Finishing a basement adds value to your property in many ways. First, a completed basement creates more usable living space. This will give your home broader appeal when you put it on the market. Further, finishing basement property value is simply more valuable to homeowners than leaving behind an unfinished space.

Finishing a basement also adds value to your home by making it more competitive in your neighborhood's real estate market. If the standard home in your area has an unfinished basement, then your home will stand out to potential buyers looking for more usable living space.

In many states, finished basements are not counted in the advertised square footage of the home. It also isn’t factored into its sale price. In other states, the finished basement must be inspected and meet state regulations to qualify as finished square footage. Otherwise, no matter how "complete" the basement is, it can’t legally be counted as finished square footage in the home.

It’s best to consult local real estate agents to understand fully how completed basement space adds value in your specific state.

Tips for good finishing designs

Don’t get overly specific with your basement design. Create a space that appeals to as many buyers as possible by making a flexible living space that can be used for a variety of purposes.

Consult a professional basement designer or interior designer if needed. If creating a usable living space with broad appeal is not what you’re looking for, then consulting a professional makes sense. They can help you maximize your space and your investment in your home.

Finally, walk through other finished basements. This will allow you to see the potential for a finished basement space, and give you some ideas for layout and finishing touches.

Uses for a finished basement

Uses for finished basements with broad appeal to other homeowners include a family room, game room, or a central living space that’s perfect for the whole family to relax in.

Another great use for a finished basement that can also increase your property value is to turn the basement into an in-law suite or spare bedroom for a teenager or young adult.

This gives them a separate level of living space that allows for more privacy and independence as needed.

One of the most popular trends in finished basements is to create a movie room. The lack of light in a basement is ideal for movie viewing or hanging out with the family and relaxing.

To best assess your finishing basement property value, compare multiple price quotes from different contracts. Use BuyerZone’s free request for price quotes service, and we’ll help connect you to contractors in your area.