Has Anyone Had Their Basement Done

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The thread discusses personal experiences and opinions regarding the costs and considerations of finishing basements, particularly in relation to estimates provided by Owens Corning representatives. Participants share their thoughts on pricing, contractor choices, and the value of obtaining multiple estimates.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, felt pressured by an Owens Corning representative to sign a contract for $25K, which they found excessive for a basement finish without a bathroom.
  • Another participant shares their experience of receiving a similar overpriced estimate and suggests obtaining multiple bids before deciding.
  • Several users mention the high costs associated with the Owens Corning system and express a desire for more affordable alternatives.
  • One participant notes that local contractors may offer better pricing and suggests checking personal references for reliability.
  • Another participant recounts a neighbor's experience of finishing a basement for $25K, including extensive work, while they themselves spent $5,300 on a foundation wall replacement.
  • One participant expresses disbelief at the quoted price, suggesting that it seems steep for basic finishing work.
  • Another participant describes their own basement finishing experience, highlighting the use of a regular carpenter and various materials, which resulted in a lower cost.
  • One participant provides details about the Owens Corning system, explaining its features and expressing a preference for traditional drywall methods.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on the pricing and value of the Owens Corning system, with some participants finding it overpriced while others share experiences of more affordable options. No clear consensus emerges regarding the best approach to basement finishing.

Contextual Notes

Participants share a range of experiences related to basement finishing, with some discussing specific costs and methods used, while others express concerns about the potential for over-improvement in relation to property value.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for Pampered Chef consultants considering home improvement projects, particularly those interested in basement finishing and seeking insights from others' experiences.

C
cewcooks
Messages
552
I know this has nothing to do with PC but ned a little advise. We had a owens corning consultant/representative come to our house and give us an estimate on having our 330 sq ft townhouse basement finished and my husband and I felt so pressured to sign the cost a whopping $25K!! that was the second deal, the first estimate with their specials was $30K! That was w/o a bathroom, and he knocked the price down a little just to include a carpet! :grumpy:

So have any of you have your basement done and what approx cost did you pay and if you don't mind sharing what you had done...

Thanks in advance to all you fellow cheffers
 
We had an estimate done by them as well. They are way overpriced! As with any contract, I would get more estimates before making a final decision.
 
We would really like to use their system as well but you have to use specific contracrors and it is soooooo expensive!
 
Just a little FYI
Depending on what type of basement you have, if there is a flood, very little is covered.
 
that's ridiculous. There are plenty of out of work carpenters right now who would love to finish your basement for cash. I know my BIL would. That would probably be the best way to go.
 
What is this basement thing of which you write? :confused:

(:D J/K Basements are extremely rare in S. Calif.)

With all home improvements, we look for five or more bids from professionals.

All good wishes to you!
 
I don't have the ability to finish my basement but I know of neighbors that had their house jacked up over a foot and then put in a concrete floor and finished their basement and it cost 25K that was EVERYTHING. The houses in my neighborhood have maybe 7ft from the dirt floor to the rafters in the ceiling, stone walls etc. And they got everything done. Now at my house I had to replace a basement/foundation wall and it cost me $5300 to do that one wall.
 
We have never had ours done, but that price sounds RIDICULOUS!

I would check with a few local contractors, and ask for personal references, so you can speak to people who have used them, and maybe they will let you come visit and see what they had done...

http://www.i-am-pregnant.com/1226617200
 
cewcooks said:
I know this has nothing to do with PC but ned a little advise. We had a owens corning consultant/representative come to our house and give us an estimate on having our 330 sq ft townhouse basement finished and my husband and I felt so pressured to sign the cost a whopping $25K!! that was the second deal, the first estimate with their specials was $30K! That was w/o a bathroom, and he knocked the price down a little just to include a carpet! :grumpy:

So have any of you have your basement done and what approx cost did you pay and if you don't mind sharing what you had done...

Thanks in advance to all you fellow cheffers
Click to expand...

As a former mortgage consultant (aka Loan Officer) Townhouses are one type of housing that you will more than likely not see a profit on your investment when it comes to home improvements.- Now finishing a basement off, will obviously add value, but be careful not to over-improve. It won't matter if you have the bestest and prettiest house in the area, if all the other townhomes are going for $40K less- you won't get your money back.

So I would shop around- even ask local Realtors who they use when it comes to contractors- almost all of them know someone trustworthy that will give you a fair estimate.

I think just to put up sheet rock, tape and paint- $25K is a little steep. Does this include wiring and insulation?

HTH
 
We had ours done a few years ago and it was no where near that price and we have bathroom too. We had a regular carpenter do it with a drop sealing , carpet and tile in the bathroom and laundery room . My Dh painted the walls with a thick paint so we would not get water , we never do. then the walls went up over that so look into that . I would get another price
 
Kitchen Diva said:
I think just to put up sheet rock, tape and paint- $25K is a little steep. Does this include wiring and insulation?
Click to expand...
The Owens-Corning system mentioned in the first post isn't drywall. It's a system of removeable moisture-resistant panels (I think fiberglass) that are installed on tracks. They can be removed to get to wiring, plumbing, and walls in case there's a problem. Owens-Corning markets it as a better alternative to drywall because there's no patching necessary if you need to take a section of wall down to make repairs.

IMO, the O-C system looks pre-fab. When DH and I partially finished the basement in our former home, we put up drywall for the ceiling, painted the cinderblock walls, and put down carpeting over pad designed for below-grade use (rubber pad with closed cells, basically). It looked fine. If you're worried about seepage, prime the walls with DryLock, or other moisture barrier paint. We used that in the small room that's under our front porch, and haven't had a drop of moisture in there yet.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

Has anyone had their basement finished by a professional?

Yes, many homeowners choose to hire professionals to finish their basements. This can ensure that the work is done correctly and meets local building codes. Professional contractors often have the experience and tools necessary to create a functional and aesthetically pleasing space.

What are the benefits of finishing a basement?

Finishing a basement can significantly increase your home's usable space, providing additional rooms for recreation, storage, or even rental income. It can also enhance the overall value of your home and improve energy efficiency by better insulating the space.

How much does it typically cost to finish a basement?

The cost to finish a basement can vary widely depending on factors such as size, materials used, and the complexity of the project. On average, homeowners can expect to spend between $20,000 and $50,000, but it's essential to get multiple quotes from contractors to find the best price for your specific needs.

What should I consider before finishing my basement?

Before finishing your basement, consider factors like moisture control, insulation, and ventilation. It's also important to think about how you plan to use the space and whether you need permits for electrical or plumbing work. Consulting with a professional can help you make informed decisions.

Can I finish my basement myself, or should I hire a contractor?

Finishing a basement can be a DIY project if you have the necessary skills and tools. However, hiring a contractor can save time and ensure that the work is done to code. If you're unsure about any aspect of the project, it's often best to consult with a professional.

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