Are you looking for a contractor?
Submit our quick form and get quotes now!
Table of Contents
3 min read
3 min read
BasementBasement Excavation Project: Creating Extra Living Space
Digging out a basement is a complex building project that leaves no place for improvisation. The slightest error could cause the house to collapse. It is a delicate process, especially if the house contains walls that are shared with other buildings.
Any damage caused to neighbouring houses would fall under the owner’s responsibility. However, in a lot of cases, it can turn out to be worth it, as it will create an extra living space.
The cost, the amount of risk involved and the general feasibility of the project vary depending on several factors. In all cases, you’ll have to contact a professional who will determine if the project is doable and will be able to select the adequate methods to carry it out.
Don’t forget to make sure that your new space will satisfy the requirements in terms of natural light sources that are mentioned in the National Building Code. Also, check the height of the municipal sewers to make sure that the basement drain will be able to function properly.
Your excavation expert will adapt his methods according to the current foundation’s structure, its location, the possible presence of groundwater, as well as the quality and type of soil that they will have to work with. This step is crucial as it is then and there that you will be able to determine whether or not the basement excavation process is possible. If the project is deemed feasible, the expert will examine the foundation closely and make a plan for the following steps.
Digging out a pre-existing basement is a great option for people looking to increase the amount of livable space in their home. Older houses often have crawl spaces or partial basements which aren’t big enough to use as rooms. In these cases, excavation work can be carried out by lowering the ground level. The cost for this type of project is generally lower than that of creating an extension.
Needless to say, this type of renovation project MUST be done by a professional, who will be able to guarantee that the foundations will not be made more fragile. They will calculate the new structure’s resistance level, as well as determine which steps will be necessary to avoid causing problems with the building’s structure.
Among other things, they will recommend installing new foundation walls below the house to create a better weight distribution, in addition to making it possible to build a space that is the same size as the ground floor.
They will also advise that you cover the basement walls using a special membrane that drains the walls, preventing future water ingress situations. Increasing the size of your house works on two levels: you’re creating more living space whilst adding extra value to your house, which will be reflected in the sales price.
Renoquotes.com can help you get quotes for your basement excavation project. If you submit your project to us, we’ll put you in contact with the appropriate contractors for you. Fill in the form on the homepage (it only takes a few minutes), and you will receive quotes from companies that are specialized in home renovations.
Last modified 2023-11-07
Looking for something else?
Related articles
The latest industry news, interviews, technologies, and resources.
RenoQuotes.com • 07 Nov 2023
Lifting a house is a common practice in Canada—especially in Quebec. After assessing whether the project can be done, a contractor will proceed by safely raising the house to carry out the necessary work on the foundation. This renovation method can be a worthy option if you’re looking to expand your home or fix any foundation-related problems.
N/A • 07 Nov 2023
We have been building habitats below the earth for thousands of years. From caverns to catacombs and mysterious passageways, subterranean living areas are a special area of the home, with a building process that presents interesting challenges.
Amanda Harvey • 14 Mar 2024
Although renovations are often motivated by a search for greater comfort and some aesthetic improvement, some may be planning renovations to sell their home. If this is the case, renovations that work to increase the market value of your home are the ones to consider.
RenoQuotes.com • 07 Nov 2023
Summer might be over, but that doesn’t mean all dreams of being whisked away seaside have to fade. What if we told you that travelling to a coastal haven with sandy beaches was a possibility without having to leave your cozy pad?
RenoQuotes.com • 07 Nov 2023
Glued-laminated timber framing is tomorrow’s building material. Not only does it have numerous advantages, but it also reflects the environmental shift underway across the construction industry.