Basement Remodeling In Cape May County

Basement condition and size

Basement’s size and current condition will play a huge role in your finished basement cost. For example, a partial basement remodel of an area less than 700 sq. feet could average from $9,000 to $52,500, while the complete remodel of a basement with 4,000 square feet could cost over $200,000. Also, if your unfinished basement has any leaks or moisture problems, you will have to spend more for waterproofing before you begin the basement remodel.

Subcontractors and labor

No two houses are alike, so no two basements are alike. Shelton Home Improvement will do the majority of the work in-house, but we sometimes have to seek outside expertise depending on the needs and complexity of your basement remodel. Advanced electrical, plumbing, and design work can increase the cost of your finished basement.

Permits

When doing a basement remodel in Cape May County, and you plan to add walls, or and install plumbing or wiring, the local building authority may require a permit before starting the project. Permit and inspection fees vary. Shelton Home Improvement will pull the permit on your behalf and include the cost in our charges, making sure it is clearly labeled on a separate line item.

Cleanup and repair

If your basement has existing mold or water damage, cleanup could add anywhere from $1,200 to $5,100 to the overall cost of your basement remodel. If professional mold remediation is required and wallboard and flooring must be replaced, the price could start around $10,000 and go up from there. On the flip side, a simple flooring replacement and a new coat of paint could cost less than $3,000.

Waterproofing

The difference between above-grade walls and basement walls is that basement walls directly contact the soil. This makes basements prone to moisture problems and leaking. Before finishing a basement, any moisture problems need to be addressed. Waterproofing a basement can add an estimated $2,000 to $7,000 to project costs.

Finishing

When it comes to basements, “finishing” means to transform the basement (no matter what shape it’s currently in) into a living space that’s similar in quality to the above ground living spaces. The cost to finish basement living spaces will vary based on all the factors covered, but a general estimate is between $30 and $75 per square foot in Cape May County.

Room Additions: Bedrooms, Bathrooms, and More

Adding new rooms into a basement is standard for many remodeling projects in Cape May County. The cost will vary by the type of room and the quality of the materials and fixtures. Adding a bathroom ranges from $6,600 to $16,500, while adding a master suite can run about $25,000, especially if egress (escape) windows must be installed. Other popular basement remodel projects include: home theaters, saunas, wet bars, and home gyms.

When DIY-ing some of a basement remodeling project isn’t feasible, you can still take measures to save some money. 

Research before starting the project.

Visit trade shows, go to open houses, and browse through home design magazines to see how other homeowners have finished their basements. The more ideas you can draw from, the easier it is to select budget-friendly designs and still get the desired look.

Examples of how homeowners have finished their basement in Cape May County are:

• Luxurious additional bathrooms

• Theaters or game rooms

• Lounges including a wet barIn-home gyms

• At-home office spaces

• Spacious master bedrooms

• In-law apartments with finished kitchens

Don’t make changes once the project starts.

Change orders can be costly, due to having to prioritize new work plans, and ordering last-minute materials (which can be expensive). Know what you want and stick to it. That’s why we offer free consultation services to determine what makes the most sense for your finished basement.

Avoid using materials that exceed the quality of the materials used on the above-grade floors.

For example, don’t choose quartz countertops for a wet bar in the basement if the upstairs kitchen has laminate countertops. Not only will this save money, but it will create a cohesive look through the home.

Consider an open basement plan.

Separating the basement living space into multiple rooms means building walls and running additional wiring, which adds substantially to your final cost. If you can consider an open basement plan, it can be very cost effective.

Final Considerations Before You Start:

Take advantage of our free consultation services to discuss all your ideas for your basement remodel. We can discuss each of your ideas, and show you examples of finished basement projects we have done. We can then help you determine what makes the most sense based on your timeline and budget.