Iam a Builder in the southeast and have just recently started getting many request for Basements from Pre-sale clients from the North who like basements. From Preliminary plans and a set lot what is the easiest way to get a multiplier from what a house would normally cost w/o basement for a 1&1/2 story 2,000 sq ft 1st floor all brick home:)?
Thanks “Doc”
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Replies
Doc-
I doubt anyone would have a "multiplier" to use for adding a basement vs a slab on grade. Any number would be useless, since it's not based on your costs, or your area. As an example, excavation is expensive here, since the lots are small with noplace to lose the dirt, and finding someplace that needs fill requires long hauls. In your area, it may be easy to lose dirt on site, hence lowering the costs. Also, if basements aren't the norm there, it may be costly to find a concrete sub or mason to build the basement walls.
Rather than looking for a "be-all, end-all" formula, why not quickly calculate the added cost using subcontractor input? The footings should remain the same, the slab just moves down to the basement, so you really just need to add for excavation and backfill, waterproofing, basement walls (perimeter x height), and the first floor framing system (based on 1st floor SF).
Bob