How much does it cost to finish your basement after closing?

[Reesa]

We have a 2500 sq ft home and we are thinking about having the basement finished sooner rather than later. Any idea on how much it would cost - a couple of bedrooms, bathroom and small rec area.

[jeffjc]

its hard to say exactly, we are doing ours right now, in a 2000 sq ft house, about 600 sq foot basement with one bathroom about $12000.

I would imagine yours would be $20-$30K but it depends a lot on finishes, lighting, and how much you shop around.

[GregS]

Make sure that whomever you get is actually licensed and insured to do the job you hire them for.

I was in a house this morning that was just getting it's basement finished (1 year after closing) and there were no permit notices anywhere.

When I got into the basement it was a hack.

I looked at the electrical and framing since that affects the job I was there to do. Both had issues that an inspector would not pass.

They were also pounding through the side of the house to add a door for the basement.. They were using a sledge hammer, no ear or eye protection.

I asked the 'contractor' where his permit was and he insisted he didn't need one.

Good luck with that.

[Mark & Lynda]

Originally Posted by GregS

I asked the 'contractor' where his permit was and he insisted he didn't need one.

That right there should set alarm bells off for any home owner.

If any so called contractor says you don't need permits, don't hire them.

[GregS]

Read between the lines..

[TKG26]

Does a DIY requier permits? Or electrical inspections?

[Jenny1975]

Adding, moving or altering anything structural, electrical or plumbing-related requires both a permit and an inspection, regardless of whether it's done by a contractor or the homeowner.

[Reesa]

Do you think you would be granted a permit during the first year that you've taken possession? I know you are supposed to wait to see if there is any cracks in the foundation, but would they deny you a permit on that basis? thx for the responses!

[Jenny1975]

Don't think there isn't a time requirement. The permit is to ensure that what you are planning to do is up to code and the inspection is to confirm that you actually did what was set out in the permit, and that the work is up to code.

Many homes come with the basement already finished. While doing it yourself (or having it done) after moving in may have implications in terms of your builder warranty, it shouldn't have anything to do with permits. Possibly, if there was a problem that the builder needed to correct (unrelated to any work done after closing), they could tear out whatever you did without reimbursing you?