In this region, the cost to finish a basement starts at around $60 per square foot, depending on the scope and complexity of the project. However, most homeowners will spend between $80 and $100 per square foot for a fully finished basement with all the bells and whistles. For a typical 1,000 square foot basement, you can expect to invest between $80,000 and $100,000.
This investment includes everything from framing and drywall to flooring, electrical, plumbing, and finishes. While this may seem like a significant expense, keep in mind that a well-finished basement can yield a strong return on investment—up to 75% of the project cost—while providing valuable living space your family can enjoy right away.
Several elements can impact your total basement finishing cost:
Larger basements naturally cost more to finish, but they may also offer cost efficiencies per square foot as fixed costs are spread over a greater area.
If your basement requires structural changes, such as new walls, support beams, or insulation, those additions will increase the cost.
Luxury vinyl plank (LVP), carpet, tile, and engineered wood each have different price points. LVP is a popular choice in Colorado due to its durability and water resistance.
Adding a bathroom, kitchenette, wet bar, or additional electrical outlets will raise the overall cost, but these features also increase functionality and home value.
Your existing HVAC system may need to be extended or upgraded to maintain comfort in the basement. In Northern Colorado’s varied climate, efficient heating and cooling are essential.
Permits are required for most basement projects, especially those involving plumbing or electrical work. At Choice City Home Services, we handle all permitting and ensure your project meets Larimer County and surrounding area building codes.
At Choice City Home Services, we take pride in a structured and stress-free process that ensures your project runs smoothly from the first call to the final walk-through. Here’s how we make it easy for you:
We start with a quick, no-pressure call to learn about your vision, timeline, and budget. We'll answer your initial questions and help you decide if a basement finish is the right fit for your goals.
Next, we schedule a visit to your home. One of our team members will assess the space, discuss layout ideas, and provide a bracketed budget estimate based on your preferences.
After you're ready to move forward, you can choose either a paid design consultation or make a deposit to begin the project. During this phase, we:
We invest 20 to 40 man-hours into preconstruction for each project to prevent surprises and minimize delays. This sets us apart from contractors who "figure it out as they go."
Once the design is finalized and permits are approved, our experienced team—including carpenters, licensed HVAC technicians, electricians, and plumbers—gets to work. You’ll stay informed through Buildertrend, our online customer portal where you can view schedules, updates, budgets, and more.
At project completion, we walk the space with you to ensure everything meets your expectations. We take pride in delivering a finished basement that feels like it was part of the original home design.
As a locally owned and operated remodeling company, we care about our neighbors in Northern Colorado. Our shop and office are based right here, and our team includes skilled tradespeople who are experts in their field—and passionate about great work.
We’re not just about swinging hammers. We believe in:
Whether you’re building a home theater, adding a guest suite, or just need a little more breathing room, we’ll help you make the most of your basement.
If you're thinking about finishing your basement in Fort Collins, Loveland, Berthoud, Windsor, or the surrounding areas, we’d love to help. At Choice City Home Services, we make it easy to create the space you need—without the stress.