The overall costs associated with home remodeling projects often depend on geographic location. Therefore, finishing a basement in Kansas City will generally have varying prices than the rest of the country. So how much should you expect to pay to finish a basement in the third-largest city in the US? We did extensive research and consulted with industry experts to give you the answer to that question.
A basement finishing project in Kansas City, MO, should cost an average of $45.74 per square foot for the expenses. The factors that can affect the final price include the installation of insulation, drywall, flooring, and ceiling.
Despite the relatively high costs of finishing a basement, homeowners can have significant returns from this project if they decide to sell their properties. Keep reading to learn more about the fees related to this basement remodeling job. We’ll also tackle the approximate return on investment (ROI) if you decide to sell your home with a finished basement.
Finishing A Basement In KCMO
You'll need about $45.74 per square foot on average if you are to finish a basement in Kansas City, MO. Furthermore, the average range for the costs is $39.58 to $51.89. Therefore, a 1,000-square foot basement would need roughly $4,574 in expenses to finish.
Think about preparing for specific expenditures for this project, such as the following:
- Electrical: $1,325
- Lighting: $2,880
- Outlets: $1,100
Plus, prepare extra cash to spend to acquire a permit to operate for this basement renovation job. Failure to acquire legitimate certifications can result in different violations.
For example, if you decide to sell your house and the government saw that you completed remodeling projects without the correct permits, the opportunity to complete the sale to a willing buyer will be lost.
In What Order Should I Finish My Basement?
Finishing a basement in the correct order can reduce the risks of costly mistakes. The recommended order for the steps of this project are as follows:
- Install insulation
- Frame the walls
- Install drywall
- Add the subflooring and flooring
- Install the ceiling
Preparation Tips
Here are some tips to help you prepare for this basement renovation operation:
- Plan the layout before anything else. Create a rough sketch of the space’s final look. This draft will serve as your guide to ensure you’ll do each step in the correct order.
- Identify strategic areas. For example, place the best lighting fixtures in the basement in the location of the main socializing area. Also, install an egress window while following the regulations enacted by building codes.
- Do a final inspection before starting. Check the area for any imperfections, such as cracks in the ceiling and walls. Seal these gaps first to avoid running into problems during and after the remodeling project.
You should also be wondering about the materials needed for this operation. One of the things that you might be thinking about is the type of drywall to use for the basement ceiling and walls. Read through this guide for that specific concern: What Kind Of Drywall To Use For Basement Walls And Ceiling?
What Is The Most Expensive Part Of Finishing A Basement?
Perhaps the most expensive part of a basement finishing job is professional services. These expenses can range from $600 to $30,000 per field, depending on the project’s demands.
Take note that experts can help you finish your basement quickly and with as few mistakes as possible. However, the specialized experience and knowledge offered by these technicians can be quite costly.
Some of the costs associated with professional labor and basement finishes include:
- Sump pump installation: $600 to $1,600
- Framing: $700 to $1,400
- Flooring installation: $2,000 to $12,000
- Insulation installation: $1,500 to $4,000
- Furniture development: $1,000 to $30,000
- Installation of plumbing system and its fixtures: $2,500 to $15,000
What Is The Cheapest Way To Finish A Basement?
Costs linked to finishing a basement are usually high. Still, homeowners may save some cash by implementing these measures:
- Install a drop ceiling. This type of ceiling sits below the main structural ceiling. It adds extra flair to the space while providing you with a relatively inexpensive way to hide things like pipes and wires.
- Use paneling alternatives. The expenses related to securing paneling pieces can skyrocket if you’re not careful. Thankfully, you can use certain alternatives to some tools. For example, use wood screws made from wooden scraps instead of the conventional metal variants.
- Apply paint. Adding extra features like ceiling and wall ornaments to the finished basement can become expensive. Instead, you can opt to paint surfaces to give the place an enhanced visual appeal without spending a significant amount of money.
What Adds The Most Value When Finishing A Basement?
A Remodeling Magazine statistics report indicates an approximate 70 percent ROI to home sellers if their offered properties have finished basements. However, the calculation takes into account certain inclusions, such as:
- Painted drywall
- Tile flooring
- Exterior wall insulation
- Basement bar
- Basement bathroom
- Living space or main area
Additionally, home appraisers also factor in the type of basement in computing for the final price. For example, an English basement, which is a space that is either partially or totally above ground but provides a point of exit at the front, is usually more valuable than other basement architectures. It’s because this particular basement has an egress point, which might be absent in other spaces.
Chuck Argianas, a Chicago-based appraiser, explains in an interview with HomeLight, a real estate agent organization, that certain elements can affect the selling price of a home with a finished basement. Two factors he mentioned are the materials selected for the remodeling and the current state of the real estate market.
Using high-quality materials for the different steps in finishing a basement should yield a better curb appeal for the lot. Also, timing the sale can present home sellers with better deals.
In addition, finishing a basement and transforming it into a rentable Airbnb space can also increase the lot owner’s ROI. If you find the idea interesting, check out this post: Can I Rent My Basement On Airbnb?
Is Waterproofing A Basement Worth It?
Installing a basement waterproofing system can provide different benefits. Some of them include:
- Saving money. Waterproofing involves sealing cracks and crevices in the basement’s ceiling, floor, and walls. Fixing these imperfections can help decrease utility costs and keep insurance premiums down.
- Preventing health issues. Excess moisture in the basement can result in mold and mildew growth. Certain symptoms of extensive exposure to mold include asthma attacks and hay fever-like manifestations.
- Pest control. Insects like cockroaches, earwigs, and termites often love to stay and breed in places with significant moisture. Prevent these creatures from making your basement their new home by implementing waterproofing measures.
Final Thoughts
Homeowners in Kansas City, MO, should expect their basement finishing costs to be within the range of $39.58 to $51.89 per square foot. Keep in mind that these overheads can increase or decrease based on the specific demands.
For instance, you might save some money if you decide to DIY the insulation installation instead of opting for professional services.
It’s best to prepare a plan before starting a basement remodeling job. That way, you can avoid extra expenses and prepare for abrupt charges.