ᐅ Basement Construction with High Groundwater Levels (2 meters)
Created on: 27 Sep 2023 11:18
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pxrunes2
Hello everyone,
This is our first house, so we lack some experience. The soil survey revealed a groundwater level of 2.2 meters (7 feet) during midsummer. Throughout the year, there are probably levels around 1.6 meters (5 feet). Otherwise, the soil is sandy.
We would like to build a basement anyway, with small windows above ground level. A lower ceiling height of 2.2 meters (7 feet) would still be acceptable for us, since it will not be a living basement.
Our question now is whether building a basement is still financially feasible.
- How deep is an excavation typically dug?
- Does anyone have experience with how much more expensive a basement can become due to high groundwater?
- Any other advice?
Many thanks!
This is our first house, so we lack some experience. The soil survey revealed a groundwater level of 2.2 meters (7 feet) during midsummer. Throughout the year, there are probably levels around 1.6 meters (5 feet). Otherwise, the soil is sandy.
We would like to build a basement anyway, with small windows above ground level. A lower ceiling height of 2.2 meters (7 feet) would still be acceptable for us, since it will not be a living basement.
Our question now is whether building a basement is still financially feasible.
- How deep is an excavation typically dug?
- Does anyone have experience with how much more expensive a basement can become due to high groundwater?
- Any other advice?
Many thanks!
pxrunes2 schrieb:
I had hoped that by raising the basement slightly, it would still be cheaper than increasing the living space of the house. But as you describe it, and as I feared, the construction work is especially expensive and unpredictable. I already "revealed" in post #4 where I am currently discussing the basement topic (regarding yes/no/which type, but without the special aspect of water). You should have been able to read here multiple times that rooms cost a fixed amount regardless of their location.
https://www.instagram.com/11antgmxde/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/bauen-jetzt/
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WilderSueden27 Sep 2023 13:39pxrunes2 schrieb:
- Any other advice?Building in groundwater conditions allows no mistakes. Therefore, you should carefully select the construction company and have this work closely supervised. For more details, @Allthewayup can certainly help. It’s not cheap, of course. On the other hand, it’s better to plan from the start with a basement in groundwater than to build normally and then have to arrange water control measures on short notice, resulting in considerable additional costs.pxrunes2 schrieb:
The plot allows for a larger house, Well, I would suggest building more cautiously and creating usable space as an extension or in the attic, for example under a nice pitched roof. A sports room or hobby area also makes sense with garden access and real windows, so preferably on the ground floor.
pxrunes2 schrieb:
but actually living space is more expensive again Here the focus is on usable space, not on finished living areas.
pxrunes2 schrieb:
I had hoped that, if you raised the basement a bit However, this creates a barrier between the ground floor and the garden/access points. The terrace then has to be on a hill, and the entrance platform consists of several steps. That’s usually not desirable. If you are planning a double garage anyway, rooms can be connected to it. That’s also better for storing lawnmowers and similar equipment.
I would also recommend checking in advance how your protection is covered by a homeowners insurance policy.
If the basement is built directly in the water, you will probably have a hard time in the event of water damage, or you will face lengthy procedures and proof that the measures taken to protect the building were sufficient.
If the basement is built directly in the water, you will probably have a hard time in the event of water damage, or you will face lengthy procedures and proof that the measures taken to protect the building were sufficient.
Regarding storage space in a pitched roof, it’s a good idea to hire a studio binder. Unfortunately, I missed that advice (and I also ended up being persuaded to go for a hip roof villa style when I was still inexperienced and naive). By the way, there are quite nice example photos of this here in the forum.
I’m not sure anymore if they were posted by @Steffi33, @motorradsilke, or @haydee?
I’m not sure anymore if they were posted by @Steffi33, @motorradsilke, or @haydee?
Tolentino schrieb:
I'm not sure anymore if it was from @Steffi33, @motorradsilke, or @haydee? The tidiest attic of all time is the one from @Steffi33
https://www.instagram.com/11antgmxde/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/bauen-jetzt/
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