Let’s Talk Basements: How to Finish Your Basement so It Adds Value to Your Home

Are you on the hunt for home renovations that will boost usability and value? Look no further than that unfinished basement. In this article, we’ll show you how to turn that dusty cave into an amazing new living space.

Note: finishing a basement isn’t the easiest job. For most basements, it’s a lot more than a weekend do-it-yourself project. If you’re not comfortable with construction be sure to enlist the help of a professional.

Step 1: Plan Everything Out

The first step is to plan out how you’re going to use the space. Are you going to make an office? A full suite? Is there any plumbing or wiring involved? Will you need to create full walls? Map out how you plan to use the available space so you have an idea of what you’ll need.

Step 2: Measure And Deal With The Floor

Once you figure out how you’ll use the space, you’ll need to measure everything out. Height can be an issue — especially in basements not designed as a living space. You can solve height problems by digging out the concrete slab. Once you get down deep enough, you pour a new slab.

Step 3: Frame Everything In

Is the basement at a good height? Next you’ll need to start framing everything in. Depending on how you have your walls mapped out, this might take a while. You may also need permits or to enlist licensed tradespeople, such as an electrician. If you’re just framing in a single room to add walls, it will be easier.

Step 4: Insulate And Install The Walls

After the framing process, you’ll insulate everything before installing the walls. Adding insulation can drive energy and heating costs down by a lot. So much so that in colder areas of the country, new homes must have insulated basements. After the insulation is in place, you’ll install the drywall and ready the walls for painting.

Step 5: Paint, Carpet And Finish Up

The final step is to get everything painted and finished. If you chose to go with a carpeted floor, you’ll want to save this for last. Once the painting is complete, install the carpets, baseboard and trim. Touch up any final areas and you’re all set.

Finishing your basement into a usable space is an excellent way to add value to your home. To learn more about building your home’s equity, give me a call – J.P. Cook – 602-320-4253.

Click Here to See What Your Home is Worth

Listing types.

For Sale

For Rent

Land

Multifamily

Commercial

Location Search Nearby

BedsAny1+2+3+4+5+6+

BathsAny1+2+3+4+5+6+

Price MinAny$50,000$100,000$150,000$200,000$250,000$300,000$350,000$400,000$450,000$500,000$600,000$700,000$800,000$900,000$1,000,000$1,100,000$1,200,000$1,300,000$1,400,000$1,500,000$1,600,000$1,800,000$1,900,000$2,000,000$2,250,000$2,500,000$2,750,000$3,000,000$3,250,000$3,500,000$3,750,000$4,000,000$4,500,000$5,000,000$6,000,000$8,000,000$10,000,000$15,000,000

Price MaxAny$50,000$100,000$150,000$200,000$250,000$300,000$350,000$400,000$450,000$500,000$600,000$700,000$800,000$900,000$1,000,000$1,100,000$1,200,000$1,300,000$1,400,000$1,500,000$1,600,000$1,800,000$1,900,000$2,000,000$2,250,000$2,500,000$2,750,000$3,000,000$3,250,000$3,500,000$3,750,000$4,000,000$4,500,000$5,000,000$6,000,000$8,000,000$10,000,000$15,000,000

Advanced Options

Property TypeAnyApartmentManufactured HomeSingle Family ResidenceTownhouseTwin Home

School District

Address, MLS# or Keyword

Home SizeAny600 ft2800 ft21,000 ft21,200 ft21,400 ft21,600 ft21,800 ft22,000 ft22,200 ft22,400 ft22,600 ft22,800 ft23,000 ft23,500 ft24,000 ft24,500 ft25,000 ft25,500 ft26,000 ft2

YearAny2024+2023+2022+2021+2020+2019+2018+2017+2016+2015+2014+2013+2012+2011+2010+2009+2008+2007+2006+2005+2004+2003+2002+2001+2000+1999+1998+1997+1996+1995+1994+1993+1992+1991+1990+1980+1970+1960+1950+1940+1930+

Distressed

Open House

Location Search Nearby

BedsAny1+2+3+4+5+6+

BathsAny1+2+3+4+5+6+

Price MinAny$500$600$700$800$900$1,000$1,100$1,200$1,300$1,500$1,600$1,700$1,800$1,900$2,000$2,250$2,500$2,750$3,000$3,250$3,500$3,750$4,000$4,500$5,000$5,500$6,000$6,500$7,000$7,500$8,000$8,500$9,000$9,500$10,000

Price MaxAny$500$600$700$800$900$1,000$1,100$1,200$1,300$1,500$1,600$1,700$1,800$1,900$2,000$2,250$2,500$2,750$3,000$3,250$3,500$3,750$4,000$4,500$5,000$5,500$6,000$6,500$7,000$7,500$8,000$8,500$9,000$9,500$10,000

Advanced Options

Property TypeAnyApartmentManufactured HomeSingle Family ResidenceTownhouseTwin Home

School District

Address, MLS# or Keyword

Home SizeAny600 ft2800 ft21,000 ft21,200 ft21,400 ft21,600 ft21,800 ft22,000 ft22,200 ft22,400 ft22,600 ft22,800 ft23,000 ft23,500 ft24,000 ft24,500 ft25,000 ft25,500 ft26,000 ft2

YearAny2024+2023+2022+2021+2020+2019+2018+2017+2016+2015+2014+2013+2012+2011+2010+2009+2008+2007+2006+2005+2004+2003+2002+2001+2000+1999+1998+1997+1996+1995+1994+1993+1992+1991+1990+1980+1970+1960+1950+1940+1930+

Location Search Nearby

Lot SizeAny1+ Acres2+ Acres3+ Acres4+ Acres5+ Acres6+ Acres7+ Acres8+ Acres9+ Acres10+ Acres20+ Acres30+ Acres40+ Acres50+ Acres

Price MinAny$50,000$100,000$150,000$200,000$250,000$300,000$350,000$400,000$450,000$500,000$600,000$700,000$800,000$900,000$1,000,000$1,100,000$1,200,000$1,300,000$1,400,000$1,500,000$1,600,000$1,800,000$1,900,000$2,000,000$2,250,000$2,500,000$2,750,000$3,000,000$3,250,000$3,500,000$3,750,000$4,000,000$4,500,000$5,000,000$6,000,000$8,000,000$10,000,000$15,000,000

Price MaxAny$50,000$100,000$150,000$200,000$250,000$300,000$350,000$400,000$450,000$500,000$600,000$700,000$800,000$900,000$1,000,000$1,100,000$1,200,000$1,300,000$1,400,000$1,500,000$1,600,000$1,800,000$1,900,000$2,000,000$2,250,000$2,500,000$2,750,000$3,000,000$3,250,000$3,500,000$3,750,000$4,000,000$4,500,000$5,000,000$6,000,000$8,000,000$10,000,000$15,000,000

Advanced Options

Neighborhood

Address, MLS# or Keyword

Location Search Nearby

Price MinAny$50,000$100,000$150,000$200,000$250,000$300,000$350,000$400,000$450,000$500,000$600,000$700,000$800,000$900,000$1,000,000$1,100,000$1,200,000$1,300,000$1,400,000$1,500,000$1,600,000$1,800,000$1,900,000$2,000,000$2,250,000$2,500,000$2,750,000$3,000,000$3,250,000$3,500,000$3,750,000$4,000,000$4,500,000$5,000,000$6,000,000$8,000,000$10,000,000$15,000,000

Price MaxAny$50,000$100,000$150,000$200,000$250,000$300,000$350,000$400,000$450,000$500,000$600,000$700,000$800,000$900,000$1,000,000$1,100,000$1,200,000$1,300,000$1,400,000$1,500,000$1,600,000$1,800,000$1,900,000$2,000,000$2,250,000$2,500,000$2,750,000$3,000,000$3,250,000$3,500,000$3,750,000$4,000,000$4,500,000$5,000,000$6,000,000$8,000,000$10,000,000$15,000,000

Advanced Options

School District

Address, MLS# or Keyword

YearAny2024+2023+2022+2021+2020+2019+2018+2017+2016+2015+2014+2013+2012+2011+2010+2009+2008+2007+2006+2005+2004+2003+2002+2001+2000+1999+1998+1997+1996+1995+1994+1993+1992+1991+1990+1980+1970+1960+1950+1940+1930+

Location Search Nearby

Lot SizeAny1+ Acres2+ Acres3+ Acres4+ Acres5+ Acres6+ Acres7+ Acres8+ Acres9+ Acres10+ Acres20+ Acres30+ Acres40+ Acres50+ Acres

Price MinAny$50,000$100,000$150,000$200,000$250,000$300,000$350,000$400,000$450,000$500,000$600,000$700,000$800,000$900,000$1,000,000$1,100,000$1,200,000$1,300,000$1,400,000$1,500,000$1,600,000$1,800,000$1,900,000$2,000,000$2,250,000$2,500,000$2,750,000$3,000,000$3,250,000$3,500,000$3,750,000$4,000,000$4,500,000$5,000,000$6,000,000$8,000,000$10,000,000$15,000,000

Price MaxAny$50,000$100,000$150,000$200,000$250,000$300,000$350,000$400,000$450,000$500,000$600,000$700,000$800,000$900,000$1,000,000$1,100,000$1,200,000$1,300,000$1,400,000$1,500,000$1,600,000$1,800,000$1,900,000$2,000,000$2,250,000$2,500,000$2,750,000$3,000,000$3,250,000$3,500,000$3,750,000$4,000,000$4,500,000$5,000,000$6,000,000$8,000,000$10,000,000$15,000,000

Advanced Options

Address, MLS# or Keyword

YearAny2024+2023+2022+2021+2020+2019+2018+2017+2016+2015+2014+2013+2012+2011+2010+2009+2008+2007+2006+2005+2004+2003+2002+2001+2000+1999+1998+1997+1996+1995+1994+1993+1992+1991+1990+1980+1970+1960+1950+1940+1930+

View As: Thumbnails List

Sort by: Select Price, Low to High Price, High to Low Newer Listings First Older Listings First Open House Date

19606 W Grant Street Buckeye, AZ 85326

Open House

$590,000

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,259 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6786961

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Beautifully upgraded 3 bed/2.5 bath home in the very desirable Blue Horizon subdivision. This home has a very spacious great room with a formal dining room and an eat-in kitchen. Upgrades include: beautiful wood plank ceramic tile, stainless appliances, quartz countertops, designer lighting, herringbone tile backsplash, oven/microwave wall combo, 42'' cherry cabinets, LED under cabinet lighting, recessed lighting throughout, ceiling fans throughout, vinyl plank in bedrooms, barn door, & soft water loop. Front entrance includes a paved courtyard with a rod iron gate and driveway is upgraded with pavers. Backyard features a covered patio, automatic sprinkler system, private pool with water feature. This home is also BnB ready with a separate entrance or can be used as a single family home.

View Property

9410 W Meadowbrook Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85037

$589,999

4 Beds

4 Baths

2,585 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6729781

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

**Don't miss out on this beautiful single-level home with a certified Energy Star rating of 5!** This newer property boasts delightful curb appeal with an easy-care landscape and a tandem 3-car garage, situated in a gated community. **Step inside to find:** - An inviting hallway leading to a perfectly flowing great room with high ceilings, recessed lighting, and sliding glass doors that open to the backyard. - Gorgeous wood-look porcelain flooring and a neutral palette throughout, creating a warm and modern atmosphere. **Chef's Kitchen:** - Handsome wood cabinets with crown molding - Stainless steel appliances - Pantry and Quartz counters - Stylish tile backsplash - Large island with a breakfast bar, perfect for casual dining and entertaining **Main Retreat:** - Sun-filled room with an immaculate ensuite featuring two vanities, his and hers walk-in closets, a private toilet room, and engineered flooring. **Additional Features:** - Second ensuite with a walk-in closet and private living area, ideal for guest privacy. - Each bedroom has its own dedicated bathroom, ensuring comfort and convenience for all. **Outdoor Living:** - Relax in the vast backyard with a covered patio, pavers, and low-maintenance turf, perfect for outdoor gatherings and relaxation. **Prime Location:** - Minutes away from Westgate, Glendale Stadium, and the soon-to-be-built water parks and hotels, making it an ideal property for Airbnb. **This home is the perfect blend of luxury and convenience. Own the home meant for you!** Come view today!

View Property

17668 W Blue Sky Drive Surprise, AZ 85387

$589,995

4 Beds

3.5 Baths

2,840 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6742948

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Explore this impressive Darius home, ready for quick move-in. Included features: an inviting covered entry; a spacious great room; a quiet study; an open dining area; a gourmet kitchen offering a double oven, quartz countertops, 42'' cabinets, a center island and a pantry; a lavish primary suite showcasing a generous walk-in closet and a private bath with double sinks and cultured marble countertops; a convenient laundry; a large living room; a covered patio and a 3-car garage. This home also offers additional windows, ceiling fan prewiring and stone tile flooring in select rooms as well as airy 10' ceilings throughout.

View Property

17617 W Blue Sky Drive Surprise, AZ 85387

$589,995

4 Beds

3.5 Baths

2,840 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6772341

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This spacious 2,840 sq. ft. single-level ''Darius'' floorplan offers a perfect blend of luxury and comfort. With 10-ft ceilings, a 3-car garage, and a separate guest suite, there's room for everyone to feel at home. The gourmet kitchen features gas appliances, upgraded cabinets, quartz countertops, and a walk-in pantry—a chef's dream! The primary bath boasts a large drop-in tub, perfect for relaxing. Set for November completion, this home's neutral palette provides the perfect backdrop for your personal style.

View Property

24030 N 171st Drive Surprise, AZ 85387

$589,995

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,390 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6685257

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Are you ready for your new home at Asante? Come tour this beautiful Pinecrest plan. Boasting an open layout ready-made for entertaining. This plan centers around an airy great room, a dining nook and an impressive gourmet kitchen with a convenient island. The elegant owner's suite is adjacent, showcasing dual walk-in closets and a private bath featuring walk in shower and drop in tub . Two additional bedrooms, a study , great room featuring amazing corner multi slide doors off great room and covered patio . Bring your backyard oasis vision that will make this home the one always dreaming of. Includes a 2-car garage and separate side turn garage.

View Property

1735 W Wildwood Drive Phoenix, AZ 85045

$589,995

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,178 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6749237

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Immerse yourself in luxury living in Ahwatukee with this exquisite 3-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom home boasting a dazzling pool. The open floor plan exudes light, brightness, and airiness. Upstairs, you'll find an additional loft perfect for casual lounging. The spacious primary bedroom features a walk-in closet that will fulfill any fashionista's dreams. Step outside to the backyard oasis with a pool ideal for entertaining. The beautiful kitchen highlights a large island and breakfast bar for casual dining. Furniture Available. Don't let this rare gem slip away - conveniently located near the 202 freeway for easy commuting to work or exploring the surrounding area. Furniture can be included in sale.

View Property

11946 W Parkway Lane Avondale, AZ 85323

$589,995

3 Beds

3 Baths

2,480 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6761545

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

The heart of this ranch-style home is an open floor plan with a family room, a breakfast nook and a large gourmet kitchen. The adjacent primary suite offers a walk-in closet and an attached bath. You'll also find two additional bedrooms and a bath, as well as a quiet study and a guest suite complete with a living area, bedroom, and private bath. Includes covered patio and a 2-car garage!

View Property

29407 N 31st Lane Phoenix, AZ 85083

$589,990

4 Beds

3 Baths

1,946 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6772477

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Ask about special financing with preferred lender! A generous open living space serves as the heart of this single-level home, offering seamless transition between the Great Room, kitchen and dining room, while sliding glass doors lead to a covered patio for indoor-outdoor living. You will find plenty of room for your family with three secondary bedrooms and a stunning owner's suite complete with a spa-like bathroom. Photos are renderings of a model home, not the actual home. A public report is available on the Arizona Department of Real Estate website.

View Property

32017 N 117th Avenue Peoria, AZ 85383

$589,990

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,680 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6755518

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

New home in Mystic - It's the charming Bluebell. Kitchen features include Maple Slate-gray cabinets with 42'' kitchen uppers, soft close doors and drawers and laundry cabinets. AZT Hana Sky quartz countertops in kitchen and baths. Stainless steel appliances include a 36'' cooktop, wall oven, microwave and glass canopy hood. Walk-in shower at owner's bath. Multi slide door that leads out the covered patio. Flooring includes San Matte 12x24 Sand Matte laminate wood in all areas except beds/closets and so much more. Amenity Rich Mystic includes a Resort Style community pool, Rec center with year-round events, Hiking paths & community parks. The perfect location- close to shopping, restaurants, golf, Lake pleasant and the loop 303. PICTURES OF THIS HOME ARE FROM THE BLUEBELL MODEL.

View Property

31985 N 117th Avenue Peoria, AZ 85383

$589,990

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,680 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6755529

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

It's the spacious Bluebell in the stunning community of Mystic. Walk-in shower at owner's bath with tile surrounds/floor. Multi slide door leads out to the covered patio. Pavers at drive, walk and entry. Stainless steel appliances include a 30'' cooktop, wall oven, microwave & canopy hood. Maple Linen-off white cabinets with soft close drawer and doors, pull out trash drawer and additional cabinets in laundry room and at owner's entry. Driftwood wood laminate floors in all areas except beds/closets. Amenity Rich Mystic includes a Resort Style community pool, Rec center with year-round events, Hiking paths & community parks. The perfect location- close to shopping, restaurants, golf, Lake pleasant and the loop 303. THE PICTURES ARE FROM THE BLUEBELL MODEL HOME.

View Property

9550 N 178th Drive Waddell, AZ 85355

$589,990

4 Beds

3.5 Baths

3,221 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6780671

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Premium Lot and DR Horton's sought after Phoenician plan! The Gorgeous home will be completed and ready to move in by end of this year! This plan has soaring ceilings with the primary bedroom downstairs and split. Open kitchen and huge slider are just a few of the great features. As you move upstairs you will enter the huge game room that splits 3 bedrooms and bonus media room! Bed 3 has its own bathroom perfect for older teen or guests! This home will have white quartz counter tops, shaker cabinets, wood like tile and much more! Conveniently located off the 303! Will not last long!

View Property

20199 W Mulberry Drive Buckeye, AZ 85396

$589,990

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,397 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6593391

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

QUICK MOVE-IN HOME! MOVE INTO YOUR NEW HOME BEFORE THE HOLIDAYS! SPECIAL FINANCING WITH BELOW MARKET INTEREST RATES AVAILABLE! MOVE-IN PACKAGES AVAILABLE! PLEASE INQUIRE ABOUT THESE SPECIALS ON THIS QUICK MOVE-IN HOME AND OTHERS. ACT SOON BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE! It's our Carmona sitting on an OVERSIZED LOT WITH RV PARKING AVAILALE! This home has 3 bedrooms, study, 2.5 baths. Large walk-in shower at owner's bath with 12x12 tile surrounds. Multi slide door that leads out to the extended covered patio. Stainless steel double oven appliance package with a 36'' cooktop and canopy hood. Downing ''Espresso'' cabinets. Silver Falls granite countertops in kitchen and at the enhanced kitchen island. Upgrade flooring includes 18x18 EMS Anthem white tile with a 5'' base board/door casings except bedrooms & owner's closet. Soft water loop, dual sinks at bath 2, stub for future BBQ. 9' tall garage door and garage service door. Please verify all information with onsite agent . Thank you!

View Property