Adding a basement to a house can be a great way to add extra living space and value to your home. However, there are a few things you need to know before you get started.
Basements Can Be Added In Most Structures
You first need to know that a basement can be added to most structures. If you have a two-story home, you will likely be able to add a basement without any problems. However, if you have a one-story home, you may need to reinforce the foundation before adding a basement.
If you’re not sure whether your home’s foundation can support a basement, you should have an inspection done. Once you know your home can support a basement, you can start planning your project.
There Are Places Where Basements Can Never Be Built
Some places where basements can never be built include:
It May Be Cost Prohibitive
Adding a basement to a house that has already been built is very expensive. The process of digging a new basement can cost upwards of $150,000. Even if a house already has a crawl space, it would still cost around $50,000 to turn it into a basement.
Building a basement during the construction of a new home is the most economical way to do it and also presents the fewest risks to the stability of the house.
There are Other Risks
Digging a basement introduces other risks that must be considered, such as the stability of the surrounding soil, the potential of groundwater and other water sources, and the possibility of encountering buried objects.
A number of potential problems can occur when excavating a basement, so it is important to consult with a professional before beginning any work.
Basement floors are often unreinforced concrete that is, in many circumstances, not suitable for living spaces. Therefore, it is important to reinforce the flooring before transforming the space into a living area.
You Will Need To Know About Subsidence
When space is excavated, the ground under it tends to sink. This can cause problems, such as cracks in the foundation or the house leaning to one side.
Your Home’s Value Will Likely Increase
Adding a basement to your home may cost a lot of money, but it can also make your home more valuable. In most cases, you will recoup at least the cost of adding a basement when you sell your home.
Is The Project Worth It?
The cost of adding a basement to a house can be prohibitive, especially when you consider that the basement will only be used as a storage space.
If homeowners cannot convert the basement into a livable space, then the cost of adding a basement is prohibitive. However, the cost may be worth the cost if the basement includes a bedroom, office, or wine cellar.
The Bottomline
In conclusion, adding a basement to a house is a big decision. There are many things to consider, including cost, permits, and whether or not your house is suited for a basement.
However, if you research and plan ahead, adding a basement can be a great way to increase your home’s value and livability.
Do you need reliable basement digging in Medicine Hat? We can help you here at DL Nagel Excavating. We are a full-service excavating company with 30 years of extensive experience. Get in touch with us.