How long does it take to finish a basement?

Time to Finish your Basement

Finishing your unfinished basement is a major project that involves several steps. You also have to factor in the time needed to get permits and inspections. Overall, the average 1,000-square-foot basement takes 4 to 8 weeks to complete.

The time depends on several factors, including:

• Size of the basement
• Basement layout
• Quality of materials used
• Number of appliances installed
• Shipping of special-order items
• Permitting and inspection process in your area

If you’re working with an interior decorator, add another two weeks to that time. On average, working with an interior decorator adds time to a redecorating or refinishing project because of frequent changes and the need for special-order items.

Can You Speed Up an Unfinished Basement Project?

It’s never a good idea to rush any construction project. While you expect your contractor to be efficient, rushing a renovation job will lead to cutting corners and major problems later.

However, some things can reduce the time it takes to complete your project.

• Basement plan: Open-plan basements are quicker to renovate than basements divided into several rooms
• Waterproofing: The project will be faster and cost less if your basement is already waterproof.
• Framing: If your basement has existing framing, your project will take less time.

Framing

Framing is the first part of the project. Framing is highly skilled work, and most of your framing costs will be for labor. Expect the framing to take about a week.

Flooring

Flooring is usually one of the quickest parts of the project. In most cases, you can get the flooring done in a few days. Some flooring can be installed in one day. 

Drywall

Installing new drywall is a key part of any basement finishing project. It takes about two weeks for drywall to dry. Don’t let a contractor try to convince you that they can do it faster. Rushing the drywall project can lead to big problems later.

Plumbing and Electrical

Plumbing and wiring are labor-intensive parts of the finishing project. Depending on what your contractors are starting with, you can expect this part to take more than a week.

Permits and Inspections

In Loudoun County, you must have a permit from the Loudoun County Building and Development Office. You must send an application with a drawing of your finished basement plan.

You also need:

• Electrical permit for all electrical installations
• Gas permit if you install gas piping
• Mechanical permit for installing or extending ductwork
• Plumbing permit for all plumbing-related appliances

The permit process adds time to your basement project. Loudoun Basements has experience with the permit process in the county, and we can help you with this.

Call the Basement Experts

Loudoun Basements is your local basement expert. We can help you create a beautiful living space from your ugly, unfinished basement. Call us today to get started.