When homeowners look for more living space, sometimes the answer is right under their nose – underground. With today’s need for more space homeowners once again are turning to their basements for home offices, additional bedroom space, full bathrooms, fitness centers, as well as living and entertainment areas.

New home builders don't finish the basement because it's not advantageous to their production cycles, but homeowners realize the basement provides an attractive option because they can usually gain from 800 to 1,500 square feet of living space.

Finishing the basement is usually the least expensive way to add square footage, running from $50.00 a square foot to $75.00 and up, depending on final choices.

When planning a basement remodel, it is important it blends seamlessly with the floors above to make it feel cohesive. The trim, moldings, railings, and doors throughout the upper levels should mimic the form below. Aesthetically, the ceilings should be drywall to continue the flow from the upper levels. Care should be taken to the lighting plan to enhance the lack of lighting. Options such as bars/kitchenettes, wine cellars and home theatre areas are items that have become popular.

The question many homeowners ask is whether a basement remodel is worth the cost. The answer is yes, according to the results of a study conducted by the National Association of Realtors and the National Association of the Remodeling Industry. The 2022 Remodeling Impact Report includes basement conversion to a living area as a top-four interior remodel in terms of return on investment (ROI), with an estimated 86 percent of the project cost recovered when it’s time to sell.