finishing a basement (Indianapolis: contractors, closing, costs)

[ronnieglasses]

We are considering finishing our basement which has roughly 1300 square feet. It also has plumbing for a full bath.

My questions: What is a reasonable estimated cost to finish a basement this size including a full bath and bedroom? Has anyone had any experiences with local contractors that they can share with me, good or bad! If you can recall the contractor's business name that would be great, as we will be shopping around soon for bids.

Thanks.

ron.

[ronnieglasses]

No one can help me on this one?

[rrah]

Ronnie, the cost of building varies greatly depending upon many factors. I imagine even throughout the Indianapolis area costs vary tremendously for the "same" product. I've always found the best contractors through neighbors that did a similar project.

[ronnieglasses]

Originally Posted by rrah

Ronnie, the cost of building varies greatly depending upon many factors. I imagine even throughout the Indianapolis area costs vary tremendously for the "same" product. I've always found the best contractors through neighbors that did a similar project.

Good point. Thanks.

[ImGibby]

If your hiring a contractor I would plan on $10,000 sq ft +/-. Probably more with the 1,300 sq ft plus bathroom. The bathroom alone can be close to $5k depending on flooring and the plumbing fixtures you opt for. One other word of advice that can save you a little, I would not worry about insulating the basement walls. It wont make that big of a difference. The sheetrock alone will add a little insulation value. I have a few buddies that have finished theirs on their own and it cost them around $8k just for the framing, drywall, flooring, electrical, plumbing and bathroom

[ronnieglasses]

Originally Posted by ImGibby

If your hiring a contractor I would plan on $10,000 sq ft +/-. Probably more with the 1,300 sq ft plus bathroom. The bathroom alone can be close to $5k depending on flooring and the plumbing fixtures you opt for. One other word of advice that can save you a little, I would not worry about insulating the basement walls. It wont make that big of a difference. The sheetrock alone will add a little insulation value. I have a few buddies that have finished theirs on their own and it cost them around $8k just for the framing, drywall, flooring, electrical, plumbing and bathroom

Thanks, ImGibby, for the input. Do you think your friend would mind disclosing the contractor's name in a personal message? ron.

[insider]

who ever you use make sure they quote you xp board instead of regular sheetrock. you will be wasting money if you insulate below ground level. but you might put sound batts around bathroom but dont go within a foot of floor.

[ImGibby]

Originally Posted by insider

who ever you use make sure they quote you xp board instead of regular sheetrock. you will be wasting money if you insulate below ground level. but you might put sound batts around bathroom but dont go within a foot of floor.

Great advice. Insulating the ceiling may not be a bad idea either...this will help cut down on noise from kids running around on the first floor (if applicable) or help reduce the noise of your booming surround sound system from rocking the first floor off of it's foundation Oh yeah, and pay the money for a good back up sump pump system! It's cheaper than new drywall and carpeting!

[ImGibby]

Originally Posted by ronnieglasses

Thanks, ImGibby, for the input. Do you think your friend would mind disclosing the contractor's name in a personal message? ron.

They didn't use a contractor, that was the cost to do it themselves. I have 3 different friends, they all did it themselves, and they all ended up spending around $8k. I only know one person who used a contractor to finish a basement and he paid around $12k. It all depends on what ecxactly you are wanting to do obviously.

[ronnieglasses]

Originally Posted by ImGibby

They didn't use a contractor, that was the cost to do it themselves. I have 3 different friends, they all did it themselves, and they all ended up spending around $8k. I only know one person who used a contractor to finish a basement and he paid around $12k. It all depends on what ecxactly you are wanting to do obviously.

Cool! All useful information! Thanks again!