There are a few solutions open to you when you are ready to have extra living or storage space in your house. You have the option of building up, sideways, or down. Adding a story to the top of a house or a room off to the side can significantly improve a property. Adding a basement, on the other hand, might be one of the best things you can do for your home if done right.

A basement can be built beneath an existing house if the house is lifted and excavated beneath it. A new foundation, walls, insulation, and [UPDATED] drainage are all required. A basement under an existing home requires the hiring of a contractor and costs an average of $125,000.

There are a few solutions open to you when you are ready to have extra living or storage space in your house. You have the option of building up, sideways, or down. Adding a story to the top of a house or a room off to the side can significantly improve a property. Adding a basement, on the other hand, might be one of the best things you can do for your home if done right.

A basement can be built beneath an existing house if the house is lifted and excavated beneath it. A new foundation, walls, insulation, and drainage are all required. A basement under an existing home requires the hiring of a contractor and costs an average of $125,000.

Is it a good idea to build a basement beneath an existing house?

Before beginning a project of this magnitude, it is usually a good idea to ask yourself whether the project is worth the time and money that will be invested in it. For some, it is well worth it, while for others, it is not. It all relies on your perspective and your specific situation.

Basement additions, like every other type of addition, have advantages and disadvantages. Basement extensions can be very expensive, ranging from $50,000 to $200,000 depending on the size and intricacy of the project.

Building a basement beneath a house entails some danger, which some may be unwilling to accept.

Property Value vs. Cost

One of the main reasons that many people may contemplate building a basement beneath an existing house is that a basement is unlikely to increase the property value sufficiently to offset the cost of the project.

While this is not a major worry for someone intending to stay in a property for an extended period of time, it does become an issue for anyone looking to resell the house in the future. The question of whether a basement addition is “worth it” frequently boils down to how much the increased living space will improve one’s life.

Basement Support

Underpinning is a standard way for providing adequate support to the structure of the house. Underpinning is a procedure that allows builders to establish a sequence of columns within a basement area that work together to form a house support system.

A series of holes are drilled beneath the home to prepare the site for underpinning. The holes are as deep as the future basement.

Each hole is prepared with wire rebar to provide support and strength to the columns that will be placed.

When everything is ready, the columns are put into the holes right beneath the structure’s load-bearing walls. The ‘pins’ are then secured in place by pouring concrete into the holes. After the home has been adequately secured and stabilized, digging can begin.

Excavation of the Basement

There are several methods for excavating the basement. While some people may prefer to dig their basements by hand, we do not suggest it. The labor is difficult, and the possibility of colliding with large rocks and other impediments makes doing it by hand extremely difficult.

It is sometimes possible to utilize a backhoe if there is adequate space. Using a vehicle to help your dog out of the dirt, on the other hand, demands lots of space and access for the vehicle to perform its task.

Unfortunately, many people who want to create a basement beneath an existing house do not reside in an area that can accommodate large machinery. In that instance, a conveyor belt system with smaller digging tools may be sufficient.

Foundation and walls

The walls and foundation must be poured once the home has been effectively supported by underpinning and any surplus earth has been removed.

The walls should be as thick as or thicker than the walls above, and the slab beneath should be connected to the pins and walls.

When laying a new foundation, there are various factors to consider. To name a few, plumbing, drainage, and insulation.

Waterproofing

Another critical step in basement construction is waterproofing. This process must be designed in conjunction with the walls and base layer. The waterproofing membrane is wrapped around the outside of the walls and beneath the floor. The most typical method for waterproofing a basement is with a waterproof wrap.

Drainage

Another key consideration when constructing a completed basement is drainage. You could want to install a bathroom or a washing machine in the basement. Perhaps you simply want to ensure that your basement never floods.

Whatever use you intend for your basement, having the proper drainage system is critical. Sump pumps, septic tanks, or a direct connection to the municipal sewer system are the most typical basement drainage solutions. The location of the residence will most likely influence your decision.

Insulation

Insulation, like waterproofing and drainage, is a vital component in the process. The interior of concrete walls is frequently insulated with a thin layer of insulation. The ceiling, on the other hand, is the main focus.

Before installing drywall, the entire ceiling should be insulated once the basement is nearly finished. This will not only keep the house temperature stable, but it will also provide sound dampening.

Related Issues

Can you excavate a crawl space to create a basement?

Yes, you can create a basement by excavating a crawl space. However, there are certain reasons why you might want to avoid the project. The first is about property value and the cost of digging a basement. The project is expected to cost significantly more than the price increase for the home after the new basement is finished.

Another factor to consider is the project’s intricacy. To build a basement beneath an existing house, you must jack up the structure and lay new foundation walls, which is a delicate procedure.

How much does it cost to dig a deeper basement?

Digging a basement deeper can improve your home in a variety of ways, whether you have a crawl space or a basement that could benefit from higher ceilings. The expenses of digging a deeper basement vary depending on several circumstances, but a range of $50,000 to $200,000 can be estimated.

This article is accurate and true to the best of SmartLiving’s knowledge. Content is for informational or entertainment purposes only and does not substitute for personal counsel or professional advice in business, financial, legal, or technical matters.