Expert: Nazim Nice - 10/4/2009

Question
QUESTION: I have a basement with low ceiling height.  Is it best to raise the house or dig down the basement?

ANSWER: Hi Dan,

We have a good article on our website that describes each of these in details:

http://www.motion-space.com/seattle-basement-remodel.htm

There are a lot of factors that play into whether to choose between jacking up the house or digging down. For example, if you have a masonry fireplace, you can't lift these up, so often times digging down is the only solution.

Why don't you read the article and then post any follow up questions.

Thanks.

Nazim Nice
Principal / Architect
http://www.motion-space.com
--
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

Read our blog at: http://seattlearchitects.blogspot.com/
See our completed projects at: http://www.motion-space.com/seattle-architects-projects.htm
Looking for an architect?: http://www.motion-space.com/seattle-architects.htm
What are the typical services of a design firm?: http://www.motion-space.com/seattle-architecture-firm.htm
Frequently asked questions of architects: http://www.motion-space.com/frequently-asked-architect-questions.htm
Sustainable and green design resources: http://www.motion-space.com/seattle-architects-green-design.htm
Information on garage additions: http://www.motion-space.com/seattle-garage-addition.htm
Remodeling your bathroom: http://www.motion-space.com/seattle-bathroom-remodel.htm
Laundry and mudroom design: http://www.motion-space.com/seattle-laundry-mudroom-design.htm
Remodeling your entire house: http://www.motion-space.com/seattle-whole-house-remodel.htm
Information on Seattle Home additions: http://www.motion-space.com/seattle-home-addition.htm
Adding a roof deck: http://www.motion-space.com/seattle-roof-deck.htm
Choosing exterior colors and materials: http://www.motion-space.com/exterior-house-colors.htm
Read about remodeling your basement: http://www.motion-space.com/seattle-basement-remodel.htm
Need to add more space? Consider a second story addition: http://www.motion-space.com/seattle-second-story-additions.htm
Information on common residential projects: http://www.motion-space.com/seattle-residential-architects.htm


Check out our newest product - Custom Engraved switchplates: http://store.lumenid.com
See our gallery of products: http://store.lumenid.com/product-gallery.html
Send in your own switchplates: http://store.lumenid.com/mail-in.html
Uses for our custom engraved switchplates: http://store.lumenid.com/product-wheretouse.html


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: If I am replacing the basement slab, should there be a vapor barrier below the slab?

Answer
Yes, if you are replacing the slab, a vapor barrier should definitely be installed.  And any penetrations should be sealed well.

Nazim Nice
Principal / Architect
http://www.motion-space.com
--
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

Read our blog at: http://seattlearchitects.blogspot.com/
See our completed projects at: http://www.motion-space.com/seattle-architects-projects.htm
Looking for an architect?: http://www.motion-space.com/seattle-architects.htm
What are the typical services of a design firm?: http://www.motion-space.com/seattle-architecture-firm.htm
Frequently asked questions of architects: http://www.motion-space.com/frequently-asked-architect-questions.htm
Sustainable and green design resources: http://www.motion-space.com/seattle-architects-green-design.htm
Information on garage additions: http://www.motion-space.com/seattle-garage-addition.htm
Remodeling your bathroom: http://www.motion-space.com/seattle-bathroom-remodel.htm
Laundry and mudroom design: http://www.motion-space.com/seattle-laundry-mudroom-design.htm
Remodeling your entire house: http://www.motion-space.com/seattle-whole-house-remodel.htm
Information on Seattle Home additions: http://www.motion-space.com/seattle-home-addition.htm
Adding a roof deck: http://www.motion-space.com/seattle-roof-deck.htm
Choosing exterior colors and materials: http://www.motion-space.com/exterior-house-colors.htm
Read about remodeling your basement: http://www.motion-space.com/seattle-basement-remodel.htm
Need to add more space? Consider a second story addition: http://www.motion-space.com/seattle-second-story-additions.htm
Information on common residential projects: http://www.motion-space.com/seattle-residential-architects.htm


Check out our newest product - Custom Engraved switchplates: http://store.lumenid.com
See our gallery of products: http://store.lumenid.com/product-gallery.html
Send in your own switchplates: http://store.lumenid.com/mail-in.html
Uses for our custom engraved switchplates: http://store.lumenid.com/product-wheretouse.html