To finish or not to finish

9 years ago

Just purchase a beautiful craftsman from the 1920's. We've completely renovated the entire upstairs but I'm wondering what, if even possible, my ROI would be finishing off the rough basement. Would love to add some equity, but don't know if it would be worth the investment. The home is old enough that it would not have to meet current 7' ceiling code. I would love to add another bathroom and bedroom. Any insight would be greatly appreciated!

Featured Answer

einportlandor

9 years ago

In my neck of the woods, where the houses are old and small, finishing the basement can be a money-maker. It's something I'm considering in my 1928 two bedroom, one bathroom home. Several of my neighbors have done it with some success. You need an egress window to make a legal bedroom, as Jillian states, so take a good look at the existing basement windows and see where you can do that.

With low ceilings it will never be a high end space, but it might pencil out if you add an IKEA/Home Depot bathroom and create some additional living space. I'd talk to a couple of contractors who do a lot of basements in older homes -- it's a bit of a sub-specialty in my city. Once you have the ballpark cost, talk to a local realtor and see if the improvements make sense in your neighborhood. Good luck and keep us posted.

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Comments (8)

Kate
9 years ago
How tall is the basement ceiling? I've been in some that are simply too short to bother finishing. Do you ever have to duck to walk around in it?
Michael Kijewski
Original Author
9 years ago
I do have to duck in certain places. I'm 5'10". It's a 6' clearance with ductwork, etc.
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printesa
9 years ago
If you need that space finished and you are planning to live there for a while, sure,,finish it..I would talk to a local realtor as well to see what's expected in the area and if that renovation would make sens. The ceiling there is low, so I don't see much use of the space in that case, but you would need to see what's in the neighborhood as well
Jillian - Interior design student
9 years ago
Can the ducts be relocated to provide more headroom in the area by the window?
Michael Kijewski
Original Author
9 years ago
I'm assuming that relocating ductwork would be an option.
Jillian - Interior design student
9 years ago
Does your basement meet egress requirements? I doubt these would be waived due to the age of the home.

Whether it is an egress window or an egress door, it has to open to the outside and open easily without the use of keys or tools. It must also follow code requirements for the height and width of basement egress windows. Egress opening requirements include:

• A window with a minimum width of opening of 20 inches.

• A window with a minimum height of opening of 24 inches.

• A window with a minimum net clear opening — the actual opening through which a person must crawl — of 5.7 square feet.

• A sill height no higher than 44 inches above the floor.

• A window-well floor space of 9 square feet with minimum dimensions of 36 inches wide and long.

• A permanent ladder or steps if the window well depth is more than 44 inches.
Michael Kijewski
Original Author
9 years ago
Thank you all so much!! Great advice.