ᐅ Is building a basement still justified today?

Hmm, we also couldn’t imagine giving up the basement.

There is a utility room/drying room where the electrical panel, satellite and LAN connections come together, plus the washer and dryer, as well as a sewage lifting system in the sump pit. Then a guest room with a daylight window/benching, a guest shower bathroom, a storage room, and a 32 m² (344 sq ft) sports/party/gaming room.

All rooms are connected to the mechanical ventilation system with heat recovery, and all rooms except the utility room and storage have underfloor heating.

In the large room, there will be a bar with a water connection, a projector, screen, sound system... Plus a soundproof door, so you can really turn up the volume.

Actually, I’m still missing one more room down there, but adding a basement under the garage would have been too complex and expensive because it would have required shoring up the neighbor’s side. To use the space more efficiently, we moved the heating and ventilation system out of the basement and planned them in the attic.

We just moved and no longer have a basement. We decided against it for cost reasons. So far, everything fits in the utility room—cleaning supplies, building services equipment, and currently cases of drinks. Washing machine and soon the dryer included. We have a garage with an additional room, an attic space (winter project), and plan to build a garden shed by the end of winter. If it gets too crowded, we’ll just have to take some things to a flea market.

Climbee schrieb:
We also have loads of stuff that needs storing: cross-country, alpine, and touring ski equipment, diving gear for two people, climbing gear, mountaineering equipment (light mountaineering boots, crampon-compatible boots, crampons, ice axe, and whatever else comes along).

Sounds familiar to me.

Best regards, Rina

I consider a basement justified only when it can or must accommodate a truly essential functional room for the homeowners. A home office, hobby room, workshop, etc., definitely belongs in this category. I count storage rooms less so.

I have become a fan of hillside properties. Two living rooms facing the garden on the lower level, plus two basement rooms. However, these are relatively rare.

A basement was definitely a must-have for us. It simply offers flexibility for sports, hobbies, children, a workshop, storage options, and more.

ypg schrieb:
The fruits from the home garden are nowadays usually processed fresh and eaten right away.

This goes around in circles: Small garden, low yield, few tubers, etc. Large garden --> space for a garden shed. So, there will always be a reason to say a basement is not necessary. Practically, it comes down to money.

If building weren’t so expensive, more homes would have basements.

With children, I wouldn’t even know where to put all the stuff. Especially since carrying it up to the attic isn’t much fun either.

Pro basement