How much does basement remodeling cost in Chicago in 2026?

Chicago basement remodeling typically costs $55-140 per square foot. A 600 sq ft basement costs $35,000-$55,000 for basic finishing, $55,000-$95,000 with bathroom and egress window, and $95,000-$150,000+ for luxury finishes. Chicago costs trend 10-15% higher than national averages due to permit requirements and older home challenges.

Can I convert my basement into a rental apartment (ADU) in Chicago?

Yes — under Chicago's citywide ADU ordinance, permit applications opened April 1, 2026, and buildings at least 20 years old in eligible zoning districts can add one basement conversion unit for long-term rental. A basement ADU conversion typically costs $65,000–$120,000 including kitchenette, bathroom, egress, and waterproofing. We handle zoning checks, permits, and construction.

How much does a basement bathroom installation cost in Chicago?

A basement bathroom installation in Chicago typically runs $18,000–$35,000 as an add-on to your overall basement finish, depending on plumbing distance from existing lines and finish level. It includes rough-in plumbing, a shower or tub, tile, and ventilation.

Do you install wet bars as part of a basement remodel?

Yes — a wet bar and entertainment area is one of our most requested basement add-ons, running $12,000–$28,000 on top of the base finish depending on cabinetry, appliances, and tile work. It's designed and built alongside your full basement remodel by one team, not a separate contractor.

Do I need a permit to finish my basement in Chicago?

Yes—Chicago requires building permits for all basement finishing work. Permit costs range from $1,000-$3,000 and take 2-5 weeks to process. We handle all permit applications, drawings, and inspections so you don't have to deal with City Hall.

What are Chicago's basement bedroom requirements?

You need an egress window with minimum 5.7 sq ft opening, minimum 20 inches width and 24 inches height, maximum 44 inches sill height, and a window well at least 36 inches wide if below grade. Installation costs $3,000-$7,000.

How do you handle waterproofing in Chicago basements?

We assess every basement and typically install interior drain tile, sump pumps with battery backup (essential for Chicago storms), and vapor barriers BEFORE finishing. We also recommend backwater valves to prevent sewer backups from Chicago's 100+ year old combined sewer system.

What is basement build-up and when do I need it?

Basement build-up raises the finished floor level to work around low ceiling heights or plumbing lines, common in older Chicago homes with 6'6"–7' basement clearance. It's evaluated during your free assessment and priced into your overall proposal.

What if my basement has low ceilings?

Chicago code requires 7'0" minimum ceiling height for habitable space. Options include underpinning ($15,000-$40,000) or creative design solutions like recessed lighting and minimizing ductwork. We'll evaluate options during your free assessment.

Do you offer basement carpentry without a full remodel?

Most of our basement work is part of a full design-build remodel — framing, trim, and built-ins are handled by our in-house team as one project, not billed as standalone carpentry, so materials and labor stay under one accountable warranty.

How long does a basement remodel take in Chicago?

Basic finishing: 4-6 weeks. Complete with bathroom: 6-10 weeks. Luxury builds: 10-14 weeks. Add 2-5 weeks for Chicago permit processing.

What ROI can I expect from basement finishing in Chicago?

In Chicago, basement finishing delivers 65-70% ROI at resale. A $70,000 remodel can add $45,000-$50,000 in home value while creating 400-600+ sq ft of living space at a fraction of addition costs.

Are you basement builders near me on the North Shore and in Chicago?

We serve Chicago city neighborhoods including Lincoln Park, Wicker Park, Lakeview, Logan Square, Bucktown, West Loop, and Roscoe Village, plus Winnetka, Wilmette, Kenilworth, Glencoe, Highland Park, Lake Forest, Northbrook, Evanston, and Deerfield from our two Chicago locations.

Do you work in the Chicago suburbs?

Yes! We serve Oak Park, Evanston, Skokie, Wilmette, and parts of the North Shore. Suburban permits are often faster (1-2 weeks) than Chicago permits.

Basement Remodeling Chicago | Wet Bars & Finishing

Add 400-1,000 Sq Ft of Living Space Without an Addition

Chicago basement remodeling costs $55–$140 per square foot in 2026, depending on scope — a basic finished basement with a family room starts near $55/sq ft, while a basement with a full bathroom, wet bar, and egress window runs $110–$140/sq ft. Assembly Squad Remodeling has completed 500+ Chicago remodeling projects since 2013, and every basement proposal includes waterproofing to address the clay soil and high water tables common in city and North Shore foundations. Licensed Illinois contractor #TGC098779.

Whether you need a home office for remote work, a media room for Bears game days, or a guest suite for visiting family—or want to convert your basement into a legal rental apartment under Chicago's new ADU rules—we transform unused space into your family's new favorite room. And unlike other contractors, we handle waterproofing first to protect your investment.

65-70% ROI

Cost recovery at resale in Chicago

$55-140/Sq Ft

vs. $300-500 for home additions

Waterproofing First

We address moisture before finishing

Permits Handled

We navigate Chicago building codes

Home Office

From $45,000

Dedicated workspace with proper lighting, acoustics, and climate control.

Egress window for natural light
Built-in desk & shelving
Soundproofing for video calls

High Value

Home Theater

From $65,000

Cinema-quality entertainment with premium AV, soundproofing, and seating.

Acoustic soundproofing
4K projection systems
Tiered seating platforms

Basement ADU rental apartment conversion Chicago

New 2026 Law

Rental Apartment (ADU)

From $65,000

Convert your basement into a legal long-term rental unit under Chicago's citywide ADU ordinance. See ADU costs →

Legal citywide as of April 2026
Kitchenette & full bathroom
We handle zoning & permits

Entertainment

Wet Bar & Entertainment

From $55,000

Custom bar for Bears games, Cubs watch parties, and gatherings.

Stone countertops
Under-counter refrigeration
Bar sink with plumbing

Trending

Home Gym

From $40,000

Custom fitness space with rubber flooring, mirrors, and ventilation.

Impact-resistant flooring
Wall-mounted mirrors
Enhanced HVAC cooling

Family Room & Playroom

From $35,000

Open-concept space for movie nights or kids' play area.

Durable luxury vinyl flooring
Built-in storage
Recessed LED lighting

Project Type	Typical Cost	What's Included
Basic Basement Finish	$55–$75/sq ft	Drywall, flooring, lighting, egress-compliant windows where required
Basement Bathroom Installation	$18,000–$35,000 add-on	Full bath, shower, tile, ventilation, rough-in plumbing
Wet Bar & Entertainment Suite	$12,000–$28,000 add-on	Cabinetry, sink, mini-fridge, tile backsplash, dedicated lighting
Home Theater	$15,000–$40,000 add-on	Soundproofing, tiered seating, wiring for projector/screen
Waterproofing & Sump System	Included in every project	Interior drain tile, sump pump, vapor barrier — standard on all Chicago basements

Project Type

Typical Cost

What's Included

Basic Basement Finish

$55–$75/sq ft

Drywall, flooring, lighting, egress-compliant windows where required

Basement Bathroom Installation

$18,000–$35,000 add-on

Full bath, shower, tile, ventilation, rough-in plumbing

Wet Bar & Entertainment Suite

$12,000–$28,000 add-on

Cabinetry, sink, mini-fridge, tile backsplash, dedicated lighting

Home Theater

$15,000–$40,000 add-on

Soundproofing, tiered seating, wiring for projector/screen

Waterproofing & Sump System

Included in every project

Interior drain tile, sump pump, vapor barrier — standard on all Chicago basements

Two Locations Serving Chicago

Headquarters Office

205 N Michigan Ave, Suite 810

Downtown Chicago • Administration & Operations

NEW

Lincoln Park Design-Build Studio

2315 N Southport Ave

5 min from Lakeview • Showroom & Design Center

Visit our Chicago design-build showroom to browse materials, meet your project team, and see 3D renderings. Walk from Southport Corridor or take the Brown Line to Southport—we're right on the corner with street parking available.

Get Directions →

Basement Remodeling
Chicago

Add 400-1,000 Sq Ft of Living Space Without an Addition