Yes, it is possible to make a basement under your current basement. This is known as a “walk-out basement” and is usually done by excavating deeper into the ground and then reinforcing the walls and foundation.
The downside to this is that it can be a very costly and time-consuming process. You will need to consult with a professional contractor or engineer to assess the structural integrity of the site and make sure the foundation is reinforced correctly.
You will likely need to obtain a building permit from your local municipality before breaking ground. In addition, depending on the local building codes and regulations, you may need to make adjustments to the existing electrical and sewer systems as well as ensure proper indoor air quality and ventilation.
Why don t houses have sub basements?
Houses typically do not have sub basements for a variety of reasons. Firstly, sub basements have a tendency to be damp and experience water seepage issues. This is due to the fact that these parts of the home are often covered in soil and are in close proximity to ground water.
This means that additional waterproofing measures must be taken to ensure that the area is not prone to water damage and flooding. Furthermore, sub basements are very difficult to construct and thus, are much more expensive than a traditional basement.
This is because they require additional reinforcement and the manual labor needed to dig further underground is often long and labor-intensive. Additionally, building codes may require sub basements to include specialized drainage systems or other building system requirements, which further increases the amount of work and cost associated with the project.
On top of that, sub basements are often smaller than traditional basements, meaning that there is less usable room for storage or other uses. All these considerations turn a potentially useful space into a fairly expensive and involved construction project, which is why houses typically do not have sub basements.
Is it cheaper to have a basement or second story?
The answer to this question depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, a basement is usually cheaper to build than a second story. This is because basements utilize existing support beams, posts, and foundations already in place, which cuts down on the amount of labor and materials needed.
Also, basements are usually easier to maintain, requiring less energy to cool due to their subterranean nature.
In addition, a lot comes down to personal preference. It’s important to make sure the layout of a basement works for the utility and use of the space, as it can be harder to reconfigure a basement layout once it is built.
It can also be important to consider the potential cost of excavation if needed and the excavation cost will depend on soil type, slope, existing foundation system, etc.
On the other hand, a second story can provide the advantage of better views and more natural light, and with creative ceiling design, a sense of spaciousness that can be difficult to achieve with lower ceilings.
Also, while more expensive to build than a basement, the costs of a second story can be offset by the value it adds to the property.
In conclusion, the cost of a basement and second story will depend mostly on factors such as the size and layout of the space, the materials and labor being used, the local climate, and the desired use of the space.
Ultimately, it is a personal decision and should consider all the above factors for ultimately making the smartest decision for your project.
What is a sub basement in a house?
A sub basement in a house is an additional level below a traditional basement. This type of basement often serves as an extra space to store items, run utilities, or serve as an area for utilities such as heating and cooling systems.
Sub basements are typically built after the main building, often with a separate entrance from the main part of the house. These basements may have limited windows, since the main purpose of the space is for storage and utility purposes; however, skylights may be installed for some natural light.
The floor of the sub basement may be below the surrounding grade of the land, so there may be a need for a sump pump to protect against flooding. Doing a professional analysis of the soil around the space is highly recommended to determine the stability of the ground and prevent any major structural problems.
How common are sub basements?
Sub basements are not overly common, as they tend to be found in larger, older buildings. Sub basements can be found in some multi-family housing if there is a need for additional space. Additionally, some single family homes may feature a sub basement if it is a very large property with a large footprint.
However, the vast majority of buildings do not feature sub basements, so they are not especially common.
What are the three types of basements?
The three main types of basements are full, walkout, and daylight basements.
A full basement is one that is completely underground. It usually takes up the entire footprint of the house and has two separate sets of stairs, one inside and one outside. This type of basement is the most traditional in the US and Canada.
It often has one full story below ground, or even two stories, and can provide plenty of additional living or storage space.
A walkout basement is located in the sloping terrain, with one full side at ground level, allowing for walnut access to the outdoors. This type of basement is typically unfinished, with the upper part of the house placed on top of the walk-out.
It is also known as a walk-up basement or garden-level basement since it has direct access to the outdoors.
A daylight basement has natural illumination, thanks to windows that are flush with the ground. It takes full advantage of a sloping lot, with one side usually above ground, while the other side remains below ground.
The exposed side of the daylight basement often features a porch or deck which provides outdoor living space.
What’s the difference between a basement and a sub basement?
The primary difference between a basement and a sub basement is the way in which they are constructed. A basement is a below-ground level of a building that is located either partially or fully below the ground surface.
Generally, basements are built as part of the house structure, with portions below grade. A sub basement is an additional basement space which has been dug away from the actual structure. It is usually an additional level located under the main basement of the house, and can typically be accessed through an outside entrance.
Sub basements are often not considered to be part of the main house’s structure, and because of this, they are not commonly used for living space. They are, however, great for added storage, or for additional utilities like a furnace or electrical panels.
What do you call a half basement?
A half basement is a partially submerged space below the main floor of a home or building. It is usually only developed on one side of the lowest level and may be used for storage, living space, or some combination of the two.
Depending on the layout of the structure, the half basement may provide access to an outdoor patio or area. In some cases, it may also provide entry to a side entrance of the home or building and can be used as a den or exercise room.
In multi-story structures, the first floor of the half basement may be several feet lower than the rest of the building and may even be at ground level in some cases.
Whats a Yankee basement?
A Yankee basement is a type of cellar that is found primarily in older homes in New England and other parts of the United States. The term “Yankee basement” generally refers to an unfinished, below-ground room or space found attached to the main building near the foundation.
It has a low, flat ceiling and is typically a full-size basement, or at least much larger than other basement types. It was traditionally used as a storage room, primarily for food and recreational items, although it could also house other essentials, animals, or people.
However, with the advent of modern electricity, plumbing and insulation, many modern Yankee basements are being transformed into livable spaces. Some popular uses include recreation rooms, home offices, laundry rooms, workshops, and even bedroom and playroom areas for children.
How many types of basements are there?
There are four main types of basements: full basements, partial basements, daylight basements, and crawl spaces. Full basements are the most common type and are typically located below the home’s first floor.
They can either be finished or unfinished, and typically have enough headroom so occupants can comfortably stand up and move around. Partial basements, also known as walkout basements, are situated on a slopped lot and generally have at least one wall that is above grade and can usually be accessed from outside.
Daylight basements are a variation of the partial basement and have windows that bring natural sunlight into the area. Lastly, crawl spaces are typically found in homes built on a concrete slab and are shallow, narrow, and unfinished.
Can you build a house on an iceberg?
No, you cannot build a house on an iceberg because an iceberg is a floating mass of ice in the ocean; it is not fixed on the ground, but rather floats freely on the surface of the water. The foundations of a house must be fixed in order for it to be stable, and this is not possible with an iceberg.
Furthermore, icebergs are constantly moving and changing shape due to ocean currents and wind, which means the house would be very unstable. Lastly, the temperatures associated with icebergs would make it extremely difficult to keep a house warm, and could also result in the ice melting and the house flooding.
For all of these reasons, it is not possible to build a house on an iceberg.
Can you add a basement to a house that doesn’t have one?
Yes, it is possible to add a basement to a house that doesn’t have one. This is typically an undertaking that requires a great deal of planning and construction work. Due to the complexity and scope of the project, it is best to enlist the help of an experienced contractor and/or engineer beforehand to determine the feasibility of the project.
The first step in organizing a basement installation project is to closely inspect the house. This is important due to the fact that the house’s foundation must be able to support the additional weight of a basement.
While some of this can be determined from the outside, having a qualified house inspector look at the house from the inside is essential. Assessment of the existing foundation structure, plumbing, and electrical systems that may need to be modified to accommodate a basement are all important steps.
Any proposed basement must also comply with local zoning or building regulations. This may be an issue in certain parts of the country that require basements at certain elevation levels, or for certain house types.
If the proposed excavation is too extensive, for example, it may require special permission from the municipality.
After the appropriate research, inspections, and licensing processes have been completed, construction can begin. In a typical installation, this will involve excavating the area to be used for a basement, creating a concrete foundation, and bringing in a crew to construct the walls, floors, and other features.
Cement structures may need to be erected to support the house during excavation and construction. The last steps of the project may involve using insulation and installing heating, cooling, and plumbing systems.
Is it possible to have a 2 story basement?
Yes, it is possible to have a two-story basement. This type of basement is known as a full basement or a walkout basement. This provides you with more than one level underground, which can be used for a variety of purposes.
Having an extra level to the basement opens up more storage and living space. A two-story basement also allows you to have more windows, and thus, more natural light. However, there are some drawbacks as well.
For example, it can be more expensive than a single-story basement, and it can also present a few structural issues. It’s important to consult a professional to ensure that the basement is properly constructed, and that any possible issues are addressed before the build begins.
Why are there no basements in Florida?
The main reason why there are no basements in most parts of Florida is because the soil does not allow for them. The soil in Florida is composed mostly of sand and other loose particles that cannot support the weight of a basement.
Plus, the high water table level in the region makes basement construction difficult. Additionally, the high risk of flooding and hurricanes in the region poses a great risk to the structural integrity of a basement, making any efforts to build one potentially dangerous and expensive.
Despite these challenges, some areas of Florida do have basements, but they are usually more expensive to build and not as common, particularly on the coastal regions of the state.
How tall is a 2 story house with basement?
The exact height of a two-story house with a basement will depend on the design, the height of the ceilings, and other factors. However, generally speaking, a two-story house with a basement will typically be between 25 and 35 feet tall.
The first floor of the house will typically be around 11 to 12 feet tall and each additional story should add another 8 to 10 feet. The basement will typically add around 8 feet of height, depending on its design.
Does a basement count as a storey?
Yes, a basement is generally considered to be a storey in architectural terms. While some may refer to a basement as a “level” or a “sub-level,” a basement is still typically considered a single storey out of the floors making up a building regardless of how far below ground it is.
In fact, the American Society of Civil Engineers defines a multi-storey building as one with “two or more floors, each of which is provided with a means of exiting independently of the other floors” – and a basement certainly meets this definition.
Additionally, most building codes list a basement as a storey when it comes to measuring building height, ventilation and stairwell construction.
Does a finished basement add value to house?
Yes, a finished basement can add value to a house. Studies have shown that a finished basement adds 10% to 15% of the total value of a house, depending on a variety of factors. A finished basement adds livable square footage to a property and can be used for a variety of purposes, from bedrooms and bathrooms to entertainment centers and recreational areas.
Additionally, it can add significant resale value. Though the typical cost of finishing a basement runs from $10–$30 per square foot, it can be well worth the investment. A high-end fireplace, wet bar, or home theater system may also help increase the overall value of your home.
Furthermore, finishing your basement offers a great way to create a place for family and friends to get together. It’s also a great way to add a personalized touch to your home and make it truly unique.
Is the basement considered the first floor?
No, the basement is not usually considered the first floor. The first floor is typically the level of the home that is closest to the ground level, while the basement is located below ground level and is usually associated with a distinct set of uses.
Depending on the exact layout and design of the house, however, there can be some confusion as to what constitutes the first floor. For example, there may be some instances in which a raised basement is considered the doorway to the home and, therefore, can be considered the first floor.
In such a situation, the floor located above the raised basement would be considered the second floor.