For North Georgia homeowners, finishing a basement is one of the smartest investments you can make, typically returning 60-75% of its cost at resale while adding immediate living space. This guide breaks down the real numbers: from average costs per square foot in our area to critical mistakes that can destroy your ROI. Learn whether a basement remodel or a home addition is the better financial choice and discover how creating a basement apartment (ADU) can generate rental income and deliver the ultimate return on your investment.