ROI on a Finished Basement- Is it worth it?

[Mike Guenther]

I am wondering what people’s thoughts are on finishing basements in homes. I own a single family house that I house hack with other roommates. I currently have an unfinished basement that’s has great potential to be a finished space (only has the one exit, no other egress so wouldn’t be considered livable space). I have a friend who is looking to stay somewhere this summer and offered me ~$2,500 to stay in my basement if I where to finish it in time (deadline is 2.5 months away).

My question is if you were in my situation would you rush to finish a basement in your house in 2.5 months if there was a $2,500 cash incentive? What does the ROI on a basement finish usually look like?

Thanks in advance!