How to Estimate Your Basement Renovation

Basic Estimate

• 1

  Measure the area of the basement that you want to remodel.

• 2

  Multiply the length times the width to obtain the total square footage of the area.

• 3

  Multiply the square footage of the area by $25 for the low-end estimate. Multiply the same area by $50 to get a high-end estimate.

Detailed Estimate

• 4

  Draw a sketch of your basement on grid paper. Add in all of the rooms you will potentially remodel.

• 5

  Label each room according to its usage. Calculate the square footage of the bathroom area separate from the rest of the basement.

• 6

  Multiply the square footage of the bathroom by $75. Multiply the rest of the square footage by $25. Add the two together for a low-end cost. For a high-end cost, multiply the bathroom area by $150 and the rest of the basement by $50.

• 7

  Add any special features you plan to include in the renovation such as specialty flooring, egress windows, a bar or fireplace. Calculate these items at cost, plus 10 percent for installation.