Basement Development Cost
How much does it cost to develop a basement in Calgary?
Naturally, the first thing people want to know is “how much does basement development cost?”
Well, there is a long answer and a short answer.
The short answer is:
Our average Calgary basement development falls in the mid-high $40,000s.
The long answer is:
Our basement development prices range from $35,000 to $70,000 and beyond.
Inflation and supply-chain issues have dramatically driven up construction costs over the past few years causing sharp rises in Calgary basement development costs, along with all other avenues of construction. Both material and labour costs have risen substantially.
Sadly, gone are the days of basements in the mid-$20,000s.
On the lower end, a single room basement with no bathroom and basic finishing will start right around $35,000.
More commonly,, our basements will fall in the $40,000-55,000 range for an average basement with a few upgrades.
On the high-end, a basement with a large wet-bar, custom built-ins, and other upgrades can creep up to $60,000 and beyond.
We make every effort to be as efficient as possible and to keep costs down. Further to that, we maintain a profit margin in the 15% range and work on a volume-based model. 15% is extremely low for the industry, but our philosophy has always been to deliver as much value to our clients as possible – and particularly in these challenging economic times.
Our Custom Basement Package
Every basement is a custom basement, and we start from our standard package and build out from there, as our clients require.
Our Custom Basement Package has everything that most of our clients need. It includes all of the essential components for a basement up to 600sf with a bathroom, living room, and bedroom.
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ReImagine Basements
Calgary Basement Building Pros
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Calgary Basement Development Experts
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see our Calgary basement development page
One major factor in this price range is whether or not the plumbing rough-ins are there, as having to add the rough-ins can easily run $1500-$3000. Also, if the plumbing rough-ins are existing, relocating them can add to the cost to as well.
Wet-bars and kitchenettes
Wet-bars and kitchenettes are another common upgrade that can significantly raise the cost of developing your basement.
Wet-bars start typically start at around $3500, including the plumbing, fixtures and electrical. From there the price goes up depending on finishing, countertops, and most importantly, size.
Fireplaces
Fireplaces are another item that can really add to the cost. Gas fireplaces start at around $6000 including the gas line, venting, permits, product and install. But by the time you have added your mantle, and stone or tile or anything else to dress it up, it is easy to spend $8000 to well over $10,000 depending on taste.
Many of our clients have turned to electric fireplaces or alternative fuel fireplaces such as Bio-Flame products to stay in a lower price point. A good electric can be installed for under $1500 while the Bio-Flame products start a little over the $1800 mark.
Home theatre
Personal home theatres have long been a trend for basement developments. We have built dedicated theatre rooms, and rooms with multiple televisions. Wireless technology has made it less important than it used to be to run wiring for speakers, however it is still a good idea in many cases. We can also supply and install ceiling or in-wall speakers. Home theatre wiring packages start at around $500, and speaker install packages start at around $1200.
Staircase finishing/ Opening staircases
The majority of our clients are happy with the staircase finishing provided within the standard basement package, however some opt to take the staircase finishing further. The most common request is to open the bottom of the staircase wall and replace it with spindles and railings. We can accommodate this in most cases, and depending on the size and the detail of the finishing, it usually falls in the $1500-$3500 range.
Adding subfloors
Subfloors can add warmth and waterproofing to your basement space. Subfloors can add anywhere between $1.50/sf to $5.00/sf depending on the style you choose.
For more info on subfloors please visit our pages subfloors for basement development and types of subfloors for basement development.
Heating and ventilation
The standard basement package will meet all requirements for Alberta Building Code. However, in some cases our designers will recommend adding additional heating and ventilation. It can be a good idea to add additional return airs in bedrooms and larger basements. Electric baseboard heaters are also a great option to give you the ability to add a little extra heat when needed.
Heated tile
Tile over concrete can be a pretty cold combination. To take the edge off, many of our clients opt for heated tile floors in the bathroom. Heated tile floor systems start at around $1000 and go up depending on size.
Custom built-ins
Custom built-ins come in unlimited varieties. From adding a few custom shelves to a corner nook to adding secret doorways into bookshelves. The cost largely depends on the detail and also the finish. Stained material is more expensive than paint-grade or laminated veneers. Built-in cabinetry usually starts at around $250/linear ft and then goes up from there.
Feature walls
Another current basement trend is to add feature walls to accentuate a space. The simplest way to create a feature wall is with a different paint color. Beyond that, you can use wallpaper, tile, ledgestone, and paneling. Painted feature walls will start as low as $150, and while tile and ledgestone walls will fall anywhere between $20-40/sf depending on the product and detail.
Age of home
Basements in older homes can tend to present some more challenges and costs than basements in new homes. Generally, if your home was built in the last ten or so years it should be fairly current. Some of the challenges associated with older homes include outdated electrical and plumbing, poor insulation and HVAC, narrow staircases and small windows. We have developed basements in homes over 100 years old and are experienced with the challenges. Our designers can help walk you through those costs.
Egress windows and window wells
Legal basement bedrooms will require egress windows and 30” window wells. Most Calgary houses built in 2016 or earlier will not have the required 30” wells on the basement windows, and older homes may not have egress windows. Window well replacement is generally between $250-500 and new egress windows can come in between $1500-$3000.
Ceiling height
You can expect to pay a few dollars more per square foot f if your basement has 9’ ceilings or vaulted ceilings as opposed to standard 8’ ceilings.
Custom man/woman-caves
Themed basement spaces are another popular trend of the last decade. We have seen and built man-cave spaces from sports-bars, to Irish-style pubs, to shoe palaces and more.
If you dream it, we can build it.
Nothing excites us more than bringing these custom basement spaces to life.
403-453-2469
ReImagine Basements
Calgary Basement Building Pros
Homestars Best of Award Winner 8 Years & Running
10+ years BBB Accredited Business
Calgary Basement Development Experts
Overall rating of 130+ Google reviews
4.9 out of 5 STARS