Lower Level Remodel vs Building a Room Addition

Does it Make More Sense to Remodel your Lower Level than Building a Room Addition

By Mark J. Donovan

It depends. Remodeling your lower level to create a finished basement living space is typically less expensive to do than building a room addition off the side or back of your home. However, if you have major water issues around your home’s foundation then it could become quite costly to have to excavate and install a perimeter drain around the entire house foundation.

If your basement is truly dry then a lower level remodel is the way to go for creating more finished living space, albeit there are some disadvantages. With a room addition, you typically can achieve more natural lighting for example. In addition, adding living spaces that include plumbing is also traditionally easier with building a room addition than finishing a lower level.

Remodeling a lower level is also easier to do from an inconvenience standpoint. Finishing a basement can be a diy project that can be done at a comfortable pace without disturbing the home and family that much. Building a room addition, however, is like building a new home with the exception that the construction is going on right in your home. Consequently when building a room addition expect many inconveniences such as experiencing a lot of dirt and dust, loud noises, and people constantly walking around and through your home during the construction.

Room additions are also typically much more expensive simply due to the fact that you’re effectively building a new home and attaching it to your existing one.

So if you’re looking for more finished living space in your home, consider these trade-offs before deciding upon either a lower level remodel or a room addition. 

See my Home Addition Bid Sheets to help find a reliable remodeling contractor and to manage your home construction project.