Does anyone know anything about adding a basement to a house that doesn't have one?
cluelessbride
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Does anyone know anything about adding a basement to a house that doesn't have one?
In the never-ending saga of my FIL's house and us buying it - or not- the latest is that we might build a basement apartment in their house. We have no idea if it's possible, or how costly it will be.
If anyone knows anything about construction or has had experience please let me know. Thanks!
Sonicstef
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Re: Does anyone know anything about adding a basement to a house that doesn't have one?
Sorry, dont know if its possible but Im sure its been done. Although it sounds really expensive.
You might want to consider adding an extention or a new floor on top instead of underneath since I would think that would be cheaper.
Misty
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Re: Does anyone know anything about adding a basement to a house that doesn't have one?
It's very expensive, not just for the digging, but for the pre-dig work. The house has to be majorly inspected because if there is even one crack in any of the beams, the house can come down. It's very dangeous because it can compromise the stability of the house. An extension or another floor like Stef said, is much more feasible...
michele31
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Re: Does anyone know anything about adding a basement to a house that doesn't have one?
Just win Lotto, it will be easier than adding a basement to an already completed, older home. You not only need to find out the town's regulations for such work, but it will also totally disrupt the entire house. I highly doubt you can live there while this work is being done PLUS don't forget to add fixing the first floor that is destroyed by the construction.
In all honestly, you should probably decide if this house is worth this much trouble to you. If you are even considering adding a basement it might mean that you need to look elsewhere.
cluelessbride
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Re: Does anyone know anything about adding a basement to a house that doesn't have one?
Thanks! Actually living above would be better than living below, although not living anywhere near them would be the best! Ahhh...the things we will do to save for house, have children, etc.
Re: Does anyone know anything about adding a basement to a house that doesn't have one?
Dh's aunt added a basement...but they added it under the addition they put in...so I don't know how reasonable it is to do it under the already existing house...it doesn't sound easy to me
Jenny5150
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Re: Does anyone know anything about adding a basement to a house that doesn't have one?
I don't think it's possible to add a basement to an exisiting home. How would you get the excavation equipment in there!?!
It can get expensive just to pour a foundation for an addition (not including a basement).
Is the home a ranch? 2 story? Split? It's usually cheaper to add another level up than out (b/c of the foundation expense.)
LnP2003
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Re: Does anyone know anything about adding a basement to a house that doesn't have one?
think wisely.... it's very very very expensive!!!!!
Jenny5150
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Re: Does anyone know anything about adding a basement to a house that doesn't have one?
good news cluelessbride, I asked my FH about it and he said it can be done. He and his friend did it by themselves for his friend's house. It took a few months, but they did it. (jacked up the house and dug out the bottom.) Since they did it themselves, it wasn't that expensive, but should you need to hire someone...it will definitely cost you.
Re: Does anyone know anything about adding a basement to a house that doesn't have one?
jenny I can't believe he did it himself!!!
go Kevin!!
Jenny5150
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Re: Does anyone know anything about adding a basement to a house that doesn't have one?
erica, he's always being put to work at friends' homes! We can't go and visit our friends w/o fixing or installing something.
That's one of the things I love about him...he's handy, like my dad.
AmyKay
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Re: Does anyone know anything about adding a basement to a house that doesn't have one?
It's very expensive!!!! just as much money as you spent on the house or more.
karen32
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Re: Does anyone know anything about adding a basement to a house that doesn't have one?
where is the house located? there might be a reason why there was no basement to begin with - too close to a canal/stream, so a high water level mark which would prevent you from building a basement (which is why very few (if any) houses on Fire Island have basements). i would definitely do a lot of research before you undertake a job this big!!
