When envisioning the transformation of your basement, calculating the cost is a pivotal aspect. Many homeowners are lured by the simplicity of using a price per square foot to estimate the expense of finishing their basement. However, this seemingly straightforward method can be deceptive and lead to unexpected costs. Here's why:
It's essential to understand that the square footage listed on a builder’s floor plan represents the gross amount for the entire home. This calculation includes measuring from the outside of the foundation walls inward, encompassing the thickness of the concrete walls as well as interior spaces like the mechanical room, cold storage room, and the stairway footprint area. At Millgate Homes, we recognize the significance of only taking into account the net square footage, excluding areas that won't be part of the finished space. Some companies, however, incorporate these unfinished sections in their calculations, artificially reducing their listed price per square foot. This tactic may attract unsuspecting homeowners with a seemingly low price, but it lacks transparency and can lead to unpleasant surprises upon closer examination of their bid and what is included.
The cost of finishing different areas of your basement can vary significantly. While bedrooms and family rooms are simpler and typically cost less to finish (per square foot), spaces like bathrooms and kitchens demand extra consideration and entail plumbing and more intricate electrical work. Take bathrooms, for instance—they encompass numerous fixtures like faucets, showers, toilets, tile flooring, vanity cabinets, mirrors, sinks, and granite countertops. This complexity contributes to a higher cost per square foot compared to more straightforward areas like a larger bedroom with only basic elements like a closet, lighting, and carpet. Kitchens, with their intricate cabinetry, appliance hookups, and often complex electrical and plumbing work, follow a similar pattern. A universal price per square foot fails to account for these variations, leading to inaccurate estimates that might not align with the actual layout and features you envision for your basement.
Many basement finishing companies promoting a price per square foot model might not be entirely forthright about what's included in their bid. Some companies omit crucial areas and features like kitchens, bathrooms and floor coverings from their standard bid leaving homeowners surprised when they're required to request these fundamental features to be requested separately.
At Millgate Homes, we believe in transparency and honesty. Unlike those who adhere to a per-square-foot model, we don't use this generalized approach. Instead, our bids clearly list what’s included in your bid leaving no room for assumptions. We include many features as standard in our bids that are often treated as extras by other companies, further emphasizing our dedication to transparent and fair pricing.
In conclusion, the myth of relying on a price per square foot can be deceptive when comparing bids from various basement finishing companies. It's crucial not to be swayed by the allure of a lower number, as it’s not accurately representing the comprehensive value and inclusions being offered. If you're ready to embark on a basement finishing journey with a straight forward, honestly priced bid, contact us today! Our detailed and personalized bids are second to none and are tailored to your unique basement vision. Let Millgate Homes help you build Your Basement, Your Way!
