As we know a high basement floor result, in low space in the headroom area. Everyone loves to have a comfortable space in their home, which is to say, the basement level is one of the most lookout things in a standard home. Lowering a basement is also known as underpinning, if you want to lower your basement, and you can’t place it, it’s cost. This article will guide you through About the Cost Of Lowering Basement Floor.
How much does lowering a basement cost?
There is not a conclusive average cost of lowering a basement, that is because the cost varies a great deal. Depending on many factors and these factors are your location, size of your basement, the technicality of your home, your home condition, and a lot more. The fact is that when you are done considering these factors, you can conclude how much you are about to spend. Here are some rundowns on costs to expect in lowering a basement.
For a standard job, you should at least have as much as $20000 in the pocket, this is both for the material and labor combined. As for a higher or more complex work, you should pocket around $60000 for both material and labor. Numerous people have their opinion, and it is usually based on experience, let’s take a quick read on their answers.
A member in “on this city-data.com forum thread” namely caravan gave his insight on what lowering a basement might cost, he said the cost would depend on the linear feet and that his house that was built in 1921 caused him around $20000. Another user continued that she spend a whopping amount of $40000 for a 982 square foot (0.91 a) home, just to add eight feet ceiling. Digging, reinforced footing and concrete floor are all-inclusive in the said amount. A user on “a Reddit.com thread” said his company offers to do the job for $15000.
So, we can say that it cost between $20000 to $50000, with each square linear foot costing $350 to $450.
Ways To Lower The Basement Floor
There are two major ways you can lower your basement floor. This method requires structural positioning, wall adjustment, and footing. Both the method are explained below:
- Underpinning: this method involves removing the footing that is placed under the walls, what you have to do is to remove the dirt under the footings and pour a new one, filling the gaps with concrete. This method is widely used as its process saves the house to sink. It can be hard for someone with no Engineering skills, nevertheless, this procedure is very costly but worth the try.
The best way to proceed with this is with 4-foot sections, that is you skip 4 feet and do a 4-foot section, then repeat the procedures. When you are done fill in the gaps, remove the sections, and build on them.
- Bench-footing: this is a lot more cheap compared to underpinning. This method is very preferable and requires less labor input. It requires you to dig a 45-degree angle under your old basement wall fitting, and also a 45-degree angle digs outward your basement wall. When you are done, pour the footing, follow up by building walls, and fill them up with concrete. This procedure is time-saving and cheap.
Factors that can influence your cost for lowering a basement
There are a lot of major and minor factors that influence the cost of lowering a basement:
- How deep you wish to lower your basement: this is a major factor when it comes to lowering your basement floor, the deeper you go excavate, the higher the price. So, the depth is a huge factor.
- Labor: the cost of labor depends on the linear feet and method (underpinning or bench-footing) you are using. The more laborers the job requires, the more the cost will escalate.
- Number of concrete floors to break down: this is an intensive part of the job, the more concrete to dig and break down, the higher the percentage pay for the laborers. The number of concrete to dig depends on how many linear feet you want.
- Plumbing: you might consider setting up a bathroom or kitchen in the basement, this new room will require plumbing. And this should be considered before the concrete is used.
- Wall condition: the wall condition must be looked into because if there is a tear of any sort around these walls. It will affect your new project greatly. So, this should be checked by the contractor or civil engineer, your call.
- Basement designs: of course after lowering the basement floor, you are not just going to leave it blank, the fancy things you might introduce in the basement such as doors, paint, framing, appliances, and many more. Will make it lit up.
Conclusion
It is common to see someone renovating his or her house, everybody wants enough space in their homes. So, either way, this article will help you know what cost to expect if you are on the eve of your basement expansion and lowering.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Between Underpinning and Bench-footing, which one is costlier?
Underpinning is way costlier than bench footing, although bench footing is much more time-saving and better
- How much does it cost to lower a basement?
We can say that it cost between $20000 to $50000, with each square linear foot costing $350 to $450.
