Does your home have a crawlspace or an unfinished basement? Have you ever wondered how a Boston basement dugout could help improve your home? There are both pros and cons to choosing to dig out your basement. It’s a good idea to know just what to expect if you decide to give it a try.
Digging out the basement may not be the right solution for everyone. It’s not really an easy task, and the cost may not be worth it for you. However, if it’s something you’re considering, read through this guide to get all of the details you need for an informed decision.
Why Dig Out a Basement?
Let’s start with the why. Before you choose to dig out the basement, you need to know just what the purpose is going to be for you. Figuring out your plans and weighing the pros and cons might help you make your decision in the end.
The real question is most likely going to be whether or not you think digging out the basement is really worth it. For some people, it won’t be.
We’ve got some basic things to consider, which we’ll cover in just a moment. One of the key elements to really making that basement worth it will be getting it finished so it actually seems like it’s part of the home.
If you’re going to dig out a basement, you should plan to use that space. Make it comfy and cozy. Make it warm and welcoming. Make it a space you can use and enjoy.
Why you dig out the basement is really up to you. We just want you to make sure you have a “why” before you start on this path.
Most of the time, you dig out a basement because you want the space for some purpose.
Things to Consider for a Boston Basement Digout
In order to make a decision, there are several points that you will want to take into consideration. These are questions that you should ask yourself to help narrow down whether or not this is really an ideal solution for you.
Remember that digging out the basement may not be for everyone. It can be expensive, and it can be incredibly complicated. Everyone’s needs differ, so the project will differ as well.
Here are the main points that you should consider before you plan a dig out.
- Budget
- Access
- Sewer Line Location
- State of Current Basement Space
- Is There Really Room?
- The Neighbors
Budget
The budget is the biggest point to consider here. You can most likely get an estimate, and you should definitely do so if this is a serious goal. You might take a look at that estimate and immediately mark this off the list.
One thing we can tell you for sure is that digging out a basement is never cheap. This is because of the equipment required to safely dig, as well as the time and challenge of digging.
There will be many aspects that come into play here to affect the cost, but you should plan for a pricey project. This is where you will decide whether or not the cost is really going to be worth it to you in the end.
You might even find another option to manage the need you’re trying to fill with a basement digout.
Access
If you decide to move forward with digging out the basement, the workers and the equipment have to be able to access the space. Think about where your home is located and how much space you have.
The machinery for digging a basement is pretty large, and they will certainly need room to work. If they don’t have adequate space to work in, they can’t dig for you. On the other hand, if they have limited space, it might make the job more complicated – and therefore more expensive.
Sewer Line Location
Whether you plan to make any adjustments to your sewer line or not, you need to know where it is and how it is situated. A basement will require the addition of further sewer lines or a pump system.
There are times you may have to lower your sewer system or adjust it to accommodate the basement. You will also need to consider the cost of adding pumps or drainage to the space.
State of the Current Space
What kind of state is that space currently in? Will you just be digging down, or will you also need to consider lifting the house? Is that space currently wet or dry?
All of these questions are relevant, and they will play into the process. In most cases, when you dig out a basement, you also add foundation walls to the space. When that happens, you need to go ahead and waterproof as well while they are in there.
You will want to be able to keep your new basement dry.
Is There Really Room?
We already touched on room for the equipment to come in and work, but is there really room to make this project feasible?
If you’re looking for ways to expand your space and maybe add another bedroom or a laundry room, you might be able to consider other options. If digging below your home is going to be too expensive, do you have the possibility of adding somewhere else?
If you can accommodate your needs in another way, you might want to consider and compare that option.
The Neighbors
In a perfect world, we wouldn’t worry about the neighbors. The truth of the matter is we do need to consider our neighbors. The reason for this is that your neighbor’s home and their proximity to your home might actually affect the project.
It is not impossible to dig when neighbors are close, but it can cause complications. The rule of thumb is that you want as much space between you and your neighbors as you plan to dig down.
Here’s an example. If you plan to dig down 6 feet, you really should have 6 feet of space between your home and the neighbor’s home. Otherwise, there will be additional costs and concessions required.
Is Digging a Basement a Good Idea?
Now that you’ve got some perspective, ask yourself whether or not this seems like a good project for you. Once you’ve weighed the cost and the different aspects that will affect the project, you can make a clear decision.