Hello everyone,
I finally decided to register here today because I have a question that neither the forum search nor Google or other online research has been able to answer (or maybe I just wasn’t able to find it ).
I’m really hoping for your expert help.
Here is my question/problem:
My construction project in Bavaria (about 9x10 meters (29x33 feet) external dimensions) includes a basement. I estimate that the groundwater starts at around 2 to 2.5 meters (6.5 to 8 feet) and suspect that excavation will have to go down to nearly 3 meters (10 feet). Of course, the building will use a waterproof concrete shell ("white tank"), with pressure-resistant windows, B2 construction site, etc. All of that is settled and I hope it is adequate.
The big question for me is… what kind of costs should I roughly expect to lower the groundwater level during the construction phase?
Pump rental, wastewater fees (I might be allowed to discharge into a nearby river – but then I would need a sand filter, right?), what rental or operating duration should I anticipate, and so on?
As mentioned, my previous research hasn’t been very helpful… I only find general info about groundwater or overall basement costs, but I simply cannot find specific expected costs related to groundwater pumping. I would be happy to get any kind of estimate so I can at least factor it somewhat into my overall budget calculation!
I would really appreciate your help!!
Best regards,
Bully
I finally decided to register here today because I have a question that neither the forum search nor Google or other online research has been able to answer (or maybe I just wasn’t able to find it ).
I’m really hoping for your expert help.
Here is my question/problem:
My construction project in Bavaria (about 9x10 meters (29x33 feet) external dimensions) includes a basement. I estimate that the groundwater starts at around 2 to 2.5 meters (6.5 to 8 feet) and suspect that excavation will have to go down to nearly 3 meters (10 feet). Of course, the building will use a waterproof concrete shell ("white tank"), with pressure-resistant windows, B2 construction site, etc. All of that is settled and I hope it is adequate.
The big question for me is… what kind of costs should I roughly expect to lower the groundwater level during the construction phase?
Pump rental, wastewater fees (I might be allowed to discharge into a nearby river – but then I would need a sand filter, right?), what rental or operating duration should I anticipate, and so on?
As mentioned, my previous research hasn’t been very helpful… I only find general info about groundwater or overall basement costs, but I simply cannot find specific expected costs related to groundwater pumping. I would be happy to get any kind of estimate so I can at least factor it somewhat into my overall budget calculation!
I would really appreciate your help!!
Best regards,
Bully
Bully schrieb:
....The big question I have is… roughly what costs should I expect to lower the groundwater level during the construction period?
Pump rental, wastewater fees (possibly I am allowed to discharge into the nearby river – but then I would need a “sand filter,” right?), what rental duration or operating time should I calculate, etc.? Counter question: How much water will need to be managed or retained? For how long? What is the pressure loss (energy consumption) for the transport? Which pump (capacity) will be required based on this? Best regards
Ok... those are very clever counter-questions... if only I knew all that! ^^
I am working with a full-service provider (yes, yes... I’m gaining experience already, but the contract has long been signed), partly because I (still) don’t know much about the details :/ Unfortunately (one of the experiences) they are very reserved regarding any statements about "variable costs" and aren’t really helpful with such questions.
The small stream I might have to divert into is only about 20 meters (65 feet) away (more or less on the opposite side of the street) and the site is generally quite flat—so no hillside or anything like that in any direction. How long must it be kept in place? Well, I guess at least until the basement is built, but is that usually the case? Since I don’t have a soil report and the excavation pit isn’t dug yet, I also don’t know what kind of pump or capacity is needed...
Sorry if this remains so vague... but I would be grateful just to get some kind of orientation (ideal case/average/worst case)... right now I’m completely clueless whether this will cost 200 euros or closer to 20,000 euros. I’m broke, hence my noob question here in the forum.
Of course, I have included a cost item for “additional construction costs” in my budget, under which this would also fall... but whether this will be blown out of proportion because of groundwater, or if I can actually save something... that’s what I’m trying to find out!
Thanks anyway for your response!
I am working with a full-service provider (yes, yes... I’m gaining experience already, but the contract has long been signed), partly because I (still) don’t know much about the details :/ Unfortunately (one of the experiences) they are very reserved regarding any statements about "variable costs" and aren’t really helpful with such questions.
The small stream I might have to divert into is only about 20 meters (65 feet) away (more or less on the opposite side of the street) and the site is generally quite flat—so no hillside or anything like that in any direction. How long must it be kept in place? Well, I guess at least until the basement is built, but is that usually the case? Since I don’t have a soil report and the excavation pit isn’t dug yet, I also don’t know what kind of pump or capacity is needed...
Sorry if this remains so vague... but I would be grateful just to get some kind of orientation (ideal case/average/worst case)... right now I’m completely clueless whether this will cost 200 euros or closer to 20,000 euros. I’m broke, hence my noob question here in the forum.
Of course, I have included a cost item for “additional construction costs” in my budget, under which this would also fall... but whether this will be blown out of proportion because of groundwater, or if I can actually save something... that’s what I’m trying to find out!
Thanks anyway for your response!
Without a soil survey, you can forget about planning anything… Don’t underestimate the earthworks. We are building without a basement and still have a total cost of 20,000 on a “fairly flat” plot of land.
In any case, prepare for the worst-case scenario… so a basement with a waterproof shell (white tank) costs around 50,000 € and then something between 2,000 and 10,000 for the pump. On top of that, there are earthworks, connection fees, etc., so it might be worth reconsidering whether to skip the basement.
Before signing anything, be sure to get a soil survey and a surveyor involved. Otherwise, you can’t accurately estimate the costs in advance.
In any case, prepare for the worst-case scenario… so a basement with a waterproof shell (white tank) costs around 50,000 € and then something between 2,000 and 10,000 for the pump. On top of that, there are earthworks, connection fees, etc., so it might be worth reconsidering whether to skip the basement.
Before signing anything, be sure to get a soil survey and a surveyor involved. Otherwise, you can’t accurately estimate the costs in advance.
B
Bauexperte12 Jun 2012 00:21Hello,
I hope so too, because building without a soil investigation – even with seemingly good ground conditions – is already quite risky; with groundwater practically just below the surface, it is really hard to justify!
Neither €uro nor any other user can reliably and professionally answer that, as the costs vary from state to state and then again for each city or municipality; furthermore, the specific details of the building project need to be considered. In any case, a local fee will apply, as you will need a water management permit / water use authorization.
Best regards
Bully schrieb:
My building project in Bavaria (approximately 9x10 m (30x33 feet) external dimensions) included a basement.... Everything has been clarified and I hope that’s acceptable.
I hope so too, because building without a soil investigation – even with seemingly good ground conditions – is already quite risky; with groundwater practically just below the surface, it is really hard to justify!
Bully schrieb:
The big question I have is... roughly what costs should I expect...
Neither €uro nor any other user can reliably and professionally answer that, as the costs vary from state to state and then again for each city or municipality; furthermore, the specific details of the building project need to be considered. In any case, a local fee will apply, as you will need a water management permit / water use authorization.
Best regards
@ Der Da: Thanks for your feedback; the contract is already signed, and the basement is definitely included. In the immediate neighborhood, there are already (older) houses with basements... so I started without a soil survey, even though I'm inexperienced.
@ Building Expert: Okay, now I know from you that I’m building recklessly and no one will be able to advise me otherwise. Thanks, very helpful.
To everyone else who still wants to share their opinion, I would remain grateful – as I said, I don’t expect definite statements (I understand that every situation is unique), but I appreciate any guidance and possibly experience from homeowners in a similar situation.
@ Building Expert: Okay, now I know from you that I’m building recklessly and no one will be able to advise me otherwise. Thanks, very helpful.
To everyone else who still wants to share their opinion, I would remain grateful – as I said, I don’t expect definite statements (I understand that every situation is unique), but I appreciate any guidance and possibly experience from homeowners in a similar situation.
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