lasting impression. Depending on the style of your new basement and the budget available, there are a handful of flooring options you can choose from:
- Vinyl Flooring is a beautiful, budget friendly option that will give your basement a modern look. For an average sized basement, you’ll be looking at between $1 and $8 per square foot.
- Engineered Wood is a premium wood flooring option and will add a layer of elegance and comfort over its Vinyl alternative. That said, it still remains a relatively affordable option at between $6 and $12 per square foot.
- Porcelain or Ceramic Tiles are a more traditional style that will create a unique basement experience. As the most expensive of the options available, expect to pay between $9 and $15 per square foot.
- Carpeting is the only basement flooring option that really focuses on warmth and coziness. Although not for everyone, good carpet can create a wonderfully welcoming basement experience, and you can expect to pay between $15 and $30 per square foot.
Painting
The paint chosen for your basement walls will have a large impact on the experience and mood of the space. Lighter paints will create a brighter and airier space, perfect for hosting and lively activities. Darker paints will create a cozier and warmer space, perfect for relaxation and comfort. Both options are great and depend on the style of basement you’re looking to develop, but you can expect the cost of painting to range between $5 and $8 per square foot. Depending on coats required and complexity of design, such as patterned or contrasting walls, you may be required to pay more.
Electrical
The lighting selected for your new basement is going to have a major impact on the finished product. Whether you opt for traditional ceiling lights, pot lights, or one of the many other options available, you’ll need a professional electrician to come in and do the job correctly. Expect this portion of the project to cost between $15 and $30 per square foot, the total amount of hours being dependent on the size of the job and quoted by the tradesmen.
Bathroom Addition
Adding a bathroom to your basement during renovations will offer incredible convenience over the years to come, as well add to the resale value of your home. The cost associated will depend on whether you’re looking for a two-piece, three-piece, or custom styled bathroom, but you should anticipate costs to range between $10,000 and $25,000.
FAQ’s
If you’re ready to take your home to the next level with a beautiful basement renovation, our team is excited to get started. Contact us today to learn more about our approach, cost, and how we’ll turn your basement into the space of your dreams.