New Build - Basement a good or bad idea??

[subirg]

As per the thread title, is it a good or bad idea to plan to build a basement as part of a new build? We have already got planning permission for a new build. At the mo its about 4,000 sq ft, ground floor and first floor contemporary design. We don't want to add floors ('cos we like the design), but we are tempted to add a basement for things like gym, storage, man cave etc. Is it a good idea or not? I've heard lots of horror stories of basements costing loads to build and not returning the investment, but I've also heard that doesn't need to be the case. We are not building for profit - we are building to live in this house for a good few years (10+), but I still don't want to put money into something that won't pay back.

[eps]

I think they're a great idea, but... groundworks cost the most of any type of development.

[elanfan]

I think the rule of thumb is it costs twice as much to go down as up. If you can live with the costs go for it i' d love a basement. All those American houses with large basements you see on TV are fantastic.

[dodgydave]

What would be the likely £ per square foot value for a 6000 sq ft house, and how much extra would it cost to get there.
We have three floors of about 2200 sq ft each, and I have cinema, study,games room,gym, steam room,plus a garden room in my basement. But we are on a sloping plot, so the back of the house is the same level of the back garden,and the front is dug into the slope.
I think getting the lighting right will be the key.

[AndrewCrown]

Subirq

I would do it... it will pay back in sq ft future value. It could offer all sorts of future flexibility, even if you don't fit it all out initially. If possible build external light wells for access and light. As long as it is engineered correctly in the first place it should never be a problem.
Cheers
A

[newbie29]

Hi Mate

Im in the middle of self managing my new build and basement, heres the thread, rule of thumb for me will i get back every penny spent if i decided to sell, the answer was yes every time, so we started digging deep, what area are you building in?

Always get a water table test before you decide on a basement, as a high water table area can rocket the costs.

Give me a shout if you need any advice.


-Return on money if any.
- water table levels a must dont go for a fancy soil report etc etc a simple water table test shouldnt cost more than 600-1000, i paid for teh full report which i didnt even use.
-Design to allow light (see my plans light well within the garden, this also gives the basement its own garden, plus access to the basement from the ground floor garden area.
-Basement companies do charge a arm and leg, basement builds are coming down in labour costs, there is alot of competition in this area as ive learned 1st hand, dont go for the cow boy, theres plenty of reputable companies who are reasonable.

Heres my build
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=144...

[rich83]

Would it be possible to do a "half depth" type basement? and have the first floor half a floor up from ground?

[nute]

If you do go for it make sure you get the tanking right, You only get one shot at it so do it right first time. Its a bh to sort out retrospectively if it fails or doesn't work in the first place. The number of places i look at which have water ingress problems because of poor initial installation you would not believe.