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Architecture/basement question
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Question
Hello,
I'm looking at possibly building a new home and there is a design I've come across that I like everything except for the basement which I would prefer to be a little bigger. Aside from that the 1st and second floor are wonderful.
Given that, I was wondering if it is possible to make the basement wider and longer than what is above it or if that is a structural impossibility in which case I'd just expand the other floors a little even though it is not really needed.
Jeff - thanks for your question!
It's not a structural impossibility, but it is almost certainly a structural impracticality.
It would be far less expensive to make the house bigger; by the time you build the structure to hold the house up over the larger basement and figure out how to cover the "gap" between the foundation wall and the house walls you'll have spend a whole lot more that it would cost to simply enlarge the house.
Hope this helps!
Richard Taylor, AIA
Residential Architect
www.rtastudio.com
www.rtaplans.com
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Answers by Expert:
Richard Taylor, AIA
Expertise
Ask me about all aspects of house, remodeling. , and room addition design and construction. Ask me about historic homes, renovation, and restoration. Ask me about materials and techniques, and about how you can get the best value for your design and construction dollar. Ask me how you can make your home a very special place. I can't, however, answer specific structural engineering questions in this forum - that's something you'll need on-site observation for.
Experience
I own a full-service residential architectural firm, and have been designing custom homes, remodelings, and room additions across the country since 1983. Check us out at Richard Taylor Architects and RTA Plans. I have written and been published extensively on the subject of residential architecture.
Organizations
American Institute of Architects, City of Dublin Architectural Review Board, Vice Chair of City of Dublin Planning and Zoning Commission, American Planning Association, Board Member Historic Dublin Business Association, Past Editor of SPLASH (a software forum), Past Editor of Open Directory Project, Assistant Scoutmaster, Boy Scouts of America
Publications
Business First of Columbus, Suburban New Publications, About.com, Cleveland Plain Dealer, Columbus Dispatch Residential Architect
Custom Home Architect
Remodeling Architect
Education/Credentials
Bachelor of Environmental Design (Architecture) Miami University 1983
For more about home design, check out my blog at Sense Of Place and join the conversation on our Facebook Page.
Awards and Honors
2010 Dublin Chamber of Commerce Business Person of the Year
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