Earthmoving Guide to Excavating Your New Basement Space
Digging out a basement to create more living space has become a popular home renovation choice among householders seeking to improve their quality of life while adding value to their property.
In some cases, a basement excavation may provide the only option, due to lack of space for an extension onto the side of a house or constraints on building upwards.
Even when restricting factors like these don’t come into play, many home-owners still choose to create an additional room beneath their house to avoid losing precious garden or lawn space.
Planning Your Basement Excavation
Careful planning is key to a successful basement excavation that’s completed on time and within budget.
The main concern is supporting and protecting your house. Before excavation begins, it’s advisable to get architectural plans drawn up – engineering work is generally necessary to provide structural support.
In fact, a large slice of your basement excavation costs will be determined by the type and extent of foundation and structural work that needs to be done. This is one of the reasons why the cost of basement extensions can vary a lot.
You’ll also need to make sure your basement excavation will comply with planning, building and safety regulations and codes.
A professional basement excavation contractor can be a huge help in handling the paperwork on your behalf. They’ll also be able to offer advice if there are any boundary problems such as a shared wall with a neighbour.
Budgeting for Your Basement Conversion
You may need to fork out several thousand dollars on support work before any digging can start.
Bear in mind that unforeseen problems – such as soil-related issues like marshy ground or encountering tree roots or boulders – can push up excavation costs.
Other cost factors that householders may overlook when planning a basement extension include:
- Difficulty of access to the site.
- Drainage diversion.
- Removal of debris.
Waterproofing and Ventilation and Heating Issues
Besides structural work, you should also consider how you’re going to make your new basement living space watertight. Your basement forms a large part of your home’s foundations, so it’s crucial to maintain it in a sound, dry condition.
Lack of or inadequate waterproofing in the basement can pose a substantial threat to the structural integrity of your property if water seeps into the foundations, walls and floor.
A good ventilation and heating system is essential for a comfortable and healthy basement living space. Underfloor heating can be a good option for basements but be sure to get proper insulation installed first.
The Basement Excavation Process
Just as careful preparation is imperative ahead of a basement extension, each stage of the earthmoving process also calls for meticulous planning and high standards of workmanship.
This typically includes:
- Thorough evaluation of the structure.
- Assessment of the type of soil.
- Fixing any drainage problems.
- Safety precautions such as trench boxes to avoid cave-ins.
- Pouring in a new footing.
Benefits of Hiring a Professional Basement Excavation Contractor
Hiring a professional earthmoving contractor will guarantee your basement project runs as smoothly and safely as possible.
Professional basement earthmovers have the experience and expertise to avoid the costly mistakes often made by amateurs attempting a basement excavation job. A DIY basement excavation may run the risk of damaging your property’s foundations and those of close neighbours.
While avoiding problems like this, a good basement earthmoving contractor will also know how to deal with unexpected problems as a matter of routine. They’ll also have specialised equipment manned by skilled and licensed operatives.
If you are looking for a good earthmoving contractor, check out https://www.earthmovingcontractorsmelbourne.com and they can pave the way for you to create an extra room in your home that will enhance your lifestyle and increase the market of your home.
