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Finishing a basement turns unused square footage into livable space and returns up to 70% of what you spend when you sell your home. Beyond that resale boost, you gain a playroom, home office, or guest suite you can start enjoying right away. That mix of daily comfort and solid return on investment (ROI) makes basement finishing one of the smartest upgrades you can tackle.

In some parts of the country—especially lots on swamps, high water tables, or other wetlands—local codes prohibit basements. Saturated soil puts constant pressure on foundation walls and lets water seep in faster than any sump pump can handle. 

If your property sits on waterlogged ground, building on a slab or crawl space is often safer, more affordable, and code-compliant.

Most basements wrap up in four to eight weeks. Framing takes three to five days, with electrical and plumbing rough-ins following over the next week. Add five days for drywall, two to three for flooring, and another week for paint, trim, and punch-list items. 

Delays can happen if materials run late or your contractor’s calendar is packed, so build in a little cushion when you plan.

Whether a finished basement counts toward your home’s official square footage depends on local rules. Many areas only include below-grade space if it has code-approved egress, fully finished walls, ceilings, and floors, plus consistent heating. 

Check with your local assessor or building department before you start; meeting those standards can affect taxes, appraisals, and resale value.

Building codes require a checklist: dedicated heat and electrical service, a code-approved stairway, and at least one egress window or exterior door. Walls, ceilings, and floors must be fully finished and meet insulation, ventilation, and fire-separation standards. If you add a bedroom, you’ll also need a closet, proper clearances, and safe exits. If you change the layout later, be ready to update the space so every new room still meets today’s code.