Hello,
we are planning to build a single-family house in Bavaria, and due to groundwater pressure in the soil, the fully waterproofed concrete basement will be quite expensive. The general contractor said, "the basement costs more than the above-ground living space." Is it really possible that increasing the size of the above-ground house by nearly the same usable area that is lost by omitting the basement results in cost savings? In other words, is a 150 m² (1,615 sq ft) house with an expensive waterproof concrete basement more costly than a house without a basement but with 150 m² (1,615 sq ft) of living space plus 50-70 m² (540-750 sq ft) of utility rooms (the latter with cheaper flooring, etc.)? The general contractor only had a few rough rules of thumb, which obviously didn’t apply well in this case, and did not provide any actual cost calculations. Strangely, he also refused to calculate both options side by side, saying it would be too time-consuming.
Does anyone here have real experience with this? It would be very helpful, thanks in advance!
Best regards
we are planning to build a single-family house in Bavaria, and due to groundwater pressure in the soil, the fully waterproofed concrete basement will be quite expensive. The general contractor said, "the basement costs more than the above-ground living space." Is it really possible that increasing the size of the above-ground house by nearly the same usable area that is lost by omitting the basement results in cost savings? In other words, is a 150 m² (1,615 sq ft) house with an expensive waterproof concrete basement more costly than a house without a basement but with 150 m² (1,615 sq ft) of living space plus 50-70 m² (540-750 sq ft) of utility rooms (the latter with cheaper flooring, etc.)? The general contractor only had a few rough rules of thumb, which obviously didn’t apply well in this case, and did not provide any actual cost calculations. Strangely, he also refused to calculate both options side by side, saying it would be too time-consuming.
Does anyone here have real experience with this? It would be very helpful, thanks in advance!
Best regards
Hausbauer schrieb:
In this case, it is only possible to a limited extent; otherwise, we wouldn’t be considering the basement so seriously. With a fairly compact floor plan, it would instantly provide a large amount of usable space. This space is needed for various hobbies and potentially three children in the future. Still, giving up the basement seems to be the more economical solution, even though it comes with some disadvantages... Often, there is also the option to use the attic as a suitable living space, for example by installing a permanent staircase and making use of all available ceiling heights.
H
hausbauer28 Jul 2019 23:48The development plan is quite impractical and prevents both a proper attic and decent outbuildings... Nevertheless, a solution can surely be found.
@hampshire
At 5 or 6 it’s already a money pit.
@Hausbauer
What is the slope of the site?
I would prefer to create above-ground rooms.
Sorted children’s items, Christmas decorations, suitcases, and such in the attic.
Laundry near the bedrooms.
Building services with space for beverage crates, freezer, and tools on the ground floor.
Garden shed or storage room attached to the garage or carport for lawnmower and similar equipment.
At 5 or 6 it’s already a money pit.
@Hausbauer
What is the slope of the site?
I would prefer to create above-ground rooms.
Sorted children’s items, Christmas decorations, suitcases, and such in the attic.
Laundry near the bedrooms.
Building services with space for beverage crates, freezer, and tools on the ground floor.
Garden shed or storage room attached to the garage or carport for lawnmower and similar equipment.
A basement is great, and my favorite rooms are located there. However, I would always base the decision on the plot and the house to determine if it makes sense.
The cost for living space on the ground floor is around 2300 euros per m² (approximately 214 USD per sq ft), while the basement, depending on the level of finishing, ranges from 1000 to 2000 euros per m² (approximately 93 to 186 USD per sq ft).
In general, from my experience, basements are usually less expensive.
The cost for living space on the ground floor is around 2300 euros per m² (approximately 214 USD per sq ft), while the basement, depending on the level of finishing, ranges from 1000 to 2000 euros per m² (approximately 93 to 186 USD per sq ft).
In general, from my experience, basements are usually less expensive.
H
hausbauer29 Jul 2019 09:25Bookstar schrieb:
The price for living space on the ground floor is about 2300 euros per m² (approximately 213 USD per ft²), and the basement cost varies between 1000 and 2000 euros. The 2300 euros per m² (approximately 213 USD per ft²) already includes a proportional share of the basement, or is that the price without a basement?
The plot is completely flat with predominantly sandy soil, but offers very little space for additional structures, so an extra-large garage with a shed will not be possible. Well, some compromise has to be made; one has to be glad to have found any plot without a highway right next door or nuclear waste in the ground.
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