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An unfinished basement not only has a lot of untapped potential, but you could be sitting on top of well over 1,000 square feet of unused space. Finish your basement and open up a whole new world of possibilities, like a guest suite, home office, or even your own pool hall! We’ll describe the different cost levels for finishing your basement in the Naperville area as well as ideas for all that newly finished space.
How much does it cost to finish a basement in Illinois?
Most basements start with a concrete floor, concrete walls, and minimal electricity access. To finish a basement, the first step is ensuring the space is watertight. This is done with a specific grade of subflooring, filling any cracks, and sealing the concrete so moisture can’t get through. The current condition of your basement will determine just how much preparation is needed.
Keep in mind that the average basement is around 1,500 square feet, so the costs we discuss below will reflect that. Your basement will also require extending your HVAC system, so a larger unit may be necessary, which you can choose to include in your remodel.
Base Basement Remodeling
At the base level for finishing a basement in Naperville and the surrounding areas, the average cost could be around $41,000. This includes finishing the walls and installing flooring to create a watertight barrier. Your basement will also be outfitted with electricity for outlets and light fixtures. To keep your basement remodeling at an affordable cost, choose finishes that are midrange and durable. Ceramic tile and luxury vinyl tile are great for a basement and come in almost every style and color you could imagine. Because basements tend to have a lower ceiling than the rest of the home, recessed lighting works perfectly for this space.
The base-level basement remodeling cost is just right for a home gym, play room, or an additional family room. At this level, think of the remodel like adding a very large flex room, where you can add trim, a nice color palette, and stylish flooring. You’ll have a lot of added square footage in your home that can change in use as your family’s needs change through the years.
Average Basement Remodeling
For an average basement remodeling project, expect the cost in the Naperville area to be $77,000. This cost will include finishing your walls and floors as well as running electricity into the space, as with the base cost level. However, at the average cost level, your basement will have far more potential uses! You could finally offer your weekend guests a more private place to stay, or have a home office that gives you everything you need to make it through the day without distractions.
Your basement will include interior walls to create designated spaces, like a bathroom and a private bedroom. Your remodeling investment will also allow you to add more personality to the space with custom built-ins and stylish finishes. Add sconces to vary your lighting options and choose trending flooring like durable engineered wood throughout.
Don’t skimp on style in your full basement bathroom, either! Top your single storage vanity with beautiful quartz or marble. Line your shower walls with ceramic subway tile in a fun color. Continue your engineered wood into the bathroom or choose a more water-resistant flooring like dyed stamped concrete tile.
High-End Basement Remodeling
If you want to make the most of your basement remodel, the high-end remodeling level is for you. This level offers the most flexibility in how you use your space. The options are nearly endless! At the high-end basement remodeling level, expect the cost to be $87,000 in the Naperville, Illinois, area.
Your high-end basement remodel will include everything from the previous levels but also include custom lighting, built-in cabinets, and a wet bar. By having a wet bar in your basement, this becomes a truly independent space. Overnight guests can make themselves at home with coffee in the morning and a stash of midnight snacks, without having to leave their retreat. This space can also serve as an in-home rec space for billiards, gaming, movie nights, and more. Have an older child in the home? They’ll love the independence that’s offered with an entire suite, all to themself.
Is it cheaper to finish a basement or add on?
For a home addition on ground level in the Naperville area, the cost could be around $150-$200 per square foot. That’s considerably more than finishing your basement, even if you choose high-end finishes and a full guest suite.
This is partly the reason why finishing your basement could fetch a whopping 80% return on investment (ROI)!
What finishes should I choose for a basement remodel?
Many homeowners complain that their unfinished basement is damp and cold. With the proper preparation—like specific subflooring and thoroughly sealing the concrete walls–your basement will be watertight, protecting any finishes you choose. This way, you can install any finishes you would for the main floor.
If you want to continue the finishes and features into the basement as you have on the main level, work with your designer to make selections that coordinate seamlessly. Or, create a whole new escape from your daily routine and really play with unexpected colors and finishes that will make your basement feel like a getaway that’s right below your feet.
Ready to Reclaim All That Unused Space?
By now, you likely realize that finishing your basement is totally worth it, but what’s the next step? Well, we’ll tell you: it’s finding a remodeler that has the experience and knowledge to get it done the right way.
Smardbuild has been remodeling homes in the Greater Chicago area for almost 20 years, with a passion for offering homeowners an easier way to get the remodel they need with a process that’s seamless and all-inclusive. Contact Smardbuild to learn more about the process and for a free consultation today!
