If your home has a subterranean area, you may have thought to take advantage of that extra room by expanding your living quarters. Sounds challenging? Good news is, with a thorough design strategy and the proper team on your side, it doesn’t have to be! But how can you turn a crawl space into a usable basement? The answer is: very carefully.
Many homeowners are looking to utilize every part of their current space better by way of bespoke renovation solutions. An increasing number of customers in the Nashville area are seeking additional square footage using this method, though it’s not an easy procedure. Turning a crawl space into a basement may significantly expand the amount of living space in your house, and finding the right professional contractor for the job can help you and your family achieve this safely and effectively.
Why Should I Make A Basement Out Of My Crawl Space?
Due to the amount of labor it requires, a crawl space conversion is typically seen as a last resort type of project by most homeowners. However, there are many situations where converting a crawl space is a choice that might make the most sense for those residents, such as the following:
When Down Is The Only Way To Go
Need extra room in your home? A crawl space conversion can be the solution for you if you are unable to extend your home at its side with a conventional addition or on its top with a second-story extension.
Some of the reasons that might make growing downwards the only feasible alternative for expansion could be more common than you think. It’s possible that property borders can restrict you from growing. Maybe a tree is blocking your path, and removing it would cost too much money, or is a beloved asset of your property. It might be challenging to add a third story if your home already has a second level. Other times, the construction of a single-level home simply cannot support the additional weight of a second floor.
Have A Partial Basement Foundation At The Moment
Some houses feature a foundation that is divided into two parts: a standard-height basement and a shorter crawl space. Homes constructed on slopes are more likely to have partial basement foundations. The area of the basement that has windows and an exterior entrance is typically called a daylight basement.
When a basement is only partially finished, it can be a very sensical idea to finish the rest of it! The project cost is typically less than a full crawl space conversion due to the already established section of basement that has an access door and area to work in.
The Best Use Of The Space Would Be A Basement
Maybe you’re planning on using the room you’re adding to your house for a particular, unconventional purpose. Adding it to a lower level could be the best option depending on the use you have intended for the space.
Take a room with an indoor pool as an example. It would be quite challenging to include that in a second story! If you can’t extend outward, you could install a pool in the basement instead. While in most circumstances, an extension to the side of your house would make the most sense, don’t make the mistake of overlooking digging down for inspiration.
What Are The Steps Involved In Converting A Crawl Space Into A Basement?
It’s time to go to work if you’ve decided a crawl space conversion is the correct choice for you. For a basement to be deemed a “living area,” it has to meet a number of characteristics. That being said, the goals for a successful crawl space conversion are listed below:
Increasing The Average Ceiling’s Head Height
The vertical distance between the floor and the ceiling in a basement is known as the head height. The ceiling height required by the Tennessee building code for a basement to be deemed a “living area” is at least 7 feet. Since this part involves the most labor, converting a crawl space to a basement often starts with the head height. You’ll need to create an additional 3 feet of head space because most crawl spaces are only approximately 4 feet tall.
Digging Down The Bed
Digging down the floor of your crawl space until you have enough headroom is your first choice. This procedure frequently involves the use of large excavation equipment and several man-hours spent excavating the crawl space and hauling the soil away. An expert concrete contractor will next need to extend the foundation to the new level and make sure it can handle the weight of the home above. The majority of dig-downs occur in crawl spaces and partial basements with dirt flooring.
Appropriate Waterproofing Actions
Addressing any waterproofing needs is the next stage in converting a crawl space. Before finishing the area’s basement build, it’s critical to address any concerns with water penetration since water can harm building materials, including flooring, drywall, wood framing, and eventually the whole structure itself!
Unfortunately, crawl space and basement walls alike that haven’t been adequately waterproofed frequently allow groundwater to leak through. Older dwellings are more susceptible to these moisture intrusion issues, so rely on a local professional waterproofing team (like us here at Smoky Mountain!) to install solutions that will last decades.
Are You Ready For A Crawl Space Conversion?
You may just be ready to take the following action now that you are fully aware of how to turn a crawl space into a basement. Don’t do it alone when you’re ready to turn your crawl space into a basement! Just like with many various waterproofing services, DIY options won’t suffice your home for the long haul.
The procedure needs meticulous planning, skilled construction, and many work hours, even for larger teams. To arrange a free evaluation, give Smoky Mountain Crawlspace Systems a call today at (865) 299-2315. With the aid of our skilled team, we will assist you in organizing and installing your crawl space conversion.
