Can You Add a Basement to a House? Everything You Need to Know About Adding a Basement

If you are thinking about adding a basement to your house, you are not alone. A basement can add plenty of extra living space to your home, and can also be an excellent investment. In this guide, we will discuss everything you need to know about adding a basement to your house.

We will cover topics such as the cost of adding a basement, and the time it takes to complete the project. So if you are considering adding a basement to your home, keep reading.

What is a Basement?

A basement is a story of a building that is either completely or partially below ground level. Basements are typically used for storage, laundry rooms, furnaces, and water heaters.

They can also be finished, and used as living space. Basement construction is different from that of the upper stories because the weight of the house above puts extra pressure on the basement walls.

Remodeling an existing basement or adding a new one requires extra care and attention. A basement project can be a big undertaking, but the results can be well worth it.

Is It Possible to Add a Basement to an Existing House?

Yes, it is possible to add a basement to an existing house. However, there are a few things you need to take into consideration before you start digging. Here are a few things you need to know about adding a basement to your home.

Local building department

You need to check with your local building department to see if there are any permits or regulations you need to follow. This is important because you don’t want to start digging without the proper permits in place.

The foundation

One of the most important things you need to consider when adding a basement is the foundation of your house. You need to make sure that the foundation is strong enough to support the weight of a basement. If not, you could end up with serious problems down the road.

Waterproofing

It’s also important to make sure that your basement is properly waterproofed. This is especially true if you live in an area that gets a lot of rain or snow. Waterproofing will help keep your basement dry, and prevent any mold or mildew from growing.

Cost

This is probably the biggest factor you need to consider. Depending on the size and scope of your project, the cost of adding a basement can vary significantly. Make sure you get a few estimates from different contractors before you make any final decisions.

As you can see, there are a few things you need to consider before adding a basement to your home. However, if you do your research and plan ahead, adding a basement can be a great way to increase the value of your home.

Benefits of Adding a Basement to a House

Many people don’t realize all of the benefits that come along with adding a basement to their home. Here are just a few of the benefits that you may not have considered:

Extra storage space

Adding a basement to your home can easily add extra room for storage. This is especially helpful if you live in a small home with little storage space. If you have a lot of belongings, a basement can give you the extra space you need to keep your home organized.

Increase the value of your home

This is one of the most obvious benefits of adding a basement. By increasing the finished living area of your home, you are also increasing its value. A basement can add upwards of 20% to the resale value of your home, making it a very wise investment.

Not only will you see an increase in your home’s resale value, you will also increase the number of people interested in buying your home. A basement is one of the most desirable features that homebuyers are looking for, so you will be increasing your pool of potential buyers by adding one.

Create extra living space

If you find yourself needing more living space, a basement is a great way to add it. You can finish your basement and turn it into an extra bedroom, home office, playroom, or anything else you might need. This is a great solution for families who are outgrowing their homes but don’t want to move.

Stay cool in the summer

A finished basement can be a great way to beat the summer heat. Adding a basement can create an extra living space cooler than your house’s main floor. This is because the basement is typically underground, meaning that the basement under an existing house is usually the coolest space.

Added privacy

Finding true privacy in a home can be difficult, especially if you have kids or live in a close knit neighborhood. However, if you add a basement to your home, you can create a private space for yourself or your family to enjoy. You’ll have a place to retreat when you need peace and quiet.

Adding a basement to your home can come with many benefits you may not have considered. From extra storage space to increased privacy, there are many reasons why it would be a great idea and an excellent investment. So, if you’re thinking about adding a basement to your home, keep these benefits in mind. You may be surprised at how much you can gain from this simple addition.

Different Types of Basements

There are four different types of basements that you could choose from if you’re looking to add a basement to your home. Here’s a quick rundown of each type:

Full basement - A full basement is a basement that is the same size as the main floor of your house. This type of basement is usually found in older homes.
Partial basement - A partial basement is usually built on a concrete slab, with foundation concrete walls extending up part of the way. The walls are usually about four feet high and may or may not have windows. A partial basement is a good choice if you want to add a family room, bedroom, or bathroom since plumbing and other utilities can be easily added.
Crawl space - A crawl space is a type of foundation that is not completely underground. Crawl spaces have vents that allow air to circulate in order to prevent moisture and mold from accumulating. The square foot cost of a crawl space foundation is typically lower than that of a full basement.
Walk-out basement - A walk-out basement is a basement that has at least one wall that is above ground level. This type of basement allows for natural light and ventilation. Walk-out basements are typically used as living spaces, such as an extra bedroom, bathroom, or recreation room.
Cellar - Cellar basements are usually built underground, and are most often used to store things like wine or preserved foods. They're also known as root cellars.

No matter which type of basement you choose, adding a basement to your home can be a great way to increase its value and livability.

The Cost of Adding a Basement

Adding a basement to your home is not a cheap undertaking. The cost of adding a new basement can range from $30 to $75 per square foot. Basement waterproofing, support beams, and other necessary materials can also add to the cost of the existing home.

Expanding your home’s foundation to accommodate a basement can also be costly. You may need to hire an architect or engineer to help design and construct your basement addition. An unfinished basement can be a disaster waiting to happen. So, if you’re going to add a basement, make sure you finish it and make it livable.

How Long Does it Take to Add a Basement?

Adding a basement to your home is a big project that will take some time to complete. The actual construction of the basement itself will take several weeks.

That being said, you also need to factor in the time it will take to get all the necessary permits and approvals from your local municipality. So, overall, you should expect the entire process of adding a basement to your home to take several months.

Frequently Asked Questions

How thick should foundation walls be for a basement?

The thickness of the foundation walls for a basement can vary depending on the soil type and climate. In general, the thicker the foundation walls are, the better they will be able to withstand hydrostatic pressure from outside.

How do you frame a basement interior wall?

The interior walls of a basement can be framed with wood or metal studs. Metal framing is more common in new construction than wood, as it is less susceptible to rot and insect damage. If you are finishing an existing basement, you will likely frame the walls with wood studs.

How do you insulate a basement wall?

There are a few ways to insulate a basement wall, but using fiberglass batts or rolls is the most common. You can also use rigid foam boards, spray foam, or even cellulose insulation. The type of insulation you choose will depend on your budget, and the climate in your area.

Basement conversions can be a great way to add extra living space to your home without having to move house. However, there are a few things you need to take into account before starting such a project, such as cost, planning permission, and whether your property is suitable.

We hope this article has given you all the information you need to decide whether a basement conversion is right for you. Thank you for reading.