ᐅ House with or without a basement? – Experiences

Hello everyone,

I just registered here to clarify whether it’s better for us to build a house with or without a basement. For us, this is really a classic dilemma: my husband definitely wants one (“I need a hobby basement!”), and I’m more like, “Let’s save the money and buy some nice furnishings instead.” Anyway, I admit a basement can be nice, especially if it consists of two rooms. I enjoy playing music and could imagine having a quiet retreat in the basement so the kids upstairs aren’t disturbed. Hmm, but those aren’t really decisive arguments.

What are your experiences? Do you have a basement? Have you had or currently have any moisture problems? That’s actually one of my main concerns. We have two small children (2 and 4 years old), so everything needs to be in perfect condition.

I did search the forum beforehand but haven’t found an answer to my question yet. Looking forward to your replies.

Best regards,
Sandra

Hello Sandra,

You can probably tell yourself that the question isn’t easy to answer with a simple YES or NO.

I don’t really see any savings in the scenario of a basement or interior finishing.

First of all, I consider it a matter of plot size and design.

Because the floor area of the house will be correspondingly larger without a basement.
Basement rooms are not always appealing—they often have poorer lighting and ventilation, meaning the quality of the space is lacking. It can feel a bit like being locked in the basement. Okay, the sound insulation is good, if your situation involves a drum set.

Best regards

Experiences

Hello Sandra,
your question is wonderful – because it happens to be my favorite topic.
I am a strong advocate for having a basement. Although it involves higher initial costs, there are many positive arguments in favor:
- Space for storage, bicycles, tools, and more
- Flexible uses, ranging from a laundry room, drying area, workshop, to a hobby or party room
- Extra space for changing needs (new hobbies, additional technical equipment)
- Separation of the heating system from living areas, with the option to expand if needed

It is a one-time investment that pays off over time.

Moisture in basements is a construction-related issue, but it is (almost) always solvable. We had a good experience with a “black tank” waterproofing system (protection against groundwater pressure using bitumen coating) in a calcium silicate masonry basement. You can even dry laundry there. Calcium silicate is very effective at balancing moisture.

Ultimately, you need to weigh the decision for yourself. However, once made, it is difficult to change.

Good luck!
Waulmurf

@Waulmurf

Your arguments apply to every room.

Space,
flexible usage options,
extra space for changes in use,
separation of the heating system (if there is one at all),
moisture control

I see this more as a "room relocation," meaning more on the ground floor instead of the basement.
Building services, bicycles, lawnmower, etc., need to be stored somewhere.

I rather see savings in earthworks, disposal, waterproofing, and stairs.

parcus schrieb:
@Waulmurf

Your arguments apply to every room.

Space,
flexible usage options,
spare space for change of use,
separation of the heating system (if there is one at all),
moisture regulation

I see this more as a "room relocation," that is, more space on the ground floor instead of the basement.
Technical equipment, bicycles, lawnmowers… all need to be stored.

I see savings mainly in earthworks, disposal, waterproofing, and stairs.

@parcus

Basically, this applies to every room, of course.
But hardly anyone would specifically plan a “laundry drying room,” which also serves as a party room if needed, or a separate room for the washing machine. Unless you are building extremely luxuriously.
Today, the so-called “pantry” is rarely planned anymore, even though this room is very practical for storage despite the presence of a refrigerator.

And if such rooms are planned in the house, they are within the thermal insulation and heated, which is not necessarily required.

And for bicycles, gardening tools, garden supplies (seeds, fertilizer, etc.), sooner or later a garden shed will be set up outside anyway.
If you have enough space, that may be fine.

I believe the higher costs are worthwhile.

Regards
waulmurf

PS: Overwintering plants can also be stored in the basement. Or dahlia tubers. Where else?

@Waulmurf
And when such rooms are planned within the house, they are located inside the thermal insulation and are heated, which is not necessarily required.
I agree with you; that would hardly make sense, as any savings would quickly disappear.