Per square foot cost of basement renovation

1/19/2014 at 7:49:55 AM

It's tough to give square foot prices theses days because theres such a variance depending what quality of material is being used.

Judging by your post you would be in the 35-45 dollar a square foot range.

1/19/2014 at 8:21:25 AM

Hi Mike,

It is difficult to provide a square foot price for projects due to the number of variables, however, you can use the numbers provided by Adrian ($35-45 per square foot) as a guide. Based on the description you provided, I would budget to the high end of that number.

Mark

Timberidge Carpentrly

1/19/2014 at 11:34:16 AM

Hey Mike,

It all depends on how elaborate the plan is. I've done Basements up to $65/sqft but it had a Home theatre, workout room full custom walk in shower/ Bathroom, Three bedrooms and a Bar. I'd say your in the right range with $35- $45. The more features and the more sub trades will definitely add to the over all price.

Hope that helps.

Cheers,

Gilbert

TOTAL HOME

OTTAWA

1/19/2014 at 5:17:49 PM

You are in the $45-$55 per square foot range based on your requirements. Difficult to quote without expanding/exploring ideas and sight inspection.

Hope this helps !!

Walter

360 Contracting

1/20/2014 at 7:35:18 PM

Thanks to all for the feedback. I should have provided more detail. My apologies.

The estimate I have received calculates to around $86/sq ft. This includes the demo of the existing rec room and bath, removing existing bat insulation and installing closed cell spray foam, removing a telepost and installing a steel beam, custom 48 x 36 shower made with Schluter waterproofing system and finished with 24 x 12 in porcelain tile including ceiling with light. The floor would be finished with the same tile.

The bath would also have a new 32 in vanity with granite sink and delta faucets. The built in wall unit would have lighted shelves floor to ceiling, the centre portion would be floor to ceiling stone with a stone sitting ledge. There would be four decorative stone pillars to define the room. The contractor has allowed for 20 pot lights and there would also be a 7 ft wet counter bar and 4 ft closet on another wall and open shelving beneath the stairs. The finished living area is about 450 sq ft and the bathroom is about 56 sq ft. The suspended ceiling would be 2x2 drop reveal tiles. The laminate floor is a high end product.

1/22/2014 at 1:36:36 AM

With this new description you are offering, it makes total sense. The average price is 35 to 45 /sqft. but your project is above average.

Moran Contracting

Brooklin, On.

1/22/2014 at 5:57:41 PM

Hi Mike,

We specialize in basements and generally work in the Oakville and Burlington area. The average basement price with a bathroom is $45- to $55 per sqft. We have done many specialized basements with custom Schluter showers, bookcases fireplaces bars etc, these can go from $60 to $70 an estimate for $86 is very high I would continue your search.

Good luck with your search.

Cheers,

Mark

CMJ Renovations

Oakville

1/26/2014 at 2:30:49 PM

Hi Mike,

Just read your most recent post. And I have to say that the cost per square foot you have received in your quote is high considering you are installing a drop ceiling. At that price you should have a drywall ceiling.

I am aware of the costs associated with the installation of the new beam, posts etc. I hope the quote includes breaking up the existing concrete where the new load posts will be installed, then excavating and pouring proper concrete footings for them.

But based on the information you have provided, it should be about 60.00 per square foot for the area excluding the bathroom.

The bathroom as you describe could run from 100.00 to 125.00 a square foot.

Hope this helps.

3/21/2014 at 3:50:57 PM

With that much detail I think you are better off getting a quote than using a cost per square foot estimate. Cost per square foot estimates I have finally given up on for all but the pros because there are so many variables that can change the cost per square foot from $20 to $200 or more.

I just use an online basement finsihing calculator instead..it is easier and gets my clients the info the need with zero hassle http://www.remodelormove.com/finish-a-basement

Your list of features sounds great - with that much detail I think you are better off having a contractor come out - look at your project and give a bid. You will know for sure them for your budget and it is likely the contractor will have some comments about your plans - maybe you can do it for less or maybe there are some big obstacles?!