Whether you’ve just moved into a new house or have been in your current one for a considerable time, the basement is frequently one of the most undeveloped areas in your home. However, remodeling or refinishing your basement may increase the market value of your house, provide additional living space for your family, or even serve as the studio or workroom you’ve always hoped for.

However, while refinishing and remodeling your basement may appear to be comparable projects, there are a few significant differences between the two. Continue reading to find out which project is ideal for your basement!

What Exactly is a Basement Refinishing

An unfinished basement is a place that is currently not livable or habitable. When you require a basement finish, your existing area usually lacks drywall, insulation, plumbing, and finished flooring. Partially finished basements may have certain features scoped out, such as power or basic drywall, but still require considerable work to be completed. 

What Exactly is a Basement Remodeling?

Finished basements are move-in ready and appear to be as finished as the rest of your house. You can call it a remodeling project when homeowners decide they want some changes or reorganization on the specific finished area. A basement makeover consists of gutting and remodeling an already finished basement. 

Gutting and remodeling a room allows your contractor to bring your basement up to code, providing you with the most excellent layout and design for your space and increasing the value of your house. This is an opportunity to move walls, install or relocate plumbing, construct new rooms, and design a place to meet the demands of your family.

Comparing the Costs Between the Two

You might spend anywhere from $10,000 to $30,000 on complete remodeling that adds bedrooms and bathrooms to the plan. This can rapidly become more expensive if you include amenities such as a wet bar or home theater; these additions may also greatly enhance the market value of your house if you want to sell in the future.

The cost of refinishing varies significantly from one project to the next. A typical refinishing costs between $6,500 and $18,500, depending on the size of the room and the fixtures and flooring used. The duration of a refinishing project is determined by the amount of labor involved and the size of your room. A skilled crew may be able to build drywall and flooring in a matter of days, but a more complete and polished construction may set you back several weeks.

Which Should I Choose For My Basement?

A remodeling job is often carried out on an existing finished basement. For example, if you moved into an older home and the basement is outdated— think ceiling to floor wood paneling ala the 1970s— modernizing the room with modern materials would be considered a remodeling.

Another essential aspect in deciding whether to refinish or remodel your basement is how much the layout will alter after the project is finished. Refinishing your basement is typically like starting up where the builders left off. A basement makeover, on the other hand, is similar to remodeling your bathroom or kitchen. Walls may be removed, an old den transformed into a home office or the ultimate man cave, or a guest bedroom added—the possibilities are virtually limitless.

Conclusion

Whether you decide that a basement remodel is the best option for your house or you want to complete the area so that your family can utilize it, you’ll need assistance to see your project through to completion.

Incredible Homes is one of the leading remodeling companies in Houston, with over 40 years of experience in the industry. Contact us today for a free estimate!