I recently consulted with a contractor about partially digging out my basement. They mentioned that the worst-case scenario could run me up to $370 per square foot. This would add about 15 inches of headroom over an area of roughly 135 square feet. The plan is to extend the basement by 7 feet into the middle, resulting in an 18x18 space that I could finish. Given that I already have a standard poured concrete foundation tied to an older fieldstone one, I'm feeling uncertain about whether this is worth the investment. Has anyone dealt with a situation like this? It seems rare to have two different foundations and such a significant height difference.
4 Answers
It's tough to say without pictures, but honestly, $50k for just 15 inches seems pretty steep. If you're really considering the dig-out, maybe get a couple more quotes to compare. You might find a better deal or get a different perspective on the project.
A good way to evaluate if it's worth it is by checking your home's value per square foot on sites like Zillow. A few years back, we looked into an addition, and it really helped us decide. If your home value is over $370 per square foot, it could justify the cost.
You have to take into account the amount of prep work involved here. With only a small area to dig out, that $/sqft charge will hit you hard. Personally, I wouldn't spend that much to gain just a bit of height unless you really need that space. However, if your area demands those extra square feet, then it might be worthwhile.
I see your point! I thought labor would be the major expense, but it sounds like those footings are really driving up the cost.