We are currently considering whether to build our house with or without a basement. Normally, we would prefer a basement, but the groundwater level is very high in our area, which is why our neighbors were also unable to have one. What alternatives would you suggest, and how do you estimate the costs? I have looked into a waterproof basement shell, but the construction company advised against it, saying it would be too expensive and not cost-effective.
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Bauexperte17 Aug 2015 11:14MrDuncan schrieb:
We have about 670m² (7,215 sq ft) of land. We have planned a Tuscan-style house with a garage.What size or dimensions is the house designed to be? City villa or pagoda-style house?Best regards, Bauexperte
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Bieber081517 Aug 2015 21:54MrDuncan schrieb:
I looked into a tub, but the construction company advised against it, saying it would be too expensive and not cost-effective. Regarding cost-effectiveness, the construction company can hardly make a statement, at least not from your perspective. In that sense, the entire house-building project would be dead (because it’s not cost-effective!). This is off-topic, but what always annoys me about construction companies is... Ultimately, this means they don’t want to offer you the basement as it would need to be built here (because they’re afraid you won’t accept it, and the effort for planning and preparing the offer would be wasted). Unfortunately, many are hesitant to even give a rough estimate (for example, $60,000 plus or minus), and then you can decide if you want a detailed quote.
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Bauexperte18 Aug 2015 11:11Bieber0815 schrieb:
This is off-topic, but what really annoys me about construction companies is... Ultimately, it means they don’t want to offer you the basement the way it should be done here (because they’re afraid you won’t accept it and the effort of planning and preparing the offer would be wasted). What nonsense! If I don’t show the cost breakdown, how else is a potential homebuyer supposed to decide for or against a basement?
It’s correct and important that providers inform about the basement costs; they should clearly present the advantages and disadvantages to the interested parties. If they skipped that, the complaints from the other side would be loud. So, whatever way we handle it, there are always pros and cons together in one place 😕
Bieber0815 schrieb:
Unfortunately, many don’t even dare to give at least a rough estimate (for example, 60,000 euros +- X) — and then you can decide whether you want a detailed offer. That always depends on how wisely the interested parties approach the adventure of building a house. Every pot finds its lid 😉
Regards, Bauexperte
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Bieber081518 Aug 2015 20:52Bauexperte schrieb:
If I don’t specify the costs, how is a potential homeowner supposed to decide for or against a basement? Without a concrete offer—with costs included—the homeowner can’t make a decision, that’s what I’m saying.
We have a large plot of land (1,700 m² (18,300 sq ft)), but a relatively small building area (9 x 13 m (30 x 43 ft)), so having a basement (partial basement) was important for us. We have finished part of the basement to be livable (underfloor heating, 2.50 m (8.2 ft) ceiling height, plastered walls, tile and vinyl floors, large basement windows, guest shower bathroom). However, we also had 11 meters (36 ft) of sandy soil (without groundwater up to 11 meters (36 ft)). If there were high groundwater levels, I would have avoided it.
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