Hello dear forum,
We recently managed to secure a building plot and are now slowly but surely moving into the detailed planning phase.
Our plot has a total slope of 4m (13 feet), with 2m (6.5 feet) within the buildable area. So we almost have the choice: basement or no basement.
If we decide against a basement, higher costs for filling and slope stabilization will arise. The question is: what additional costs should we realistically expect?
We are also currently considering a basement. It doesn't really fit into the budget, but we would consider it if the costs for filling and stabilization are very high. And here again the question: a utility basement with partial heating or a living basement that could possibly be rented out. But that would probably also generate significant additional costs.
Opinions on costs vary here as well. So far, we have been quoted prices ranging from 60,000 to 100,000 euros. What would be realistic?
Our plot is located in a new development area, for which a soil report exists. This report does not indicate any special issues. We will obtain a soil report specific to our plot once we know exactly who we will build with.
Of course, we could also wait until that report is available and then decide, but in fact our choice of builder also depends on the decision about the basement.
I would be happy to receive tips and opinions from you.
Thank you very much!
We recently managed to secure a building plot and are now slowly but surely moving into the detailed planning phase.
Our plot has a total slope of 4m (13 feet), with 2m (6.5 feet) within the buildable area. So we almost have the choice: basement or no basement.
If we decide against a basement, higher costs for filling and slope stabilization will arise. The question is: what additional costs should we realistically expect?
We are also currently considering a basement. It doesn't really fit into the budget, but we would consider it if the costs for filling and stabilization are very high. And here again the question: a utility basement with partial heating or a living basement that could possibly be rented out. But that would probably also generate significant additional costs.
Opinions on costs vary here as well. So far, we have been quoted prices ranging from 60,000 to 100,000 euros. What would be realistic?
Our plot is located in a new development area, for which a soil report exists. This report does not indicate any special issues. We will obtain a soil report specific to our plot once we know exactly who we will build with.
Of course, we could also wait until that report is available and then decide, but in fact our choice of builder also depends on the decision about the basement.
I would be happy to receive tips and opinions from you.
Thank you very much!
500 euros per square meter more is still a small amount compared to filling in and securing the ground.
Albert Haus builds with a solid basement as the underground level. Although they are timber frame builders, they had no issues with this when working for friends of mine.
Wir Leben Haus builds with solid wood. We built with them.
Rensch-Haus wanted a retaining wall and to position their house 1 meter (3.3 feet) away from it.
Albert Haus builds with a solid basement as the underground level. Although they are timber frame builders, they had no issues with this when working for friends of mine.
Wir Leben Haus builds with solid wood. We built with them.
Rensch-Haus wanted a retaining wall and to position their house 1 meter (3.3 feet) away from it.
H
HilfeHilfe27 May 2020 08:04We built a retaining wall ourselves up to a maximum height of 2 meters (6.5 feet) and backfilled it.
Why? The foundation slab was already in place, BUT: we only have 480 square meters (5,167 square feet) of land anyway, and this way we were able to save/level about 35 square meters (377 square feet), making it usable.
So also consider whether the plot can be used at all without backfilling.
Why? The foundation slab was already in place, BUT: we only have 480 square meters (5,167 square feet) of land anyway, and this way we were able to save/level about 35 square meters (377 square feet), making it usable.
So also consider whether the plot can be used at all without backfilling.
I’d like to bring up the excavation depth, depending on the slope direction of your site. We also solved this with a basement since we definitely want the living area to open directly into the garden. Ideally, the basement walls should be completely underground. At the back, we ended up exactly at ground level. However, we are raising it by 1 meter (3.3 feet) now because otherwise, we would have needed a lift station.
I can’t give an exact cost increase, but for the earth-contact wall, we used thicker blocks, waterproofing, and drainage. Then there is a waterproof concrete slab and a strip foundation on the downhill side. We are also adding 1 meter (3.3 feet) of fill. Based on the soil report, the current estimate is around €23,000 for foundation, earthworks, and filling. We are also budgeting an additional €10,000 for any extra expenses that may arise. The lateral support will be an additional cost on top of that.
I can’t give an exact cost increase, but for the earth-contact wall, we used thicker blocks, waterproofing, and drainage. Then there is a waterproof concrete slab and a strip foundation on the downhill side. We are also adding 1 meter (3.3 feet) of fill. Based on the soil report, the current estimate is around €23,000 for foundation, earthworks, and filling. We are also budgeting an additional €10,000 for any extra expenses that may arise. The lateral support will be an additional cost on top of that.
Oh dear, oh dear, it’s more complicated than we thought.
Our plot is 518 sqm (about 5,573 sq ft) and the slope goes down from the street. Overall, the plot has a 4 m (13 ft) incline.
The basement is currently more or less fixed, based on what I’ve heard here – many thanks for that!
Now the question is how to proceed.
We originally wanted a fairly large house, since we plan for 3 children’s bedrooms and at least 1 office (preferably 2). We also don’t want to give up a master bedroom with an en-suite bathroom and walk-in closet.
That means we’re looking at over 180 sqm (about 1,940 sq ft). We’re now wondering if it would be worth reducing to 150 or 160 sqm (about 1,615 to 1,720 sq ft) and moving two rooms (the offices) to the basement. That way, upstairs we’d only have the children’s bedrooms and the master bedroom with bathroom.
According to the builder, a smaller house would only cost 20,000 to 25,000 euros less...
Our plot is 518 sqm (about 5,573 sq ft) and the slope goes down from the street. Overall, the plot has a 4 m (13 ft) incline.
The basement is currently more or less fixed, based on what I’ve heard here – many thanks for that!
Now the question is how to proceed.
We originally wanted a fairly large house, since we plan for 3 children’s bedrooms and at least 1 office (preferably 2). We also don’t want to give up a master bedroom with an en-suite bathroom and walk-in closet.
That means we’re looking at over 180 sqm (about 1,940 sq ft). We’re now wondering if it would be worth reducing to 150 or 160 sqm (about 1,615 to 1,720 sq ft) and moving two rooms (the offices) to the basement. That way, upstairs we’d only have the children’s bedrooms and the master bedroom with bathroom.
According to the builder, a smaller house would only cost 20,000 to 25,000 euros less...
Without knowing the elevation points and orientation, I would plan it similarly to how we do it.
The top edge of the slab is 1.2 m (4 feet) above street level.
Ground floor or basement—whatever you want to call it.
Utility room, wardrobe, entrance, common room, guest toilet, garden access
First floor: bedroom, 2 children’s rooms, bathroom, laundry
Attic not developed
No idea how many have offered us a basement or a sunken garage. For what purpose? Give up garden access? More stairs every day?
Please upload your site plan with contour lines. Black out the street.
The top edge of the slab is 1.2 m (4 feet) above street level.
Ground floor or basement—whatever you want to call it.
Utility room, wardrobe, entrance, common room, guest toilet, garden access
First floor: bedroom, 2 children’s rooms, bathroom, laundry
Attic not developed
No idea how many have offered us a basement or a sunken garage. For what purpose? Give up garden access? More stairs every day?
Please upload your site plan with contour lines. Black out the street.
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