Cost of a Basement Remodel in the Greater Seattle Area
Basement remodels we build across the Greater Seattle Area start at $30,000+ to refresh a finished basement and $60,000+ to finish an unfinished one. A finish with a bedroom and full bath starts at $100,000+, and a lower-level suite at $140,000+.
Prices set by Bar Unger, owner of Volcano Builders, Inc. WA contractor license VOLCABI792C6. Updated October 2026.
Transparent pricing
Basement Remodel Pricing by Scope and Finish Level
Price depends on three things: the starting condition of the basement, how many bedrooms and wet rooms you add, and the finish level. Pick a scope to see a typical layout, what each finish level includes, and real basements we completed.
Basement Refresh
Already finished, made new
Typical size: Any size · floors, paint, lighting, doors and closets
Common scope: New floors and lighting · Closets and doors · Media wall
Typical timeline: 3 to 6 weeks on site, after design and permits
Basic
Functional + affordable
Starting at
$30,000+
Includes a standard material allowance. Upgrades are priced from your selections.
- Old carpet and trim removed
- LVP floor through the level
- Walls and ceiling patched and painted
- New baseboard and door casing
- LED light fixtures
- New outlets and switches
Best for: A tired basement made new
Mid-Range
Style + durability
Starting at
$45,000+
Includes a standard material allowance. Upgrades are priced from your selections.
- Everything in Basic
- Recessed lighting plan
- New interior doors and hardware
- Built closets
- Upgraded LVP or engineered floor
- Moisture check and vapor barrier where floors come up
Luxury
Design + premium finish
Starting at
$70,000+
Includes a standard material allowance. Upgrades are priced from your selections.
- Custom built-ins or media wall
- Glass French doors or pocket doors
- Layered lighting with dimmers
- Wet bar refresh with quartz
- Premium flooring
- Design package with 3D layout
Super-Luxury
No limits
Starting at
$100,000+
Includes a standard material allowance. Upgrades are priced from your selections.
- Full custom millwork
- Home theater wiring and acoustic panels
- Wine wall or display storage
- Smart lighting and controls
- Stone or wood feature wall
- Dedicated design and project management
Legal basement ADU: a separate unit with its own kitchen, entrance and fire separation is priced on our ADU pricing page, starting at $150,000+.
Not included in starting prices: Permit fees · Waterproofing or drainage repair found at the moisture check · Water damage, mold or rot found at demo · Lowering the floor or raising the ceiling · Moving the furnace, water heater or main drain · Electrical panel upgrade · Material upgrades beyond the allowance. We price these in writing if your project needs them.
Basement Finish without a Bath
Unfinished to finished living space
Typical size: Under 800 sq ft · family room, office or gym
Common scope: Open family room · Office · Gym or playroom
Typical timeline: 6 to 10 weeks on site, after design and permits
Basic
Functional + affordable
Starting at
$60,000+
Includes a standard material allowance. Upgrades are priced from your selections.
- Moisture check before framing
- Framed and insulated foundation walls
- Drywall walls and ceiling, painted
- LVP floor
- Code wiring, outlets and LED lights
- Smoke alarms brought to code
Best for: More living space without plumbing
Mid-Range
Style + durability
Starting at
$85,000+
Includes a standard material allowance. Upgrades are priced from your selections.
- Everything in Basic
- Recessed lighting plan
- Soffits boxed around ducts and beams
- Closet or storage room
- Heat extended to every corner
- Solid core doors and upgraded trim
Luxury
Design + premium finish
Starting at
$120,000+
Includes a standard material allowance. Upgrades are priced from your selections.
- Media wall or built-ins
- Layered lighting with dimmers
- Sound insulation in the ceiling
- Premium flooring
- Custom stair finish and railing
- Full design with 3D layout
Super-Luxury
No limits
Starting at
$160,000+
Includes a standard material allowance. Upgrades are priced from your selections.
- Home theater or gym build out
- Full custom millwork
- Wood or stone feature walls
- Smart lighting and controls
- Premium doors and hardware
- Dedicated design and project management
Legal basement ADU: a separate unit with its own kitchen, entrance and fire separation is priced on our ADU pricing page, starting at $150,000+.
Not included in starting prices: Permit fees · Waterproofing or drainage repair found at the moisture check · Water damage, mold or rot found at demo · Lowering the floor or raising the ceiling · Moving the furnace, water heater or main drain · Electrical panel upgrade · Material upgrades beyond the allowance. We price these in writing if your project needs them.
Basement Finish with Bedroom and Bath
Finished level with a bedroom and full bath
Typical size: 800 sq ft and up · bedroom with egress window, full bath
Common scope: Family room, bedroom and bath · Guest suite · Office and bath
Typical timeline: 10 to 16 weeks on site, after design and permits
Basic
Functional + affordable
Starting at
$100,000+
Includes a standard material allowance. Upgrades are priced from your selections.
- Everything in a basic finish
- Bedroom with egress window and well
- Full bath with tub or shower
- Drain tie-in, pump if below the sewer line
- Bath fan vented outside
- Permit and inspections managed
Best for: A guest room and bath downstairs
Mid-Range
Style + durability
Starting at
$140,000+
Includes a standard material allowance. Upgrades are priced from your selections.
- Everything in Basic
- Tiled shower with niche
- Vanity with quartz top
- Built-in bedroom closet
- Recessed lighting plan
- Heat and air to every room
Luxury
Design + premium finish
Starting at
$190,000+
Includes a standard material allowance. Upgrades are priced from your selections.
- Frameless glass and stone-look tile
- Heated bath floor
- Custom vanity and built-ins
- Sound insulation between rooms
- Layered lighting with controls
- Full design package
Super-Luxury
No limits
Starting at
$250,000+
Includes a standard material allowance. Upgrades are priced from your selections.
- Spa bath with freestanding tub
- Second bedroom or office
- Full custom millwork
- Slab stone surfaces
- Smart lighting and controls
- Dedicated design and project management
Legal basement ADU: a separate unit with its own kitchen, entrance and fire separation is priced on our ADU pricing page, starting at $150,000+.
Not included in starting prices: Permit fees · Waterproofing or drainage repair found at the moisture check · Water damage, mold or rot found at demo · Lowering the floor or raising the ceiling · Moving the furnace, water heater or main drain · Electrical panel upgrade · Material upgrades beyond the allowance. We price these in writing if your project needs them.
Real basements we completed at this scope
Finished Basement Remodel in Seattle, WAAbout $120,000 · Completed 2024
Black Marble-Look Basement Bathroom in Redmond, WAAbout $100,000 · Completed 2024
Past project prices from the year each basement was completed. Material and labor costs have risen since, which is why the starting prices above are higher.
Lower-Level Suites
Bedroom, bath and wet bar or kitchenette
Typical size: 800 sq ft and up · bedroom, full bath, wet bar or kitchenette
Common scope: Guest or family suite · Suite with wet bar · Suite with kitchenette
Typical timeline: 14 to 22 weeks on site, after design and permits
Basic
Functional + affordable
Starting at
$140,000+
Includes a standard material allowance. Upgrades are priced from your selections.
- Bedroom with egress window
- Full bath
- Wet bar or kitchenette with sink
- Framed, insulated, drywalled and painted
- LVP floor
- Dedicated circuits for appliances
Best for: A full suite for family or guests
Mid-Range
Style + durability
Starting at
$190,000+
Includes a standard material allowance. Upgrades are priced from your selections.
- Everything in Basic
- Shaker cabinets with quartz
- Tiled shower
- Recessed lighting plan
- Laundry hookups
- Sound insulation in the ceiling
Luxury
Design + premium finish
Starting at
$250,000+
Includes a standard material allowance. Upgrades are priced from your selections.
- Custom cabinetry and stone counters
- Frameless glass shower
- Heated floors
- Built-ins and media wall
- Layered lighting and controls
- Full design package with drawings and selections
Super-Luxury
No limits
Starting at
$325,000+
Includes a standard material allowance. Upgrades are priced from your selections.
- Full kitchenette with island
- Spa bath
- Full custom millwork
- Slab stone surfaces
- Smart home controls
- Dedicated design and project management
A home theater, golf room or wine room in the suite is priced on Signature Spaces.
Legal basement ADU: a separate unit with its own kitchen, entrance and fire separation is priced on our ADU pricing page, starting at $150,000+.
Not included in starting prices: Permit fees · Waterproofing or drainage repair found at the moisture check · Water damage, mold or rot found at demo · Lowering the floor or raising the ceiling · Moving the furnace, water heater or main drain · Electrical panel upgrade · Material upgrades beyond the allowance · Appliance purchase and installation. We price these in writing if your project needs them.
Get a Price for Your Basement
Book a consultation. We walk the basement with you and price it in writing.
What Our Clients Say
We were nervous about hiring a contractor because we were first-time homeowners, but Volcano Builders made it easy to understand. They made everything clear and helped us stick to our budget. I'm very happy with how everything turned out.
Bar and the team at Volcano Builders did a great job! Professional service, great communication throughout the whole process, and everything was done with care and attention to detail. Highly recommend!
Volcano did a master bath remodel for us. The project was completed efficiently and on time. All of their workman were courteous and hard working. When we had a couple of material delivery delays they kindly adjusted their schedules. Their pricing was fine and the terms of the contract were fulfilled. We highly recommend Volcano Building.
Read more of our Google reviews, word for word, with video reviews from finished homes.
What sets the price
The 3 Things That Control Price
A dry basement with good ceiling height and framed walls costs the least to finish.
Each bedroom needs an egress window. Each bath or bar adds drains, often with a pump.
Most of the difference between Basic and Luxury is flooring, tile, cabinetry and lighting.
Watch for
What Can Raise the Cost
- Water and drainageDamp walls or floors must be fixed before framing. Drains or waterproofing are priced first.
- Ceiling heightHabitable rooms need 7 ft. Low beams and ducts can mean rerouting or lowering the floor.
- Drains below the sewer lineA bath or bar below the main drain needs an ejector pump and slab cutting.
- Egress windowsEach new bedroom needs a code egress window cut into the foundation with a window well.
- Moving mechanicalsRelocating the furnace, water heater or main drain opens up the layout but adds cost.
- Panel capacityNew circuits for a bar, kitchenette or heat can need a larger electrical panel.
What's Included by Tier
| Feature | Basic | Mid-Range | Luxury | Super-Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Moisture check | Included | Included | Included | Included |
| Framing and insulation | Included | Included | Included | Included |
| Flooring | LVP | Upgraded | Premium | Wood or stone |
| Lighting | LED fixtures | Recessed | Layered | Smart |
| Bathroom | Tub or shower | Tiled shower | Frameless glass | Spa bath |
| Cabinetry and built-ins | Standard | Semi-custom | Custom | Full custom |
| Sound insulation | Optional | Ceiling | Ceiling and walls | Full |
| Permits and inspections | Managed | Managed | Managed | Managed |
| Design | Layout | Layout | 3D design | Dedicated |
"Starting at" prices reflect typical completed projects in the Greater Seattle Area and are not a quote. Final pricing depends on size, layout changes, material selections, permits and what we find behind the walls. Every project is priced in writing after a site visit.
2-year workmanship warranty
Every basement we build carries a 2-year workmanship warranty, extendable to 5 years. Materials carry their manufacturer's warranty. See warranty details
Financing options are available for basement remodels.
Prices updated October 2026
Basement Remodel Cost Questions
How much does a basement remodel cost in the Greater Seattle Area?
Refreshing a finished basement starts at $30,000+. Finishing an unfinished basement starts at $60,000+. A finish with a bedroom and full bath starts at $100,000+, and a lower-level suite with a wet bar or kitchenette starts at $140,000+.
What does finishing a basement cost per square foot?
Square footage is a weak guide. Bedrooms, baths and plumbing move the price more than size. A finish without a bath under 800 sq ft starts at $60,000+.
How much does it cost to add a bathroom to a basement?
A finish with a bedroom and full bath starts at $100,000+. A luxury basement bathroom we built in Redmond in 2024 came to about $100,000 on its own.
How much does a basement wet bar or kitchenette add?
A lower-level suite with a bedroom, bath and wet bar or kitchenette starts at $140,000+, about $40,000 above a finish with a bedroom and bath.
Is a basement suite the same as a basement ADU?
No. A legal ADU has its own entrance, kitchen and fire separation and needs an ADU permit. Basement ADUs start at $150,000+ on our ADU pricing page.
Do I need a permit to finish a basement in Seattle or Bellevue?
Usually yes when you add rooms, plumbing or wiring. Seattle permits go through SDCI and Bellevue permits through the City of Bellevue. Permitted work brings smoke alarms through the house to code. We manage the permits.
How much ceiling height does a finished basement need?
Habitable rooms need 7 ft. Baths and laundry need 6 ft 8 in. Beams and ducts can drop to 6 ft 4 in.
What if my basement has water or moisture?
We check for moisture before any framing. Drainage or waterproofing is priced first, in writing, because finishing over water fails.
How long does a basement remodel take?
On site: a refresh takes 3 to 6 weeks, a finish without a bath 6 to 10 weeks, a finish with a bedroom and bath 10 to 16 weeks and a lower-level suite 14 to 22 weeks.
How can I keep the cost down?
Fix water first, keep the layout open, place the bath near the main drain and settle rooms in design.
What warranty do you give?
Every basement carries a 2-year workmanship warranty, extendable to 5 years. Materials carry their manufacturer's warranty.
Book your basement remodel consultation
Four quick steps. Tell us about your project and we’ll reach out to discuss it and see if we’re the right fit.