I'm looking to turn my crawlspace, which has a decent height (about 100cm to 150cm), into something more usable, maybe even a basement. Right now, I've been prepping it for storage and installing electricity and lighting. The space is relatively dry, although I did have a sewer leak last year. I plan to install a dehumidifier soon. Here are some important details:
- There's some insulation with spray foam, and I've seen no significant pest issues aside from a few spiders.
- My groundwater level is pretty deep, ranging from 5 to 10 meters.
I'm considering whether I can safely strip some soil to make the space more usable without undermining the foundation, which is reportedly set at 270cm deep. I'm also contemplating the idea of digging a trench for access, but I'm aware that could get complicated. Ultimately, I want to explore options I can handle myself before possibly hiring a contractor, especially since I recognize the need for proper support to avoid any collapse. Any advice on whether it's safe to proceed with this kind of project?
2 Answers
If you want to convert that crawlspace, you can definitely lower the ground level down to the footings. A concrete floor is a great idea too—doesn't have to be super thick, mine is only about 1 to 1.5 inches and it's holding up fine. Just make sure you're not disturbing anything structural!
Be really cautious about messing with the foundation. Digging for access sounds like a bigger job than you anticipate, especially with needing to manage drainage around the house. What will you do with all that dirt? You might be looking at a mountain of soil once you start digging!
That makes sense, just be careful not to disturb too much around the foundation. I’ve heard other folks in similar situations ended up complicating things by not checking foundation depth properly.
I know it’ll be a big task! I have time, as safety is my priority. The removal of dirt shouldn’t be too pricey; I can even look into hiring a vacuum service if needed. If I dig down about 30cm, that’s roughly 4 cubic meters, which I’ve checked and is around 300 euros to dispose of. I’m mostly focused on making sure it’s safe without undermining the foundation.