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
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
S
Sandra Schmidt3 Nov 2009 12:45Hello Parcus,
Sorry for the delay in my reply. I have now organized my things and finally have time to post again. I had noted down "waterproof and breathable"—sounds like a good jacket, doesn’t it? Anyway, I checked again, and it seems this was about the company ABG. I have their flyer right here in front of me.
Maybe you or others have experience with their system?
I would appreciate any insights.
Best regards from someone with a cold,
Sandra
Edit: Hello Parcus, I had only posted the short link (with .de and all). The text for the link appeared automatically somehow. If it’s not clickable, just let me know, and I’ll send you the link again via private message.
Sorry for the delay in my reply. I have now organized my things and finally have time to post again. I had noted down "waterproof and breathable"—sounds like a good jacket, doesn’t it? Anyway, I checked again, and it seems this was about the company ABG. I have their flyer right here in front of me.
Maybe you or others have experience with their system?
I would appreciate any insights.
Best regards from someone with a cold,
Sandra
Edit: Hello Parcus, I had only posted the short link (with .de and all). The text for the link appeared automatically somehow. If it’s not clickable, just let me know, and I’ll send you the link again via private message.
Hello Sandra,
first of all, it is a matter of financial possibilities. Then it depends on the local conditions. There should be a soil report or experience regarding the ground conditions either from the land seller or the immediate neighbors. Then the question is whether we want to build here or not. Plots where there is a risk of groundwater should preferably be built without a basement. The follow-up costs for a waterproof concrete basement (also known as a “white tank”) are high, and living use is rather limited. Such a basement does not offer a comfortable indoor climate. In that case, it is better to build some kind of above-ground extension (with sound decoupling) from the main building, provided the land costs are affordable.
Best regards
first of all, it is a matter of financial possibilities. Then it depends on the local conditions. There should be a soil report or experience regarding the ground conditions either from the land seller or the immediate neighbors. Then the question is whether we want to build here or not. Plots where there is a risk of groundwater should preferably be built without a basement. The follow-up costs for a waterproof concrete basement (also known as a “white tank”) are high, and living use is rather limited. Such a basement does not offer a comfortable indoor climate. In that case, it is better to build some kind of above-ground extension (with sound decoupling) from the main building, provided the land costs are affordable.
Best regards
Hello Sandra and all other participants,
No one can deny that a “white tank” is the most cost-effective solution during the construction phase. However, most homeowners are more concerned about long-term costs and, above all, the usability of the basement rooms. Therefore, I believe they would be better off with more modern systems.
As part of my thesis, I had the opportunity to study various waterproofing systems. Among them was the system Sandra S. mentioned. It involves a system with three combined material layers (membranes/sheets) that can be applied to any building structure – including the “white tank.” There is a waterproof layer, a breathable layer, and a protective layer to prevent damage from edges and corners of the masonry.
And if the basement is to be used for music practice, good climate control should definitely be ensured, which is, after all, what every homeowner wishes for and hopes to have.
Best regards,
Stefan_B
No one can deny that a “white tank” is the most cost-effective solution during the construction phase. However, most homeowners are more concerned about long-term costs and, above all, the usability of the basement rooms. Therefore, I believe they would be better off with more modern systems.
As part of my thesis, I had the opportunity to study various waterproofing systems. Among them was the system Sandra S. mentioned. It involves a system with three combined material layers (membranes/sheets) that can be applied to any building structure – including the “white tank.” There is a waterproof layer, a breathable layer, and a protective layer to prevent damage from edges and corners of the masonry.
And if the basement is to be used for music practice, good climate control should definitely be ensured, which is, after all, what every homeowner wishes for and hopes to have.
Best regards,
Stefan_B
S
Sandra Schmidt27 Jan 2010 11:36Hello Stefan B,
I just saw your post. Thank you. Could you please explain the system in a bit more detail, specifically how the three layers work? How does it affect the indoor climate? It’s important to me that it doesn’t get damp, moldy, or rot, and that I can practice music comfortably. The instruments will also need to be stored there.
Best regards,
Sandra
I just saw your post. Thank you. Could you please explain the system in a bit more detail, specifically how the three layers work? How does it affect the indoor climate? It’s important to me that it doesn’t get damp, moldy, or rot, and that I can practice music comfortably. The instruments will also need to be stored there.
Best regards,
Sandra
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