ᐅ Retaining a Slope and Backfilling – Additional Costs?

Created on: 26 May 2020 22:01
T
Thirteen
T
Thirteen
26 May 2020 22:01
Hello dear forum,

We recently managed to secure a building plot and are now slowly but surely moving into the detailed planning phase.

Our plot has a total slope of 4m (13 feet), with 2m (6.5 feet) within the buildable area. So we almost have the choice: basement or no basement.
If we decide against a basement, higher costs for filling and slope stabilization will arise. The question is: what additional costs should we realistically expect?

We are also currently considering a basement. It doesn't really fit into the budget, but we would consider it if the costs for filling and stabilization are very high. And here again the question: a utility basement with partial heating or a living basement that could possibly be rented out. But that would probably also generate significant additional costs.

Opinions on costs vary here as well. So far, we have been quoted prices ranging from 60,000 to 100,000 euros. What would be realistic?

Our plot is located in a new development area, for which a soil report exists. This report does not indicate any special issues. We will obtain a soil report specific to our plot once we know exactly who we will build with.
Of course, we could also wait until that report is available and then decide, but in fact our choice of builder also depends on the decision about the basement.

I would be happy to receive tips and opinions from you.

Thank you very much!
H
haydee
26 May 2020 22:21
According to your information, neither backfilling nor a basement or granny flat is planned.
A basement level (UG) with living quality for personal use.

Advantages:
One less floor since the basement/granny flat is not needed
Each floor has access to the outdoor area

Disadvantage:
More expensive than a house on a flat site of the same size
Slightly limited design options because one wall has no windows

In our case, the room without windows houses the building services.
T
Thirteen
26 May 2020 22:27
haydee schrieb:

According to your information, neither backfilling nor a basement or granny flat is planned.
A partly below-ground level floor with living standards for personal use.

Advantages:
One less story since a basement or granny flat is not needed.
Every floor has direct access to the outdoor area.

Disadvantages:
Despite the same size as a house on level ground, it is more expensive.
Somewhat limited design options because one wall has no windows.

In our case, the room without windows houses the building services.

Do you mean excavating like for a basement and then building on a slab foundation?
H
haydee
26 May 2020 22:44
Exactly. You basically build a basement but use it as living space, often with a higher ceiling. This has become quite common here.

Using timber frame turnkey solutions is challenging. They often require a basement/cellar with a house on top, or a retaining wall with a one-meter (3 feet) distance and the house in front. This is due to structural engineering requirements.

Where in Hesse are you building?
T
Thirteen
26 May 2020 23:23
haydee schrieb:

Exactly. You are basically building a basement but using it as living space, often with a higher ceiling. This has become quite common in our area.

With wood stud general contractors, it can be difficult. They often expect a basement/cellar and then a house on top or a retaining wall with a 1-meter (3 feet) clearance and the house in front. This is due to structural engineering requirements.

Where in Hesse are you building?

Thanks for the tip. We will definitely consider that.

We will be building in the Main Kinzig district.
-
-XIII-
26 May 2020 23:25
In our case, the basement or lower living level cost about €500 per m2 (approximately $500 per m2) more than the above-ground living space. This was mainly due to earthworks and waterproofing measures against groundwater pressure. If the budget allows, I would still recommend it, as you can build really attractive houses into the hillside.