The Cost to Finish a Basement in Atlanta—2024
To put it bluntly, the average cost to finish a basement in Atlanta runs about $25 to $50 and over per square foot. This can total between $5,000 and $100,000 including labor—which is a massive range. Actual pricing? That’s more complicated to explain. There are several components to basement completion, depending on your starting point and end goal.
A finished basement offers versatile functionality to your home, such as storage, an office, or an additional bedroom. It can be well worth the investment. However, first, the basement needs to be made livable, cozy, and waterproof.
Let's have a look at the expenses for completing your Atlanta basement to help you decide whether the investment is worth it to you.
What Counts as a Finished Basement in Atlanta
To begin breaking down the cost to finish a basement in Atlanta, we need to define what a finished basement is.
In legal terms, a finished basement must include heating and electrical systems, as well as have an entrance that complies with finished basement codes. This usually translates to a stairway connecting to the main living area, along with completed walls and ceilings. Typically, finished basements also feature a completed floor. Some may have a full-sized entrance and staircase leading to the exterior of the house.
For a finished basement to legally contain a bedroom, most Georgia municipalities require that the room have an exit window, a closet, and a heat source.
Finishing a basement often involves modifying mechanical systems like HVAC duct work and plumbing. This process makes the area a livable space by adding floor, wall, and ceiling structures along with appropriate coverings.
In contrast, remodeling refers to making changes to an already-finished space. This can range from adding a bathroom, bedroom, or living area to completely renovating the entire lower level of the home.
Primary Costs to Finish a Basement in Atlanta
The size and type of your basement are the two most important factors in determining your budget.
Cost to Finish a Basement in Atlanta by Size
The main factor influencing the cost to finish a basement in Atlanta is square footage. Larger basements require more materials and labor. Plus, if the space is divided into multiple rooms, such as a home office and kitchenette, the costs will increase.
Here are estimated finishing costs for different basement sizes, based on a range of $25 to $50 per square foot:
200 sq ft $5,000-$10,000
300 sq ft $7500-$15,500
500 sq ft $12,500-$25,000
750 sq ft $18,750-$37,500
1000 sq ft $25,000-$50,000
1200 sq ft $30,000-$60,000
1500 sq ft $37,500-$75,000
1800 sq ft $45,000-$90,000
2000 sq ft $50,000-$100,000
Cost to Finish a Basement in Atlanta by Type
Your starting point in the build is a major factor in the cost to finish a basement in Atlanta. Of course, if you’re beginning from the bare bones and don’t even have a basement to work on yet, you will need to consider the expense of constructing one. Alternatively, if you have a partially built or already finished space that requires remodeling, the costs will differ.
Cost to Build an Unfinished Basement
Constructing an unfinished basement from nothing can range from $4,000 to $37,500. Including the foundation, a full basement build in Atlanta typically costs about $30 to $100 per square foot.
Cost to Build a Half-Finished Basement
A half-finished basement build in Atlanta typically costs between $7 and $23 per square foot. Since the renovation space is smaller, the overall project cost is less than that of a fully finished basement. For example, this may involve adding a small room or bathroom rather than finishing the entire basement.
Cost to Remodel a Basement
Remodeling an existing finished basement runs around $20,000. Most projects range from $4,200 to $45,000. The final cost depends on the number of rooms being finished and any additional features. Adding amenities will increase the overall expense.
Labor Costs to Finish a Basement in Atlanta
Skilled labor is crucial for basement finishing, particularly for plumbing and electrical tasks. Be sure to work labor expenses into the final costs to finish a basement in Atlanta, which can add about 10–25% of the entire cost of the project. Even if you do most of the work yourself, you will be legally obligated to hire a plumber and an electrician to make sure your new space meets building codes. We strongly recommend hiring a general contractor to supervise.
Further Potential Costs to Finish a Basement in Atlanta
The scope of your project and the specific amenities you decide on will determine your additional costs to finish a basement in Atlanta.
Sump Pump Installation
Here in the Big Peach, where we often experience heavy moisture and rainfall, most homeowners are aware of the function of the sump pump.
Having a sump pump installed in the basement can effectively redirect water away from the home's foundation. Installation can add approximately $640 to $2,090 to the total cost to finish a basement in Atlanta. Obviously, these will vary based on whether contractors need to excavate a pit in the concrete floor.
Building Framing for Multiple Rooms
To divide your finished basement into multiple rooms, hiring a carpenter for framing new walls is essential. The cost typically runs from $7 to $16 per linear foot. For instance, framing 100 linear feet would add about $700 to $1,600 to your total costs to finish a basement in Atlanta. This estimate excludes drywall and insulation expenses.
Putting in Drywall
Installing drywall in a basement costs approximately $2 per square foot. Therefore, for a 400-square-foot area, you can expect to pay around $800. However, a 1,500-square-foot space could add up to $3,000 to the cost to finish a basement in Atlanta.
Ceiling Construction
Including a ceiling in your cost to finish a basement in Atlanta is part of the overall insulation and drywall expenses. For example, if you opt for a drop ceiling to conceal pipes, wires, and duct work, the cost typically ranges from $2 to $6 per square foot. This brings the estimated total cost to between $800 and $9,000.
Insulation Installation
Insulating your basement walls and ceiling maintains a comfortable temperature and boosts energy efficiency.
Basic insulation options like foam board or fiberglass batting are relatively inexpensive, costing about $1.50 to $2.50 per square foot. However, these can be prone to water damage.
Premium options such as spray foam, which cost up to $5 per square foot and require professional installation, offer greater effectiveness and durability. On average, insulation adds between $1,400 and $6,300 to your total cost to finish a basement in Atlanta.
Interior Painting
Hiring a professional for interior painting usually costs around $3.50 per square foot. Thus, painting the entire basement can range from $1,400 to $9,000. Of course, this depends on the total area to be painted.
New Floor
The flooring materials will determine how much to add to your total costs to finish a basement in Atlanta for a new floor.
Budget-friendly options like laminate and carpet range from $3 to $11 per square foot, while premium choices like hardwood can reach up to $22 per square foot.
Overall, you can anticipate spending between $1,500 and $4,500 for a new basement floor
Plumbing Work
In many homes, plumbing lines already run through the basement, so minimal rerouting can keep costs low. However, adding pipes for a full bathroom, laundry room, or a new drainage system can be a significant investment.
Licensed plumbers typically charge between $45 and $200 per hour, with total project costs usually ranging from $2,500 to $5,000.
Emergency Exit (Egress) Windows
If you plan to use your basement as an additional bedroom, you are legally required to include an emergency exit—sometimes called an “egress”—window.
The installation of an egress window will add between $2,650 and $5,650 to your total cost to finish a basement in Atlanta. This window must be at least 20 inches wide and 24 inches high to comply with building codes and provide a functional emergency exit.
For basements that are below ground level, additional excavation and reinforcement of a window may be required.
Electrical Work
Installing electrical wiring in the basement must be handled by a licensed electrician. For a 1,000-square-foot basement, the cost can range from $3,000 to $5,000. If a new electrical panel is needed to accommodate the load, this will increase your overall cost to finish a basement in Atlanta.
Atlanta Building Permits and Code Requirements
Obtaining the required building permits for finishing your basement typically adds $1,200 to $2,000 to your total cost to finish a basement in Atlanta. Permit fees can amount to 1% to 2% of your basement remodeling project's total cost.
Potential Repairs
Inspection fees are usually included in your permit costs. However, if an inspector discovers any existing structural damage to your building site, repairs must be completed before finishing work can commence.
Foundation repairs can be a significant investment, ranging from $2,160 to $7,735—yet they are crucial for ensuring your home's stability and the functionality of the new space. If hazardous materials such as mold or asbestos are present in your basement, remediation costs can range from $1,170 to $3,050.
Basement Waterproofing
Basic damp-proofing solutions like waterproof paint and vapor barriers—a necessity in Georgia—generally cost between $3 and $6 per square foot.
More extensive methods, such as installing French drains or an exterior membrane, can add between $5 and $10 per square foot to your total costs to finish a basement in Atlanta. Some of these costs may be incorporated into framing and insulation expenses, so consulting with a professional contractor is advisable to determine the best waterproofing approach.
Repairing existing water damage can range from $450 to $13,000, underscoring the importance of proactive waterproofing measures.
Is the Cost to Finish a Basement in Atlanta Worth It?
Finishing your basement not only expands your home's living area but also provides versatile new spaces for various uses.
A finished basement typically yields a return on investment ranging from 50% to 80%, depending on local market conditions and the specific type of basement renovation undertaken.
While the cost to finish a basement in Atlanta is steep, it’s almost always a worthwhile investment. However, only you can decide if the cost to finish a basement in Atlanta is worth it.