Step 05
Realistic timeline and budget
A basic finish (framing, drywall, LVP flooring, recessed lighting, a half bath, and one open rec-room volume across the standard Fairfax footprint) runs $65K–$100K and finishes in six to nine weeks on-site. A full buildout (adds a full bathroom, wet bar or kitchenette, dedicated HVAC branch, home-office breakout, and (where the household is aiming at an income unit) an ADU-compliant configuration under Fairfax County's 800 sq ft / 40% rule) runs $100K–$165K and lands at three to four months. A signature buildout (home theater with acoustic isolation, full multi-generational suite with kitchenette, wine cellar with climate control, coffered ceilings, or a full ADU buildout with rental-ready finish tier) runs $165K–$295K+ and takes four to five months. Design plus permit adds three to five weeks plus three to six weeks (four to eight where the City of Fairfax office reviews an in-city address) on the front end. Every proposal is fixed-price after the walkthrough.