September 18, 2025

How Much Does It Cost to Finish an Average-Size Basement in Roswell, GA?

Finishing a basement in Roswell turns unused square footage into real living space that adds value and comfort. Most homeowners search for best basement finishing companies near me because costs vary widely and a clear, local picture helps with smart planning. This breakdown reflects current pricing in North Fulton and the northern Atlanta suburbs, based on projects in Roswell, East Cobb, Alpharetta, Johns Creek, and Sandy Springs.

The short answer: typical Roswell ranges

For an average-size basement of 800 to 1,200 square feet in Roswell, most full finishes land between $45,000 and $95,000. Basic finishes that prioritize clean living space and code compliance often start around $55 to $70 per square foot. Mid-range builds that include a bathroom, upgraded flooring, and nicer millwork often run $80 to $120 per square foot. High-spec builds with a full wet bar, theater, or custom trim details can reach $130 to $180 per square foot.

Several factors push the price up or down: ceiling height, moisture mitigation, whether plumbing rough-ins exist, access for materials, and desired amenities.

What drives cost in Roswell basements

Labor rates and permitting in the Atlanta metro define a big slice of the total. North Fulton inspectors care about egress, smoke and CO separation from the main floor, and mechanical ventilation. Homes built in the 1990s and 2000s often have decent ceiling height, partial plumbing stubs, and poured foundations, which can keep costs reasonable. Older homes near Canton Street or along Holcomb Bridge may need more prep work.

Moisture control is the non-negotiable foundation. Even a dry basement during winter can show vapor issues in late summer when humidity spikes. A smart contractor will test, seal, and dehumidify as part of the scope, not as a later fix.

Line-item breakdown: where the money goes

  • Design, permits, and inspections: $1,500 to $5,000. If the plan includes a bedroom, expect egress window requirements and smoke separation details that add time and cost.
  • Framing and insulation: $6,000 to $15,000. Roswell homes usually frame with 2x4 walls, R-13 to R-15 in walls, rigid foam or closed-cell spray at rim joists, and sound batts around media rooms or baths.
  • Electrical and lighting: $4,000 to $12,000. Recessed LEDs, dedicated circuits for a bar or gym equipment, and low-voltage wiring for data and media.
  • Plumbing: $3,500 to $18,000. Lower if rough-ins exist; higher if breaking concrete is required for a bathroom, or if adding a sewage ejector pump.
  • HVAC: $3,000 to $10,000. Options range from tapping the existing system with proper load calculations to adding a ducted mini-split for independent control.
  • Drywall and trim: $6,000 to $16,000. Level 4 finish is standard; Level 5 for home theaters or high-sheen paint. Costs rise with beam wraps, built-ins, and wainscoting.
  • Flooring: $3,000 to $12,000. Luxury vinyl plank is the local workhorse for basements. Engineered wood is possible with moisture control. Polished concrete with area rugs is a clean, budget-friendly choice.
  • Paint: $2,000 to $6,000. Light colors and matte or eggshell finishes help with lower natural light.
  • Specialty features: $5,000 to $40,000+. Wet bars, theater buildouts, saunas, golf simulators, or custom steel-and-glass walls shift the budget tier.

These ranges combine material and labor. Real numbers reflect site access, selections, and any foundation or moisture work discovered after demolition.

Three realistic build tiers for an 1,000 sq ft Roswell basement

A basic, code-compliant finish that includes a family room, a flex room or office, a storage closet, LVP flooring, painted ceilings or simple drop ceiling, recessed LEDs, and no bathroom often lands around $60,000 to $75,000. This path suits families who want play space, a workout zone, or a teen TV area without heavy plumbing.

A mid-range finish with a full bathroom, nicer trim, upgraded lighting, and a kitchenette or dry bar typically ranges from $85,000 to $115,000. This tier fits in-laws visiting from out of state, game-day hosting, or hybrid work setups. It also helps appraisal value.

A premium finish with a full wet bar, theater with sound isolation, custom millwork, feature walls, and a guest suite commonly runs $130,000 to $180,000+. This tier makes sense in higher-value Roswell neighborhoods where resale supports the investment, or for households that will use the space daily.

Bathrooms: the budget swing factor

A basement bathroom adds convenience and resale appeal. It also introduces plumbing. If rough-ins are present and well placed, expect $8,000 to $15,000 for a quality full bath. Without rough-ins, trenching and a sewage ejector pump can add $6,000 to $12,000. Tile selection and shower design push cost up or down. Curbless showers require extra prep and are worth it for accessibility.

Moisture and insulation: pay once, be done

Atlanta humidity tests finishes. A good Roswell basement build treats the slab and walls as moisture sources to manage. That means a proper vapor barrier under new flooring, closed-cell foam at the rim joist, and either rigid foam against concrete walls or a smart membrane plus batt insulation. Skip paper-faced drywall on exterior walls in damp zones. A dedicated dehumidifier tied to a drain line is cheap insurance and usually costs less than a single change order later.

Ceiling decisions: height, aesthetics, and serviceability

Many Roswell basements have 8- to 9-foot ceilings. Drywall ceilings give the cleanest look and help with sound control. Drop ceilings help with access if the main floor has frequent plumbing runs. A hybrid approach works well: drywall in primary areas, access panels or drop ceiling in mechanical corridors. Expect $2 to $5 more per square foot for upgraded sound control using isolation clips and acoustic insulation in theater zones.

Flooring that holds up in North Georgia

Luxury vinyl plank remains the most practical choice due to moisture resistance and easy maintenance. Engineered hardwood is viable with proper subfloor prep and a tight moisture plan. For home gyms, interlocking rubber over a sealed slab works. If the space includes a walkout to the yard, include entry mats and a small tile landing at the door to keep grit off the LVP.

Timelines homeowners actually experience

A clean, permit-approved 1,000 square foot finish in Roswell usually runs 8 to 12 weeks from demo to final paint. Add time for custom cabinetry, theater acoustics, or permitting delays, which can stretch the schedule to 12 to 16 weeks. Material lead times are better now than in recent years, but specialty tile, glass shower enclosures, and custom bars can still add a few weeks if ordered late.

Local code points that affect design

Egress for any sleeping space is a must. Many Roswell basements have at least one full-size exterior door, which helps. If adding a bedroom where there is no door or compliant window, budget for egress modifications. Smoke and CO detectors must interconnect with the main home. Under-stair storage needs fire-rated protection if it opens into a living area. GFCI and AFCI protection apply in specific circuits. A builder who does a lot of North Fulton work will handle these without drama.

Where to spend and where to save

Spend on moisture control, electrical layout, and lighting. A basement feels finished when lighting is layered and switches are intuitive. Save by using stock cabinetry for a bar, choosing LVP over engineered wood, and simplifying trim. If the budget is tight, rough-in the bathroom and bar during framing and finish them next year. It is cheaper to run plumbing and electrical now than to open walls later.

Real Roswell scenarios

A young family off Woodstock Road finished 900 square feet with a playroom, office, and storage niche. No bathroom. LVP floors, drywall ceiling, 10 recessed lights, two accent pendants, and a built-in desk. Minor slab leveling and a new dehumidifier. Total: about $68,000. The project wrapped in nine weeks.

A homeowner in Martins Landing turned 1,100 square feet into a media room, guest bedroom, and full bath with a tiled shower. Existing rough-ins helped. They chose a dry bar with a beverage fridge and quartz top. Total: around $102,000. The layout now handles holiday guests without stressing the main floor.

In Horseshoe Bend, a 1,250 square foot premium build added a wet bar with icemaker, a theater with acoustic panels, and a glass-walled gym. Sound isolation clips and double drywall paid off. Plumbing required an ejector pump. Total: about $165,000.

How to compare quotes from best basement finishing companies near me

  • Ask for a line-item scope that calls out moisture control steps, insulation type, and HVAC plan.
  • Confirm allowances for flooring, tile, lighting, and plumbing fixtures. Low allowances can hide a higher final price.
  • Request proof of permits in similar Roswell neighborhoods. Local familiarity reduces surprises.
  • Check scheduling clarity: start date, projected duration, and communication cadence.
  • Verify that the quote includes final cleaning and a punch list walkthrough.

Financing, return, and resale in Roswell

Basement finishing often returns 65% to 80% on resale in North Atlanta, with higher returns when the project adds a bedroom and a full bath. Appraisers look for conditioned living space, quality of finish, and Heide Contracting: basement finishing services in Atlanta, GA. functionality. If selling within three years, focus on neutral finishes, durable flooring, and a bathroom. If staying put, spend on the features the household will use every week.

How Heide Contracting builds smarter basements

Heide Contracting approaches Roswell basements with a moisture-first mindset, clean design, and honest pricing. The team starts with a site visit, humidity readings, and a layout that works with existing structure. The proposal shows clear allowances and realistic timelines. Homeowners see calendar updates each week and walk the space with the project lead before drywall to confirm outlets, lighting, and blocking for TVs and shelves.

Looking for best basement finishing companies near me and ready for real numbers tied to your space in Roswell, GA? Share square footage, ceiling height, and whether rough-ins exist. Heide Contracting can deliver a firm estimate, walk through design options, and map a start date that fits the household schedule. Book a consultation today to get a plan that fits the home, the budget, and the way the family lives.

Heide Contracting provides renovation and structural construction services in Atlanta, GA. Our team specializes in load-bearing wall removal, crawlspace conversions, and basement excavations that expand and improve living areas. We handle foundation wall repairs, masonry, porch and deck fixes, and structural upgrades with a focus on safety and design. Whether you want to open your floor plan, repair structural damage, or convert unused space, we deliver reliable solutions with clear planning and skilled work.

Heide Contracting

Atlanta, GA, USA

Phone: (470) 469-5627

Website: , Basement Conversions

Instagram: @heidecontracting
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