How Much Does It Cost to Frame a Basement? (2023) (2023)

FAQs

How Much Does It Cost to Frame a Basement? (2023)? ›

It costs an average of $1,200 to frame a basement, which includes installing drywall and insulation. Most homeowners spend between $500 and $1,600 on the project.

Number of studs needed = (Wall Width / On-Center Spacing)+ 1

For example, if your wall is 10' wide and distance between your studs is 16", the formula would be (10/1.33)+1, or (120/16)+1. Since your width is in feet and your spacing is in inches, you'll need to convert one of them into the same measurement.

Floors. Believe it or not, floors are often the most expensive thing that goes into your finished basement. Part of that stems from the fact that the poured concrete in most basements isn't installed with a finished basement in mind. That means that the current floor may require leveling before any other work gets done ...

Framing typically takes anywhere from 3 to 5 days. Once the framing is complete, the rough work for electrical, plumbing and HVAC can begin. The electricians will rough in the lighting and other electrical components such as the outlet boxes and switches. They will also run electrical wire to the box locations.

Framing options for the plates and studs include wood and metal. Wood prices are about $1 to $5 per square foot while metal framing is about $2 to $4 per square foot.

While residential framing costs range between $7 - $16 per square foot, commercial framing is more expensive. The average commercial framing job ranges from $12 to $40 per square foot.

Many people wonder if finishing their basement is worth the time, effort, and money to remodel their downstairs space. To answer that directly, yes, finishing your basement will almost always increase the value of your property. The standard return is around 70%, according to Remodeling.HW.net.

Generally speaking, building up tends to be less expensive than a basement. That said, not too long ago, lumber was at an all-time high and basements were the better option. Check with your builder and they can advise you on the pros, cons, and cost of each.

What type of insulation is best for basement walls? ›

Often, the best insulation for basement walls in terms of moisture resistance, cost, quality, and ease of installation is rigid foam board insulation. It comes in sheets that are easy to measure, cut, and install. The material is also water-resistant, so it's less likely to retain moisture.

If you have extensive DIY experience and can do the job safely, it may be worth finishing the basement yourself. But if you have a packed schedule that leaves you with little time to break out the tools and hardware, hiring a pro is the way to go. It's also safer to hire a contractor to manage the project.

The main difference between a partially finished basement and a finished and unfinished basement is that it is entirely unmodified. You may find furniture, gym equipment or recreational appliances in a partially finished basement.

Many unfinished basements have simple concrete walls. To finish them, you'll need to first insulate, then frame, and then finish up with drywall.

What takes the longest when finishing a basement? Adding the drywall is typically the part of a basement remodel that takes the longest. This part of the project will usually take around five days to complete.

The vast majority of walls are framed 16″ on center (O.C.), meaning that the center of each wall stud is spaced 16″ from the center of the adjacent stud. Some walls are framed 24″ O.C., but 16″ O.C is by far the most common. Walls are typically framed 16″ On Center (O.C.)

One of the key factors that contributes to the cost of framing is the use of high-quality materials. A quality frame requires top-notch materials such as solid wood, acid-free mat boards, and UV-resistant glass or acrylic to ensure that your artwork or photo is protected from damage over time.

For context, framing an entire home costs between $7 and $16 per square foot, while framing an addition to a home ranges from $6 to $10 per square foot. Framing interior walls costs more than framing exterior walls and ranges from $7 to $12 per square foot.

Framing. Perhaps the most expensive part when it comes to building a home is the framing, which consists of wooden beams that make up the home's skeleton. Forbes states that high-quality lumber averages about $33,000 for a home in the United States. Metal stud framing systems begin around $20,000.

To keep it simple and stick to a good average, say that 6.3 board feet are required for every square foot of house. So, a 1,000 square foot home would need 6,300 board feet to complete, while 12,600 board feet would be necessary for a 2,000 square foot home.

How do you estimate drywall and framing? ›

1000 square foot, for a square house would have 4 walls 32 feet long. With studs Sixteen inches ion center it would take 24 studs plus the beginning stud. So 25 studs per wall times 4 is 100 studs.

New homeowners have their financial limits when it comes to adding any “nice-to-haves”. This may be a reason why basements are often left unfinished. Yet homebuyers have many reasons to extend that extra money to finish this often-neglected part of the home.

If the walls are just painted concrete and there's no drywall, it's unfinished. Or if the ceiling has exposed beams or poles, then the basement is also deemed incomplete.

Ways to save on finished basement walls

If you're wondering if paneling or drywall is the cheaper finishing option, generally speaking, drywall is cheaper than paneling. This is because it requires less attention to detail and finish work during the installation process.

Acrylic waterproofing is usually the most affordable type of sealant and costs, on average, $2 per square foot. Silicate is another sealant option but can be more expensive, averaging $5 per square foot.

In general, building up tends to be less costly than building out. When you factor in things like digging and pouring a new foundation, building out typically carries a higher price tag (though this isn't always true, and certainly depends on the size of the room and its purpose).

Building up is always the least expensive option for increasing your home's square-footage because it requires less material and labor. For example, if you have 1,000 sq. feet on the main level and want to add 1,000 sq. feet as a second floor, all you have to do is add more wood and framing labor.

A bump-out is a minor addition to a house that increases its total square footage but doesn't reach the scale of a full addition with multiple rooms. A bump-out can be as small as two or three feet that push out the side of the house, or as large as a single room.

What is the best basement insulation to prevent mold? ›

Spray foam creates an air barrier that will seal up your basement to stop the outside air from getting in. Basement Spray Foam Insulation Pros: Spray foam insulation doesn't retain water, so it also doesn't promote mold or mildew growth.

Basements should be insulated on their perimeters—they should not be insulated between floors.

Because of the risk of mold and other moisture problems, the insulation of interior basement walls is very challeng- ing to do properly. Unless basements have a very low risk of moisture potential, it is better to leave the walls unin- sulated on the interior to allow drying and reduce mold and mildew issues.

The first step you should take is finding a contractor. A contractor can help give you the most accurate timeline of your finished basement project. An average custom finished basement project usually ranges anywhere from 12-16 weeks. The plans for your specific basement remodel could be reflected in the timeline.

Fortunately, you can cover basement foundation walls quickly and inexpensively. Attach wood furring strips, Z-shape channels, or 2x4 studs to flat, dry masonry walls, then add insulation and cover the strips or studs with drywall.

Assuming it's not rendered unlivable by conditions like mold-infestation or regular flooding, an unfinished basement can be turned into useful living space without the time and expense involved in actually finishing it. In fact basements are well-suited to much more than storage, and can be converted to: Home gyms.

Unfinished basements can often be quite cold spaces during the winter. A lack of insulation means heat escapes through the walls and floor.

Create a Gathering Space for Families

A finished basement provides great space for a family room, game area, playroom, office, or hobby room. Simply creating dedicated space for families to be together can add value to your home with its increased square footage and perceived benefit.

What time of year is best to finish a basement? ›

Fall seems to be one of the best seasons to work on your finished basement. With fall comes amazing, cooler weather and rarely do you need to worry about, rain, snow, or extreme heat. Contractors are usually very busy in the summer months and tend to slow down during the fall.

Framing usually takes less than five days and is the first part of a basement remodeling project. A contractor will remove walls to reshape the room while also providing additional framing for necessary equipment, such as gas and water lines.

Most homeowners spend between $500 and $1,600 on the project. Basic framing without the drywall costs about $3 to $6 per linear foot typically, but you may need to add between $5 and $10 per linear foot to that price if you include the drywall.

Always leave a 1/2-inch gap at the floor. This allows for floor and wall expansion without cracking the drywall. It also helps prevents moisture wicking if the floor floods. Wear work gloves, safety goggles and a dust mask when hanging drywall.

If you have a finished basement, it should be considered part of the square footage of your home. The key word is “finished”. An unfinished basement is not ever going to be considered when calculating square footage.

To Fannie Mae and appraisers, a basement, even if finished with high-quality materials, cannot count as square footage. It doesn't matter how good your basement looks. This is important because it leads to a specific outcome: the basement will have less value to your home than your gross living area.

They're always spaced either 16 or 24 inches on center (measured from center to center) along the wall and run between the floor and ceiling. Drywall or lath (for plaster walls) attaches to the edge of the studs.

Calculating the studs

You can quickly calculate the number of studs you need by multiplying the wall's total length by 0.75, which is the accurate spacing for on-center studs. Add an additional three studs for every 90-degree corner, four for every 45-degree corner, and two for every intersecting wall.

Should I use 16 or 24 inch stud spacing for basement? ›

It takes minimal extra time to frame a wall with 16 inch centres, rather than 24, and would be much more time consuming and difficult to add extra framing later on.

Studs in older homes are generally 16 to 24 inches apart. Check which side of your outlet is attached to the stud and measure off the next 16-24 inches to find the next one. You can use any of the above methods to ensure you've found the next stud on your wall.

A basement is finished when the entire level is complete and similar to the upstairs living areas. It generally includes an electrical system, heat, finished floors, an accessible entrance/stairway, level ceilings, and finished walls.

The average size of a basement is usually between 500-1500 square feet with of 8 foot ceilings. The footprint of the basement can vary depending on the square footage of the main house.

So, can you use your basement as a bedroom? In short, yes. You can use your basement as a bedroom, but you have to ensure that it complies with the proper building codes. Basement living spaces require an emergency exit and rescue openings, also known as an egress code.

Many homes have basements that are finished and used as a living space. However, it is important to be aware that there are many hazards in basements. From dangerous gases to fire safety, asbestos risks, and issues with your furnace, you can put your loved ones in danger if you do not check these regularly.

The main difference between a partially finished basement and a finished and unfinished basement is that it is entirely unmodified. You may find furniture, gym equipment or recreational appliances in a partially finished basement.

A lot of people use their full basement for separate living quarters, a family room or rec room, a home gym, or in other ways that help them get more value from their home. Unlike a partial basement, a full basement foundation is always the same size as the main floor of the house and shares that footprint.

To summarize, studs at 24-inch spacing will save money and resources, and are safe. With 2x6s, it's a no-brainer for most residential construction—they're plenty strong in nearly any configuration. With 2x4 studs you can also get by with 24-inch spacing, but walls should be 9 feet tall or less and the loads modest.

16-inch stud spacing is the industry standard for residential wall framing. The reason for this is structural but also because materials are made in 8ft and 16ft lengths.