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We will be moving to the area soon, two of the homes we like do not currently have finished bonus rooms. However, they both have unfinished third floors with heated permanent stair access. Does anyone have a ballpark figure of what it costs to finish this space? Or even things we should consider when looking at these homes this weekend? Coming from the North, where finished basements are the thing we are new to this concept.
Things to consider: how much of the work are you willing to do yourselves? What is your skill set?
What level of finishes (i.e. vinyl, carpet or wood floors?) do you require?
How difficult is it to get the materials to the third floor locations?
How much of the finishes are currently in place? Is the gypsum wallboard (drywall) already hung and finished?
Will you be adding bathrooms? Separating the space into multiple spaces?
Was the HVAC, plumbing, electrical wiring run to the space or capped at the second floor?
How big of a space is it?
Now is a great time to hire contractors! We're seeing commercial bids coming in at ~30% less than expectations on some jobs. Can't speak to the residential personally right now. My guess is that people are doing whatever they have to do just to keep the doors of the business open. You can help them with this.
Feel free to PM me for additional info.
Last edited by Kim Wagner; 03-03-2009 at 07:59 AM..
One of our friends finished attic 2 years back. It is around 1300-1500 sq. ft. They didn't hire a general contractor but they hired different individuals to do tile work, cabinets, electric and plumbing work, flooring, ceiling, painting etc. It took them around 6 months to finish the project and they spent $30000. You might be able to do it for less money as many of these subcontractors are not so busy and they give discounted prices to get a job. I am renovating my entire home currently and I am getting the good quotes. DM me if you want to know the names of some of the contractors.
We will be moving to the area soon, two of the homes we like do not currently have finished bonus rooms. However, they both have unfinished third floors with heated permanent stair access. Does anyone have a ballpark figure of what it costs to finish this space? Or even things we should consider when looking at these homes this weekend? Coming from the North, where finished basements are the thing we are new to this concept.
Thanks for the help!
Ours was about 507 square feet. We included
2 storage closets, 1 regular wardrobe closet and a full bath with tons of electrical outlets (and a dedicated circuit), carpet,paint, drywall, seperate heating and air unit etc...the contracter did an excellent job, done in 1 1/2 months and we paid 20K (he was middle of three bids) we hired him to do other work around the house and have been happy with him. Especially because he completes the job on time without delays unlike some of the horror stories I have heard of.
The cost to finish an incomplete area (attic, basement, bonus room, etc.) is directly dependent upon two factors: 1) what items are currently there; and, 2) what items you'd like to have there.
If provisions have previously been made for plumbing (if you want a bathroom) HVAC components (ductwork, adequate insulation, a properly sized heating and cooling system) and electrical wiring/devices, then the costs will obviously be less. You may be required to upgrade the size of the existing HVAC system. Sometimes getting access to deliver sheets of drywall is an issue. If the home is on a septic system and you wish to use the room as a bedroom, there may be a permitting restriction. In budgeting for such a project the level of "finish" will drive costs as well.
For most room completions, a good starting point is to check with a reputable licensed contractor to make a site visit to assess the components in place and ask that they quote a price range for various levels of finish. It is also a good idea to actually check references for anyone who works in your home.
Last edited by J. Trent Hicks; 03-04-2009 at 01:11 AM..
Reason: typo
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