Poll

Should I build a full basement or use existing crawl space

Basement
Crawlspace
Other

Author Topic: Basement or (existing) Crawl Space  (Read 1830 times)

Jon Bon

  • Handlebar Stache
  • *****
  • Posts: 1664
  • Location: Midwest
Basement or (existing) Crawl Space
« on: December 09, 2019, 12:04:56 PM »
Looking at doing approximately 800-1000 sqft addition/renovation.

I currently have a horribly done addition over crawlspace. The plan is to rip off the back addition, and
build a nice 2 story addition on the same footprint. As far as I can tell current foundation is in good shape. However a nice 8 foot basement feels like might be something that I would use. Currently we have a basement but it is old and low and only so useful.

1. Basement - undoubtedly better materials, ton of extra space, and can make any size I want. Easy to run mechanicals, certainly it will last forever.
2. Crawl - locked into footprint. saves approximately $15,000 (estimated)

Is voting for existing crawl being mustachian or am I going to regret it?

affordablehousing

  • Pencil Stache
  • ****
  • Posts: 778
Re: Basement or (existing) Crawl Space
« Reply #1 on: December 09, 2019, 12:31:52 PM »
uh, $15K for a basement over a crawlspace??? Seems like a no-brainer. I wish digging cost that little where I am... If that differential is real (excavation, waterproofing, formwork, pour) that is a super cheap upgrade.

Ch@d

  • 5 O'Clock Shadow
  • *
  • Posts: 14
  • Age: 50
  • Location: NE IL
Re: Basement or (existing) Crawl Space
« Reply #2 on: December 09, 2019, 12:37:06 PM »
go for the basement.  you won't regret it.  years ago we were having our bi-level house renovated.  we had a 10x10 sunroom that was on posts about 4' above ground with a concrete foundation.  I thought it would be a good idea to enclose underneath for extra storage, but then asked how much to dig it out to try and put another room in the basement.  If I remember correctly, it only added about $1300 to the project and it added an extra bedroom in our basement.

Jon Bon

  • Handlebar Stache
  • *****
  • Posts: 1664
  • Location: Midwest
Re: Basement or (existing) Crawl Space
« Reply #3 on: December 09, 2019, 01:23:32 PM »
Yeah I have no idea on cost.

I have a 16x24 garage foundation and floor done for 7k. So I figured I would  double the estimate.


bacchi

  • Walrus Stache
  • *******
  • Posts: 7056
Re: Basement or (existing) Crawl Space
« Reply #4 on: December 09, 2019, 02:19:46 PM »
Basement. It makes re-plumbing and re-wiring so much easier and they're great work spaces.

Plus, you'll make some of the cost back when you sell.

Sibley

  • Walrus Stache
  • *******
  • Posts: 7428
  • Location: Northwest Indiana
Re: Basement or (existing) Crawl Space
« Reply #5 on: December 09, 2019, 07:44:33 PM »
You're guessing on the cost. Get a better number, then decide.

lthenderson

  • Handlebar Stache
  • *****
  • Posts: 2252
Re: Basement or (existing) Crawl Space
« Reply #6 on: December 10, 2019, 06:53:23 AM »
I have a full basement and although I like the space, I don't think it is as valuable to me as more ground level room. My basement is about 80% finished. It is cold in the winter time but nice in the summer heat. Still I find that we avoid going down there unless we need too. It is pleasant enough so the only reasoning is the lack of natural lighting and being removed from the action which stays mostly up at ground level. Yes the plumbing and electrical for the first floor is simplified but with that comes definite cons. You have more humidity to worry about, air quality is not as good, may have water infiltration issues to think about, etc. When we did our recent addition, we contemplated adding onto our basement underneath until we learned the price tag. It would nearly double the project cost so we went with a slab on grade. I was just talking to a friend of mine who is saving up to put a full basement underneath his existing small house. The price tag was around $50k and we live in a very low cost of living area. I would get a firm estimate before deciding.