Updated
Oct 03, 2022 Homeowners often tackle projects around their home to add value to their property, increase the amount of livable space, or simply improve the appearance.
Remodeling or finishing a basement is a popular way to achieve these goals, but it can be expensive. The price of basement remodels vary greatly depending on the square footage of the area and what’s involved.
No matter what options you choose to cover the costs for finishing your basement, taking on this project can add significant value to your home, which is particularly helpful for homeowners who plan to put their home on the market.
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Costs of Finishing a Basement
The average cost of finishing an incomplete basement ranges from $6,500 up to $18,500. Remodeling a basement that is already finished may cost less. In either scenario, homeowners can save a little on the total cost by doing some work on their own instead of hiring a contractor.
Overall, the expenses included in completing the task depend on several factors. These include:
- Framing and insulating walls
- Adding or improving lighting, plumbing, and other electrical work light outlets
- Rerouting ductwork or adding vents
- Installing ceiling and floors
- Other costs for labor and materials
Not every basement finish or remodel will require each of these expenses, and the total amount for the project will depend on the size of the area and the quality of the materials.
When homeowners’ savings are not enough to cover the out-of-pocket expense of remodeling or finishing a basement, homeowners have other financing options that may help bring the basement of their dreams to life.
Options to Cover the Cost of Finishing Your Basement
Personal Loans
A personal loan is one option to cover the cost of finishing or remodeling a basement. Lenders offer personal loans in single lump sums. The principal amount, plus interest charges, is then repaid over the course of several months or several years, depending on the repayment term.
Here are two highly-rated partner personal loan lenders that offer loans that can be used to cover home improvement costs.
 |  | |
|---|---|---|
| Rates (APR) | 4.99% – 16.99%* with AutoPay | 7.99% – 35.97% |
| Loan Amounts | $5,000 – $100,000 | $1,000 – $35,000 |
| Repayment Terms | 24 – 144 months** | 36 or 60 months |
| Minimum Credit Score | 660 | 620 |
To compare additional options, you can check out our guide to the best home improvement loans.
Didn’t know you could use a personal loan to remodel a basement? Check out what else you could use a personal loan for.
Home Equity Loan or Home Equity Line of Credit
Alternatively, your home equity can also help finance a basement finish or remodel. Home equity financing comes in the form of a line of credit (HELOC) or a loan. With either option, homeowners use the equity in their home as collateral for the financing.
A HELOC offers flexible access to funding, but it may carry a variable interest rate that can increase over time. A home equity loan is similar to a personal loan in that payments and interest are fixed.
A home appraisal may be required during the application process, alongside a credit and income check. With both options, borrowers often have access to much more financing than what a personal loan can offer. For this reason, a home equity loan for renovations can be a good choice.
Here are two highly-rated partner home equity lenders offering loans that can be used to cover basement remodel costs.
 |  | |
|---|---|---|
| Product | Home equity loan | HELOC |
| Rates (APR) | As low as 5.205% | 4.99% – 13.25% |
| Loan Amounts | $20,000 – $500,000 | $15,000 – $150,000 |
| Eligibility Criteria | Minimum credit score: 640 Maximum loan-to-value: 90% | Minimum credit score: 620 Maximum loan-to-value: 80% |
To compare additional options, you can check out our guide to the best home equity loans or the best home equity lines of credit.
Other Methods of Financing a New Basement
Homeowners can also save for a basement project well in advance of starting the work. Regularly setting money aside into a high-yield savings account can be a smart way to eventually pay for a basement remodel or finish, but this option can take several years to achieve, delaying your project. This is, however, the most affordable option because there are no interest charges, appraisals, or closing costs.
In some cases, the contractor or company helping with the basement project may offer financing to qualified homeowners. This typically works as a line of credit with a variable interest rate, but some offers have an interest-free period that homeowners can take advantage. Review the terms of contractor or company financing, and compare these against the cost and terms of a personal loan or a home equity financing solution.
Bottom Line
Finishing your basement is a smart step toward increasing the value of a home, and homeowners have several options to help cover the up-front costs. Personal loans and home equity financing options are often the go-to for homeowners, followed up by personal savings and contractor financing. The option you select should depend on your ability to qualify for the financing, as well as the short- and long-term affordability of the loan or line of credit.
Recap of Financing for a Basement Remodel
| Lender | Product | Loan Amounts | Credit Score |
| LightStream | Personal loan | $5,000 – $100,000 | 660+ |
| Upgrade | Personal loan | $1,000 – $35,000 | 620+ |
| Spring EQ | Home equity loan | $20,000 – $500,000 | 640+ |
| Figure | HELOC | $15,000 – $150,000 | 620+ |
*Your loan terms, including APR, may differ based on loan purpose, amount, term length, and your credit profile. Excellent credit is required to qualify for lowest rates. Rate is quoted with AutoPay discount. AutoPay discount is only available prior to loan funding. Rates without AutoPay are 0.50% points higher. Subject to credit approval. Conditions and limitations apply. Advertised rates and terms are subject to change without notice.
**Payment example: Monthly payments for a $10,000 loan at 5.95% APR with a term of three years would result in 36 monthly payments of $303.99.