However in recent years attics have been insulated to help decrease heating costs since on average uninsulated attics account for 15 percent of the total energy loss in average houses a loft is also the uppermost space in a building but is distinguished from an.
Basement vs attic cost.
According to remodeling magazine s cost vs.
I guess this varies from jurisdiction to jurisdiction and should be evaluated in terms of annual expense of basement vs.
As far as value the attic is going to be considered living space and will be calculated at a higher value where a finished basement they will usually just add on like 10 000.
Heating and cooling a basement is probably more economical due to the constant temperature of the ground below 5 depth assessment costs and property taxes.
Basement footage is worth very little and finished vs.
Framing members that are adequate for ceiling joists may not suffice for floor.
Thumbtack a company that offers skilled professionals in over 1 000 home related services puts the average cost of finishing a basement between 5 100 and 8 750 nationwide whereas the addition of an above ground room can cost from 10 000 80 000 or more the company notes.
Cost is roughly 6 per square foot.
Unfinished makes little difference.
Value report from remodeling magazine put the average basement remodel at 61 303 with a 70 3 percent payback which made it among the smartest redos along with an attic bedroom minor kitchen redo deck and new entry door.
Plus you may have structural issues.
Crawlspace basements requiring a foundation cinderblock walls concrete floor and moisture prevention techniques run 7 000 to 10 000 for a house that is 1 800 square feet.
If you re in the market for a new home it may be a better choice to purchase one with a basement over an attic because basement renovations have less structural limitations.
The last annual cost vs.
Value report 2007 the average cost of an attic remodel 46 691 and basement remodel 59 435 was less than half the cost of a second story addition 139 297.