FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In

Discussion Forum

Discussion Forum

Size of Basement

mrfixitusa | Posted in General Discussion on November 13, 2007 05:53am

I live in Wichita and half ? the houses have basements. People like having a basement to go to during bad weather and tornado warnings.

Some houses have “full basements” which are the same size as the rest of the house but it sure changes when you get to the larger homes, say 2,500 square ft and larger.

I don’t think there is such a thing as an older 3,000 sq ft home with a 3,000 sq ft basement. Maybe I’m wrong.

Is there a rule of thumb for the maximum size basement?

^^^^^^

 

busier than a pair of jumper cables at a redneck funeral

Reply
  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

Replies

  1. runnerguy | Nov 13, 2007 06:09pm | #1

    Since most houses are two stories and typically the frist floor and the second floor are about the same size. This would make the basement of a 3000 SF home in the neighborhood of 1500 sf. not 3000 SF. Of course the 3000 SF basement might apply to a rambler but most houses are two equal floors.

    Here on the east coast most everyone has basements and they're the same size as the first floor.

    Runnerguy

    1. mrfixitusa | Nov 13, 2007 06:11pm | #3

      Seems like the basements here max out at about 1000 to 1,200 feet.Even if the house is 3,000 sq ft one story homeedited to say the above applies to older homes. I'm not very familiar with the newer, larger, mcmansions^^^^^^ busier than a pair of jumper cables at a redneck funeral

      Edited 11/13/2007 10:14 am by mrfixitusa

  2. User avater
    BossHog | Nov 13, 2007 06:10pm | #2

    Around here (Central Illinois) I'd guess that 90% of new houses have full basements.

    I see very few crawlspaces, and a handful of houses on slabs. Every once in a while there's a house with half basement and half crawlspace.

    I think it has a lot to do with frost depth. If you have half a basement wall there already (48" footing depth) a basement isn't that much more expensive.

    Old age and treachery will overcome youth and skill
    1. mrfixitusa | Nov 13, 2007 11:49pm | #6

      Basements in older homes are kind of interesting in that they don't add a lot of value to the home.For example, a 1250 sq ft home with no basement is worth about $100,000
      here where I'm at.This calculates to about $80 per foot.The same house, but with a finished basement, is worth about $115 or maybe $120Thus the value per foot for the basement is only about $12-$15 per ftIt doesn't pay to spend a lot of money to finish a basement. There's just not much of a return on your money.

      1. peteshlagor | Nov 14, 2007 02:11am | #7

        Could you explain your math?  115 or 120 subtracting 80 leaves 35 to 40 in my book (about 50%).  Not 12 to 15.

        1. mrfixitusa | Nov 14, 2007 02:17am | #8

          I divided $15,000 by 1,250 and got $12 per footI divided $20,000 by 1,250 and got $16 per footIt's been a long day. I think I entered the numbers correctly? Maybe I didn't ?

          1. peteshlagor | Nov 14, 2007 02:31am | #9

            "For example, a 1250 sq ft home with no basement is worth about $100,000here where I'm at.

            This calculates to about $80 per foot.

            The same house, but with a finished basement, is worth about $115 or maybe $120"

             

            Oh!  You mean 115,000 oe maybe 120,000!  I thought you waz saying 115 to 120 dollars per sq ft like the preceeding sentence.

          2. brownbagg | Nov 14, 2007 02:57am | #10

            I think we have only one basement in the whole county

      2. alwaysoverbudget | Nov 14, 2007 06:39am | #11

        and that is why a house with a basement will sell  better,people want that cheap sq ft, around here i doubt if it cost much more than 10.00 a ft to pour a basement over doing a foundation. 

        i don't think in the old house's when they were built there was much value put into them for living space in the basement.looked at as mostly storage and utility rooms. larryif a man speaks in the forest,and there's not a woman to hear him,is he still wrong?

      3. Piffin | Nov 14, 2007 07:15am | #13

        something wrong with your math. if the house is 1250 and you add a finished basement, you now have 2500 of finsihed living space. 

         

        Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!

  3. dirtyturk | Nov 13, 2007 08:05pm | #4

    Depends on a lot of things. In older neighborhoods with two story homes a full basement was the only space set aside for utilities (Furnace, HW tank, elect. panel and general storage).  

    If we're talking about new homes the maximum size, most of the time, would be dictated by the footprint of the main floor. That's the maximum but not always. A few years ago I did an inspection on a 17,500sf (total--all levels) home. Basement was about 2000sf. The HO wanted everything at the main level but didn't want any intrusions by the utilities. (4HVAC units). BTW, the house could have recieved national awards for the biggest waste of construction materials.  I have a list of "cover 'em with Ivy" homes and this is our champion example of ugly. 

    The first thing I ask when working with a HO is the use of the basement.  Family room, home theatre, sports bar, storm protection(not a big issue around here) or just storage and utilities.  A lot of time I have them tell me that they move around the country a lot so we throw that into the mix because the next people may want to use the space a lot differently. You can also consider a living space, a utility area and have the rest as a deeper crawl space set up for longer term storage.

    It always comes down to the function. Given that excavating out a basement and constructing the walls, especially if you get the "I want 9'-0" ceiling" rant, may be one of the biggest cost items.  This is from a Northern Ohio perspective where 3'-6" frost depth is enforced.  You go down to Charlotte, NC and basements generally don't exist...neither do garages.

    That's it. Hope my rant made sense.

    ciao. ted

  4. Biff_Loman | Nov 13, 2007 09:47pm | #5

    Around here, new homes have full basements without exception.

    For infill development, it's common to have a raised bungalow in which the concrete wall is something like 4' deep, with a 4' stud wall framed on top. A short flight of stairs takes you from the front door to the first floor.

    In older homes, basements are more common than crawlspaces, but they tend to be low.

  5. Piffin | Nov 14, 2007 07:10am | #12

    You can have a basement any size you want.

    I am sure this varies by location. In texas and forida, basements are rare.

    In northern states where you almost have to go deep enough with the foundation to get below frost level, you might just as well have a basement

     

     

    Welcome to the
    Taunton University of
    Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime.
     where ...
    Excellence is its own reward!

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Video Shorts

Categories

  • Business
  • Code Questions
  • Construction Techniques
  • Energy, Heating & Insulation
  • General Discussion
  • Help/Work Wanted
  • Photo Gallery
  • Reader Classified
  • Tools for Home Building

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

Affordable Scans, Accurate Plans

Hover's smartphone app offers an easier way to get precise 3D scans.

Featured Video

SawStop's Portable Tablesaw is Bigger and Better Than Before

The 10-in. Jobsite Saw PRO has a wider table, a new dust-control port, and a more versatile fence, along with the same reliable safety mechanism included in all SawStop tablesaws.

Related Stories

  • Affordable Scans, Accurate Plans
  • FHB Summit 2025 — Design, Build, Business
  • A Summer Retreat Preserved in the Catskill Mountains
  • Fine Homebuilding Issue #332 Online Highlights

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work
  • Issue 328 - Dec/Jan 2024
    • How a Pro Replaces Columns
    • Passive House 3.0
    • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers
  • Issue 327 - November 2024
    • Repairing Damaged Walls and Ceilings
    • Plumbing Protection
    • Talking Shop

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Follow

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

  • Home Group
  • Antique Trader
  • Arts & Crafts Homes
  • Bank Note Reporter
  • Cabin Life
  • Cuisine at Home
  • Fine Gardening
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Green Building Advisor
  • Garden Gate
  • Horticulture
  • Keep Craft Alive
  • Log Home Living
  • Military Trader/Vehicles
  • Numismatic News
  • Numismaster
  • Old Cars Weekly
  • Old House Journal
  • Period Homes
  • Popular Woodworking
  • Script
  • ShopNotes
  • Sports Collectors Digest
  • Threads
  • Timber Home Living
  • Traditional Building
  • Woodsmith
  • World Coin News
  • Writer's Digest
Active Interest Media logo
X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

Subscribe

Enjoy unlimited access to Fine Homebuilding. Join Now

Already a member? Log in

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in

Privacy Policy Update

We use cookies, pixels, script and other tracking technologies to analyze and improve our service, to improve and personalize content, and for advertising to you. We also share information about your use of our site with third-party social media, advertising and analytics partners. You can view our Privacy Policy here and our Terms of Use here.

Cookies

Analytics

These cookies help us track site metrics to improve our sites and provide a better user experience.

Advertising/Social Media

These cookies are used to serve advertisements aligned with your interests.

Essential

These cookies are required to provide basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website.

Delete My Data

Delete all cookies and associated data