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About Paul S. Brown, AIA
Expertise
How to work with an Architect. What to expect for design fees. What services are normally
included; what are not included? How do I find an Architect in my area? Why do I need an
Architect? How to be clear about your space needs. Why time must be managed properly.
Experience
24 years involvement in the practice of Architecture, including some teaching experience. Most of my work has been within the employment of various firms, but I have also done some small-scale projects on my own.
Particular interests include Environmental Design, "Green" Design, and Appropriate Technologies. LEED (TM) Accredited Professional.
I have some specific experience with Historic Preservation, Medical Facilities, Commercial Interiors, and Public School projects.
Education: Bachelor of Environmental Design Degree (Architecture), 1978, Miami University in Ohio. I am registered to practice professionally in the states of Massachusetts and Maine.
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You are here: Experts > Arts/Humanities > Visual Arts > Architecture > adding a basement
Expert: Paul S. Brown, AIA - 8/11/2008
Question
QUESTION: we are looking at buying a small house is the suburbs in Minnesota however it does not have a basement which is pretty uncommon here. it doesn't seem to have any unusual soil conditions and its locations implies that it also does not have a high water table. my question is: is it possible to add a basement on to an existing home and how would i go about finding a contractor for this?
ANSWER: Hi Nicole:
Congrats on your prospective home purchase.
Yes, this can be done; but it is not at all a cost-effective prospect. Inserting a new basement under an existing home involves disconnecting all the utilities, excavating, lifting the entire house, and then setting it back down on the new foundation and re-connecting everything. It also opens up any issues about updating any non-code-compliant systems. Depending on the size/cost of the house, costs of adding the basement could be as much as the purchase price.
My advice to you, if a basement is really necessary, is to keep looking for a house that already has one. Sorry, I hope this is not too disappointing for you.
Good luck,
PB
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: what would be the most cost effective way to get more sq ft? the house is very small and not very efficient, too small to remodel but on an acre+ lot. we have decided to give up size for land and are getting a great deal about 30,000 less than our target price
Answer
Hi Nicole:
A much more cost effective way to gain area would be to simply add an addition. The new space could include a basement or not, as you wish; and any size, shape or configuration. You would be able to design exactly what you want to suit your needs.
- PB
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