Sandy Springs Savings Guide: Price to Finish a 1,500 Sq Ft Basement
Homeowners in Sandy Springs often ask what it costs to finish a 1,500 square foot basement. The short answer is a range. The long answer helps you plan the right budget, avoid surprises, and get a better return. Based on recent projects across Sandy Springs, North Buckhead, Brookhaven, Dunwoody, and the wider Atlanta area, a well-built finish usually falls between $60,000 and $165,000. Where your project lands depends on moisture control, layout complexity, mechanicals, and finish level. Heide Contracting provides basement finishing services in Atlanta, GA, and can quote your exact scope after a brief site visit.
A realistic price range by finish level
Basic finishes focus on safe, code-compliant living space with durable materials. Mid-range adds design touches and better fixtures. High-end turns the basement into a true extension of the main level with custom details.
- Basic: $40–$55 per sq ft ($60,000–$82,500) — open rec room, one bedroom, one full bath, LVP flooring, standard can lighting, painted drywall, basic bar with mini-fridge.
- Mid-range: $55–$85 per sq ft ($82,500–$127,500) — media room with sound control, two bedrooms, full bath with tile, wet bar with cabinetry, upgraded lighting, feature wall, better trim.
- High-end: $85–$110+ per sq ft ($127,500–$165,000+) — home theater with acoustic build-out, gym with rubber flooring, wine room, sauna or steam, custom millwork, higher-end tile and stone, smart controls.
These figures assume an unfinished space with typical ceiling heights, no major structural changes, and average site conditions. Walk-out basements near the Chattahoochee often cost less for egress work. Older homes east of Roswell Road may need more structural or waterproofing improvements.
What drives cost in Sandy Springs basements
Ceiling height and obstructions change the plan. Many basements in Sandy Springs offer 8 to 9 feet clear, but low beams or duct trunks can force soffits. A coffered design can blend those areas, though it adds labor and trim cost. Raising the main-level ductwork is possible in some cases and can add $2,500–$6,000.
Wet spaces set the budget tone. A full bathroom with tile shower and vented fan typically runs $14,000–$28,000 depending on finishes and any plumbing relocation. A well-built wet bar with stone top, tile splash, undercounter appliances, and dedicated circuits sits between $8,000 and $18,000. If the sewer line is higher than the basement slab, a sewage ejector pump adds $2,200–$4,500.
Moisture control in Atlanta’s climate matters. A proper vapor barrier behind framed walls, rigid foam at the rim joist, and a continuous dehumidification plan reduce future risk. If hydrostatic pressure is present, interior perimeter drains and a sump system can add $5,500–$12,000 but protect the investment. Mold remediation, if needed, ranges widely; mild cases can be $1,500–$3,500.
Electrical and lighting shape the feel. Expect $6–$11 per sq ft for rough-in, fixtures, and a subpanel if required. Media rooms in Glenridge or Windsor Parkway homes often need dedicated 20-amp circuits, low-voltage prewire, and dimmable zones. Good lighting is the difference between “finished” and “inviting.”
HVAC load must match. Many Sandy Springs homes have systems sized for the main floors only. Options include adding supplies and returns to the existing system, a new zoned system, or a ducted mini-split. Budget $3,500–$12,000. Proper returns, sealed ducts, and a dehumidification strategy keep the space comfortable in August.
Egress and code compliance are non-negotiable. Bedrooms require egress windows or exterior doors. Cutting a new egress well in a poured wall runs $4,500–$9,000. Smoke and CO detectors, GFCI/AFCI protection, and stair geometry all fall under permits with the City of Sandy Springs or Fulton County, depending on jurisdiction.
Permits, inspections, and timelines in Atlanta
Most basements need building, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permits. In Sandy Springs, review times are usually 1–2 weeks for standard submittals. Inspections occur at framing, rough-in trades, insulation, and final. A 1,500 sq ft finish typically takes 8–14 weeks once permits are in hand. Adding a bathroom, egress window, or major duct work adds time. Fast permit-ready plans and a clean scope speed things up.
Material choices that protect the budget
Drywall on treated framing is standard, but choose mold-resistant drywall in bath and bar zones. LVP holds up better than carpet in humid months and costs $3–$6 per sq ft installed. Carpet with upgraded pad adds warmth in theaters and bedrooms at similar price points. Tile in baths ranges from $8–$20 per sq ft installed for common selections, more for stacked stone or large-format porcelain.
Ceilings set expectations. A smooth drywall ceiling looks closest to the main level but makes future access harder. A modern drop ceiling with 2-by-2 tiles and a slim grid can look sharp and allows easy access to valves and junctions. Drywall ceilings run $4–$6 per sq ft, while a quality suspended system can be $5–$8 per sq ft.
Sound control is worth a small premium. Adding mineral wool in theater and bedroom walls and resilient channels on ceilings costs $2–$4 per sq ft and reduces noise from treadmills, subwoofers, and footsteps overhead.
Where homeowners overspend, and where to invest
A common misstep is building every room on day one. Phasing works. Rough-in plumbing for a future bath, cap it, and finish the rest now. The rough-in cost is modest compared to opening the slab later.
Avoid custom everything. Use stock cabinet sizes at the bar and invest in a durable, attractive countertop. Put money into waterproofing and HVAC right-sized for the space. Lighting and acoustics also punch above their weight in daily comfort.
Tile choices spiral quickly. A smaller feature wall or niche gives the designer feel without covering every surface in premium material. In theaters, spend on room darkening and proper wiring rather than the priciest projector.
A quick budget sketch for 1,500 sq ft
For a mid-range family basement in Sandy Springs: an open rec area, a media room with basic sound attenuation, one bedroom, one full bath, a wet bar, and a small gym.
- Framing, insulation, and drywall: $22,000–$32,000
- Electrical and lighting with low-voltage prewire: $10,000–$18,000
- HVAC modifications or mini-split: $5,000–$10,000
- Plumbing and bath build-out: $16,000–$28,000
- Wet bar with cabinets and stone top: $9,000–$15,000
This sketch lands between $75,000 and $103,000 before high-end finishes. Add 10–15% for contingencies, especially in older homes or where moisture issues appear during demo.
Neighborhood notes that affect cost
Sandy Springs homes vary. In River Chase or Riverside, lot slopes help walk-out designs https://www.heidecontracting.com/basement-finishing and allow more natural light, which can reduce lighting and egress costs. Townhomes near Hammond Drive have tighter access for material delivery, which slows production. In Heards Ferry and Mount Vernon Woods, older basements sometimes show settlement at slab edges; minor slab repair runs $1,200–$3,500. Homes near creeks or lower elevations may need more aggressive drainage even if the basement looks dry in winter.
Appraisal and resale perspective
Appraisers in the Atlanta market usually count finished basement space at a lower rate than above-grade, but a well-executed basement still adds strong value. Expect 50–70% of above-grade price per square foot to be credited, depending on quality and bedroom count. A legal bedroom with egress and a full bath helps both appraisal and buyer appeal. Poor lighting, low ceilings, and musty odors hold values back. Spending on air quality, dehumidification, and clean finishes pays off at resale.
How Heide Contracting approaches basement finishing
Heide Contracting focuses on basements across Atlanta with a clear scope, clean schedules, and an emphasis on moisture control and comfort. The team starts with a site assessment: measure ceiling heights, locate plumbing stacks, check rim joists for air leaks, and scan for water entry. From there, they price a few finish pathways so clients can compare cost versus features without guesswork. They coordinate design selections at a practical pace, lock in lead items early, and keep inspections predictable. That keeps the timeline honest and change orders rare.
Clients often ask about doing part of the work themselves. Painting and final fixtures are the usual candidates. Heide can plan for that and still protect warranty areas, as long as inspections and electrical/plumbing scopes stay with licensed trades.
Ready to price your 1,500 sq ft basement?
If the goal is a comfortable, code-compliant space that feels like the rest of the house, expect the $60,000–$165,000 range depending on scope and finish. The fastest way to get an accurate number is a walkthrough and a simple plan set.
Heide Contracting offers basement finishing services in Atlanta, GA, including Sandy Springs, Dunwoody, Brookhaven, and North Buckhead. Request a consultation to get a room-by-room budget, timeline, and permitting plan for your home.
Heide Contracting provides renovation and structural construction services in Atlanta, GA. Our team specializes in load-bearing wall removal, crawlspace conversions, and basement excavations that expand and improve living areas. We handle foundation wall repairs, masonry, porch and deck fixes, and structural upgrades with a focus on safety and design. Whether you want to open your floor plan, repair structural damage, or convert unused space, we deliver reliable solutions with clear planning and skilled work. Heide Contracting
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