Making an offer a new construction home tomorrow and my broker suggested I have the builder include the cost to finish the basement into the price so that I can finance it with my mortgage. Looking to get a gym area and theatre area out of it. I guess they usually finish them with rugs, hardwood would be more expensive. Would like to have a bar area too (with a modest bar). Anyone have experience with this? I'm in Massachusetts.
That's not true. A "finished" basement is an upgrade for most builders. Similar to a finished garage (they'll just leave the garage w/ the studs showing, unless it's a standard upgrade).
A finished basement can be expensive. Insulation, drywall, trim work, painting, light fixtures, etc. Even more if you want rooms framed in, such as a bedroom and/or closet. Additional costs would be flooring, adding a bathroom, upgrading the A/C or furnace (to add extra btu's to cover the added square footage in the basement).
If you are finishing your basement I would strongly consider a french drain or at the very least, a sump pump. We installed a sump AFTER our finished basement got water in it years ago. It has only come on once since then but it is nice to know that we likely will not get water in the basement again. (also in Mass.)
All electrical wiring MUST be done before the walls go up ... That's Key
and agree on as much Lighting as possible.
Have them put in High hats .. but you need to plan what you want and where you want it .. like where will the 60" TV go ...
you need to plan everything out before they start. You don't want to be making holes in the wall after it's done
I don't know where you came up with this? I guess you can't have a mortgage with a crawl space, either...
True. The quote I received a few months ago while pricing out building a custom home was $70k for a completed basement. Basically built the way the OP has stated, 2 sections, complete, one for the animals, and one for gym animal in myself.
The other alternative, $22k for a crawl space, and that was a hell naw.
I recommend a nice rubber flooring for your gym area. It's super easy to clean, and great for a basement environment. Also go with the sump pump and a dehumidifier from the get go.
Carpet, as stated, is less expensive, but is what you want in your theater room. You can go ahead and run all the surround sound wires as well, and also sound deaden some as well if you want. Built it right from the get go.
