I'm looking into increasing the height of my basement to make it legally livable. Right now, it doesn't meet code and lacks a second exit, which seems like a dealbreaker. I've heard of a technique called underpinning that could work, but I'm confused because many people say it's not worth the trouble or cost. I see the potential for adding two bedrooms and a bathroom, but I can't find anyone who actually offers this service. Why do some say it's not worth it?
4 Answers
I really think it's not worth the investment. Depending on your area, you could potentially build a whole new house for what it costs to raise your current one. I mean, that could be upwards of $500k just to raise it by 18 inches, which seems insane!
As a civil engineer, I strongly advise against this. The costs can escalate quickly and you might end up with issues down the line. Not only is it expensive, but the structural changes can be risky if not done properly.
Definitely check your local water table! If it’s high, digging down might lead to water issues. You'd need a structural engineer to find someone reliable for the job, too. Just excavating the floor and all that is labor-intensive and could be a constant hassle. Plus, unless you live in a high-cost area, I doubt the living area you'll gain will be worth it.
Just grab a shovel and dig deeper, lol! That’s assuming you have a dirt floor in your old house. But no kidding, you have to think about how that affects the foundation!
Wait, really? In my area, that's about how much it costs to build a new house. Is raising a basement really that pricey?