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Basement Finishing in Des Peres, MO: Adding a Bedroom, Bathroom and Home Office

STL Basement Pros
Oct 2
2 min read

Updated: 6 days ago

For many Des Peres families, finishing the basement is about adding rooms the main floors do not have: a bedroom for a teenager or guests, a full bathroom and a quiet home office. Each room has its own requirements, and planning them together is what makes the space work.

Adding a bedroom

A basement bedroom must meet emergency escape and rescue requirements, which usually means an egress window and window well of code-approved size, along with adequate ceiling height. Put the bedroom on an exterior wall where an egress window makes sense, ideally away from the mechanical room. See our egress window guide.

Adding a bathroom

The big question is plumbing. Some basements already have rough-in drains in the slab; others need the slab cut and new drain lines run to the main sewer. If the fixtures sit below the sewer line, the bathroom may need an ejector pump. Venting and an exhaust fan are part of the plan too, and placing the bathroom near existing plumbing usually saves money.

A home office you can work in

  • Sound control in the ceiling and walls, plus a solid-core door

  • Plenty of outlets and a plan for internet; a wired connection is often worth it below grade

  • Good lighting, since basement offices usually get limited daylight

  • A spot away from furnace and water heater noise

Plan access and storage

Keep the mechanical room accessible for service, with clear space around the furnace, water heater and electrical panel. Plan storage now, because a finished basement without it fills up fast.

Permits

Bedrooms, bathrooms and new electrical, plumbing or HVAC work generally require permits and inspections. In St. Louis County, some cities run their own building department and many others contract with St. Louis County for permits and inspections, so confirm which office handles your address before work starts. Our St. Louis County basement permit guide explains what is typically involved.

Next steps

Our complete basement projects start at $25,000. For what drives the number, see how much basement finishing costs in St. Louis. Then book a free in-home basement estimate or call or text 314-691-2444.

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