Questions about basement

Jenn524 Posted: Aug 04, 2003 07:15 PM

Questions about basement

I have 2 questions. The first one may seem stupid, but I just need to ask:

1) Can you create a basement? I know you can always expand out or up on a house, but can you expand down? I'm thinking no, but I just want to make sure.

2) About how much does it cost to finish a basement? I know a lot of it depends on what you decide to do, but I'm just looking for an estimate.

chmlengr Posted: Aug 04, 2003 07:24 PM

Re: Questions about basement

I doubt you can create a basement on an existing home. Most likely, if the house does not have a basement, it was built that way because the water table may be too high in that area and it would be prone to flooding. But I could be wrong, I never really looked into it. Our house does not have a basement - it's a high ranch and has two levels - up and down. I would love a house with a full basement and attic.

On the cost thing, I haven't a clue. But it would be best to price around before having any work done.

Suzanne Posted: Aug 04, 2003 07:37 PM

Re: Questions about basement

If your house is on a concrete slab then i do not think you can create a basement, but if you have a low ceiling basement you can dig it out for the extra feet,,

i am not sure as to the cost of finishing

Jenny5150 Posted: Aug 04, 2003 08:06 PM

Re: Questions about basement

1. I've asked my FH this question before and he says a basement can be added and that he has actually done just that on a friend's home.

2. Sorry, can't help you with that one.

bride082003 Posted: Aug 04, 2003 08:46 PM

Re: Questions about basement

Friends of ours just got a quote to finish thier basement, which I think was about 1000 sq ft = $30K, they decided to do it themselves (the price included new sheet rock and a new bathroom put in, ceiling, and just everything!)

Teri Posted: Aug 04, 2003 08:47 PM

Re: Questions about basement

I think as long as you won't hit water, it can be done, but I can't imagine the cost or work time - that's a big job!

Jenn524 Posted: Aug 04, 2003 09:26 PM

Re: Questions about basement

Jenny, can you ask your husband how long that takes and about how much it would cost?

curly2003 Posted: Aug 04, 2003 09:29 PM

Re: Questions about basement

You can def. have one built but it will be mucho $$$$$$$$$$$$ You have to keep in mind the digging, scraping, filling, cementing, foundation etc......

Jenny5150 Posted: Aug 04, 2003 09:58 PM

Re: Questions about basement

Jenn,
It can cost $40k-$50k just to jack up a house. What's the layout of the property like? Is it pitched, where they would only need to support one side of the house? How big is the house?

Jenn524 Posted: Aug 04, 2003 10:11 PM

Re: Questions about basement

I don't have the house yet. I'm just trying to keep different things in my mind while we're looking for a house. We both really want a basement and I'm trying to decide if it's something that we could add on a couple of years from now if we find the perfect house without a basement.

I think we'll probably just go with a house that has a basement.