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2’stem wall foundation or full basement?

migraine | Posted in Construction Techniques on April 2, 2003 05:40am

I was wondering…  we are in the process of building a new house within the next 4-6 months and the contractor has speced a raised foundation 2′ above grade.  The house foundation  is no larger than 38′ X 38′ and he has quoted a price of around $3600 and this doesn’t include excavation.  The excavation is included in clearing the property, and trenching for utilities.  the foundation is for a 2 story home.  Some one in a previous post that I should consider a full basement.  This would help out in addind additional space for a game room and placement of mechanical devices.  

This leads me to my question.   What do you think the cost would be to  increase the foundation to  to allow for a full basement.  I realize that a slab would need to be poured for the floor and the width of the walls would need to be increased for the additional height and retaining loads.  I would also probably need to put in some kind of sump pump system since we are within 2 miles from the beach, less than  1/2 mile from the beach,and 60-100 feet from a lake and the soil conditions are basically sand.  I realize that, as other people have stated before, different areas and conditions  do effect the engineering and cost requirements of the job.  I just want to get an idea before I ask the contractor about this option.  Plus if you’all can,  mybe tell me what else to look out for with this type of request.  

I would like to thank everybody inadvance.    -Brian

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  1. Piffin | Apr 02, 2003 07:22am | #1

    An additional eight or ten grand plus the deeper excavation work. Can't see why you would need a wider wall unless the 2' one is less than 8" Where are you? Climate also has impact on this answer.

    Another consideration is that the stairwell will take a piece out of your floorplan

    .

    Excellence is its own reward!



    Edited 4/2/2003 12:23:20 AM ET by piffin

    1. migraine | Apr 02, 2003 08:18am | #2

      Right on the West Coast of Wahington State.   LOTS of rain.  I will make the stairs work if it does become an option.  Any more advice for me?

      1. Schelling | Apr 02, 2003 01:26pm | #4

        What does your builder say? Are basements common in this area? Unless you are on an exceptionally tight budget or anticipate water table problems, there is no good reason not to have a full basement. It is cheap space.

  2. wallyo | Apr 02, 2003 09:20am | #3

    You say the foundation is two foot above grade who much below is it?

  3. User avater
    BossHog | Apr 02, 2003 02:38pm | #5

    The basement on my spec house was about $16,500.

    1680 square feet, 9' walls, 2 car garage, all excavation, and partial backfill.

    Defecation eventuates.

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