Digging Out A Crawl Space To Make A Basement

Turning your crawl space into a basement can add valuable space to your home. Picture having an extra room for a family area, a home gym, or just more storage. But before you can enjoy this new space, there’s some serious work to be done.

This blog will guide you through the process of digging out a crawl space to make a basement. We’ll explain what’s involved, the challenges you might face, and the benefits you’ll gain.

Can You Dig Out A Crawl Space Into A Basement?

Yes, digging out a crawl space into a basement is possible.

A crawl space is an unfinished area beneath some homes, usually 1 to 3 feet high, located between the ground and the first floor. In contrast, basements are enclosed areas below ground level, either partially or fully underground. It spans a significant portion of the entire footprint of the building.

Crawl spaces are uninhabited and can be a wasted space if left unused. By digging out the soil, you can expand the crawl space into a larger area below or partially below ground level, effectively converting it into a basement.

The Process Of Digging Out A Crawl Space To Make A Basement

So, how do you dig out a crawl space?

The general process is as follows:

1) Evaluation Of The Crawl Space 

First, you must evaluate your crawl space to see if it is suitable for conversion into a basement.

You should look at the following factors:

• Foundation: You must check the condition of your foundation. You need to ensure it is in good condition and can handle the project you’re about to do.
• Crawl space: Not all crawl spaces are suitable for conversion into a basement. You need to check if it is feasible in your home.
• Building codes: You must also check if your project complies with local building codes. Some areas may have regulations regarding the kind of renovations you can do in your home.
• Soil structure: Apart from the foundation, you should assess the soil’s structural stability beneath your residence. Should the soil exhibit deficiencies, it may be unable to support additional loads or any disturbance.
• Pre-existing utilities: If you have housing utilities in the crawl space, such as water pipes, HVAC, gas lines, and electrical wiring, you must check if you can relocate or redirect them. This poses a challenge if you have a lot of utilities in the crawl space.

You can hire a professional to do the evaluation for you. This will ensure that all aspects of your home are considered and that you get the best possible advice on how to proceed with your conversion project.

2) Fix Foundation And Water-related Problems

After the evaluation, you must address the issues that you encounter. You have to fix them before you start because If you don’t, you’ll eventually need to fix them later. This includes tackling any existing issues such as weak foundation points, moisture problems, or water intrusion. They can cause complications during or after the conversion.

3) Design And Plan the Basement

Before you start digging, you must have a plan for what you want to do with the basement. You need to decide what layout will best suit your needs. This includes deciding on the number of rooms, their sizes and locations, and any special features.

Creating a comprehensive plan involves:

• Specifications for basement waterproofing, ventilation, and egress: These are essential for making the space safe and livable.
• Layout and structural reinforcements: Plan out the living space, storage areas, and any necessary structural reinforcements to support the existing home above.
• Additional features: Consider special features such as windows, doors, and interior finishes.

4) Obtaining Permits

If your city requires permits for the work you plan to do, obtaining them before starting construction is essential. This will ensure you won’t have any problems with the city later. Usually, you can get a building permit by filling out an application form and paying a fee at your local engineering department.

5) Provide Temporary Support For Your Home

Crawl spaces are usually less than 5 feet tall and do not have enough headroom to do any construction work. Therefore, you need to lift up your home to have enough space for excavation. Temporary support structures must be put in place to ensure the home’s safety during the conversion process.

6) Excavation

You can begin excavating after you complete the necessary steps above. Depending on the scope and access to the crawl space, this step involves removing soil to reach the desired depth for the new basement.

You can dig out your crawl space by hand or using heavy machinery like excavators. If you only need to dig out a small portion of your crawl space, you can use a shovel to remove the soil. Otherwise, you can use heavy machinery for large-scale work.

7) Basement Construction

Once you have completed the excavation, it is time to begin construction on your new basement. Follow the plan that you’ve created. This will help prevent mishaps and ensure the conversion is completed on time and within budget.

How Much Does A Crawl Space To Basement Conversion Cost?

As a rough estimate, you may expect to invest anywhere from $60,000 to $150,000 for the conversion. However, the cost can fluctuate depending on the scale and complexity of your project. The cost can surpass $150,000 for more extensive and higher-end finishes.

Several factors can affect the cost of the crawl space conversion. Here are some of them:

• Scope and scale: The size of the basement and the desired finishes can affect the project’s cost. A larger basement will need more materials and labor, which can increase your overall costs. Similarly, if you want to install high-end finishes like hardwood flooring or custom cabinetry, expect to pay more than if you were just looking for basic finishes.
• Excavation requirements: The cost may vary significantly based on the volume of soil to be removed and the accessibility of the crawl space for excavation equipment.
• Structural alterations: Reinforcing the home’s foundation and implementing support structures for the new basement can also be a major expense.
• Water management systems: Ensuring proper drainage and waterproofing is important to protect the basement from moisture and water damage. Installing sump pumps, French drains, or other waterproofing systems is an investment to consider.
• Interior finishing: The cost of finishing the space to make it habitable can vary widely. This depends on the materials chosen and the level of finish desired, including the installation of walls, floors, electrical systems, plumbing, lighting, and HVAC.

With all these factors in mind, it’s important to clearly understand what you want to achieve with your basement project before you start. This will help you determine the best way to proceed and avoid costly mistakes down the road.

The Benefits Of Digging Out A Crawl Space Into A Basement

Converting a crawl space comes with a hefty price tag. However, there are many reasons why homeowners still choose to do so.

Here are the benefits of digging out a crawl space into a basement:

• It increases the available living or storage space within the home.
• It can significantly increase the property’s resale value.
• A basement offers an opportunity for additional income through rental.
• It can provide space for specialized rooms, such as a home office, gym, or entertainment area.
• It can allow easy access to a home’s utility systems, including plumbing, electrical, and ventilation.
• It can help improve home waterproofing and foundation integrity.

Why Shouldn’t You Dig Out Your Crawl Space?

While there are many reasons why you might want to dig out your crawl space, there are also some good reasons not to. It’s essential to consider both sides to avoid any potential problems.

Here are some reasons not to dig out a crawl space:

• Excavating a crawl space may compromise the structural integrity of your home.
• The process involves a substantial financial investment.
• It risks damaging plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems embedded near or within the crawl space.
• It may increase moisture and water infiltration problems.
• The additional space will require heating, cooling, and maintenance, increasing long-term living costs.

In some cases, the benefits of digging out a crawl space to make a basement outweigh the risks. If you’re considering proceeding, consult a professional contractor to help you perform the project safely.

If you reside in the Chicagoland area, The Real Seal is ready to help you with your crawl space, basement, and foundation needs. Contact us, and we’ll happily provide you with a free estimate.