Are you feeling cramped in your current living space? Dreaming of a home gym, a cozy family room, or the ultimate entertainment hub but don’t have the square footage? Lowering your basement floor could be the perfect solution.
In this article, we’ll discuss the benefits of lowering your basement floor, how it’s done, and things to consider before you start the project.
Can A Basement Floor Be Lowered?
An article from the American Enterprise Institute says that the size of American homes has increased since 1973. From an average size of 1,660 sq. ft. in 1973 to 2,679 sq. ft. in 2013, the size of US homes has doubled in the past 40 years. Until now, some homeowners are finding ways to increase the usable space in their homes. One solution they found is to lower the basement floor.
But is it possible? Can a basement floor be lowered?
Yes, it’s possible to lower a basement floor. This procedure involves excavating beneath the existing floor to increase the basement ceiling height. This upgrade can offer extra living or storage space, improve the home’s foundation, and boost property value. However, it’s a complex and demanding task that requires professional expertise, such as that provided by the skilled team at Epp Foundation Repair.
Benefits Of Lowering The Basement Floor
While lowering the basement floor comes with a hefty price tag and a lot of work, it can be a worthwhile investment for some homeowners.
Here’s why:
Increased Living Space
Lowering the basement floor increases the vertical height of the basement, transforming it into a more functional, comfortable area. This newly gained living space can be utilized for various purposes, such as:
- Extra bedroom
- Home office
- Gym
- Entertainment room
- Storage room
Added Home Value
A finished and functional basement can significantly enhance the overall value of your property. Potential homebuyers view additional usable space as a major selling point, and they are often willing to pay a bigger price for homes with well-designed basements.
By investing in lowering your basement floor, you can expect:
- Higher Selling Price: The added square footage and improved aesthetics can boost the asking price.
- Increased Appeal: Homes with finished basements stand out in competitive real estate markets.
Better Utility Access
A lowered basement provides easier access to essential utilities integrated into your home, such as plumbing, electrical systems, and HVAC units.
This ease of access results in:
- Efficient Maintenance: Easier inspection and repair of utility lines and equipment.
- Upgrades and Extensions: Simplifies the process of adding or upgrading home systems in the future.
Improved Comfort And Livability
A lowered basement can significantly enhance the comfort and livability of the space. Higher ceilings can reduce the feeling of claustrophobia, improved insulation can make the area warmer in winter, and better ventilation can improve overall air quality.
Code Compliance And Safety
Older basements often fail to meet current building codes. By undertaking a basement-lowering project, you can bring the basement up to code, resolving issues such as insufficient ceiling height, lack of emergency egress windows, and inadequate drainage. Ensuring compliance with code and guidelines is essential for the safety of occupants and can positively impact the home’s future sale.
No Need To Buy Extra Land
Lowering your basement floor to create more space eliminates the need to purchase additional land. This basement-lowering approach can be a cost-effective alternative to expanding your home upwards or outwards, especially in urban areas with limited and expensive land.
Return On Investment (ROI)
Basement upgrades frequently offer a strong return on investment because they add practical, livable space without the need for additional land. According to an article from HGTV, transforming your basement into a living area ranks among the top four interior remodeling projects for return on investment (ROI), with approximately 86% of the project cost recouped at the time of sale.
Things To Consider When Deciding To Lower The Basement Floor
Before you start digging, there are some factors that you should consider when deciding to lower the basement floor.
These include:
- Foundation Type: The type of foundation your home sits on determines the method and feasibility of lowering the basement floor. Homes may have different foundation types. Each foundation type has distinct characteristics and structural needs. Identifying your foundation type helps plan the right approach and ensure the structure’s integrity during and after the floor-lowering process.
- Foundation Depth: The depth of your current foundation is a critical factor. A shallow foundation may not provide enough support if the basement floor is significantly lowered. This might require underpinning, which involves strengthening the existing foundation to provide additional support. Measuring the depth accurately is essential, as well as determining if additional structural reinforcements are necessary.
- Foundation Condition: Before any construction begins, thoroughly inspect the condition of the existing foundation. Look for signs of deterioration, such as cracks, moisture damage, or settling. Any existing issues must be repaired to prevent further damage during the basement modification process. Addressing these problems early ensures the longevity and safety of the lowered floor.
- Basement Waterproofing: Waterproofing is essential to protect your basement from water ingress and moisture problems. Lowering the basement floor can increase the risk of water seepage. Integrating effective waterproofing measures such as drainage systems, sump pumps, and sealants can mitigate these risks. This step is crucial to maintaining a dry, comfortable, usable living space.
- New Basement Floor: After lowering the basement floor, installing a new floor is necessary. The new floor should include appropriate insulation and vapor barriers to help keep the space warm and dry.
- Installation of Egress Windows: Safety regulations often require the installation of egress windows when converting a basement into a living space. Egress windows provide an emergency exit and allow natural light and ventilation, making the basement more livable.
- Overall Budget: A comprehensive budget is fundamental to the project’s success. Costs include excavation, structural reinforcements, waterproofing, flooring, egress windows, and unforeseen expenses. Carefully planning and setting aside a contingency fund for unexpected costs will help you stay within your financial limits without compromising quality.
- Long-Term Plans: Contemplate how the remodeled basement fits into your long-term plans for the property. Whether you intend to increase your living space, create a rental unit, or enhance the property’s resale value, it’s essential to understand how this investment will serve your future needs. Consider potential returns on investment and how the additional space will be used over time.
How To Lower Your Basement Floor For More Usable Space?
So, how do you lower your basement floor? This type of project requires a foundation professional. It’s not a job for DIYers, so contact a professional contractor to discuss the project if you’re considering doing it. They can help you determine if it’s feasible and the right approach to take.
In general, the contractors may recommend performing one of these basement-lowering techniques:
Bench Footing
Bench footing is a method used to lower a basement floor by creating a bench-like structure along the perimeter of the foundation walls. This involves excavating a portion of the basement floor, usually around the edges, and building a new concrete footing that supports the existing foundation walls.
The resulting bench-like structure provides additional support and stability. While this technique is less invasive and cheaper than full underpinning, it may not give the desired lowering depth.
Underpinning
Underpinning is a more comprehensive technique for lowering a basement floor. It involves excavating sections of the foundation beneath the existing walls and pouring new concrete footings deeper into the ground. This process is done in stages to ensure the stability of the structure throughout the project.
Underpinning increases the depth of the foundation, providing more headroom in the basement and enhancing the home’s structural integrity. This method is ideal for significant height increases but requires careful planning and execution by experienced professionals.
Ready To Lower Your Basement Floor?
If you’re ready to lower your basement floor, consider working with us at Epp Foundation Repair. With years of experience, we serve Lincoln, Omaha, and surrounding areas, providing high-quality, lasting work. Contact us today for a free estimate.
