Transforming a crawl space into a fully functional basement typically ranges from $20,000 for a simple dig-out to upwards of $90,000 for a comprehensive job including excavation, underpinning, and interior finishing. Costs vary depending on location, size, and the specific requirements of the project.
Converting a crawl space into a basement can significantly expand your home's living space. While this transformation requires careful planning and expertise, it can be a practical solution for adding square footage to your existing home.
This process is more complicated than you might expect. To dig out the crawl space, a team needs to be able to get tools underneath the ground, then dig and hollow out the area with the home resting above them. They also have to haul the dirt out as they dig.
Converting a crawl space to a basement will likely cost $47,500–$135,000 while digging out a new basement can cost as much as $150,000.
Yes, it's possible to add a basement to a house with a crawl space, but it's a big project that involves digging out space beneath the existing structure. You'll need to consult with a structural engineer and a contractor to see if it's feasible for your specific situation. Good luck with your project!
Crawl spaces, however, are cheaper to build than basements (saving you between $5,000–10,000), though they take approximately the same amount of time to construct.
Finishing a basement can be an exciting home improvement project, but it usually requires getting the proper permits first. You might be tempted to skip this step, thinking it will save time and money, but finishing a basement without a permit can lead to serious consequences that may end up costing you more.
Building up is always the least expensive option for increasing your home's square-footage because it requires less material and labor. For example, if you have 1,000 sq. feet on the main level and want to add 1,000 sq.
Drawbacks of a Crawl Space
Storms cause thousands of dollars more in property damage to crawl space homes than they do to basement homes. Crawl spaces also aren't very useful for storage. The moisture and mold that fill crawl spaces make them a poor choice to store anything other than concrete mix and bricks.
A foundation costs $6 to $50 per square foot, depending on the type. A standard 2,000-square-foot concrete slab foundation costs $12,000 to $28,000, while a basement foundation costs $70,000 to $100,000+. The best foundation for your home depends on the soil conditions, water level, and frost line in your area.
Vacuum the Dirt
Use a vacuum cleaner effective at trapping dust particles and that won't stir up additional dust. A shop vac is more effective for this project. Do not use water during crawl space dirt removal. It will increase moisture and humidity, allowing mold and fungi to grow.
A half-finished basement costs $7 to $23 per square foot, but the total project cost will be lower compared to a fully finished basement since the amount of space being renovated is smaller.
Basements are great for providing increased storage, space for entertainment, and increasing resale value. The average cost to build a full 2,000-square-foot basement with no existing crawl space is around $110,000. If you already have a crawl space, you can add a basement for about $45,000.
A basement can significantly increase a home's resale value. This is primarily due to the extra square footage it adds to the property. A larger home generally fetches a higher price in the real estate market, and a basement is no exception to this rule.
Converting a crawlspace to a completely finished basement costs $50 per square foot on average with a typical range of $30 to $75 per square foot. Adding 2,000 square feet under your home runs $60,000 to $150,000. Expanding an existing partial basement into a full one might run $20,000 to $70,000.
A crawl space can be a helpful home feature, but it has potential drawbacks. Be aware of these risks when considering buying a home with a crawl space: Moisture from the soil can cause many problems, including mold, rot, and poor air quality in the home. Humid spaces also can attract termites and other pests.
What is a Daylight Basement? A daylight basement is a basement that includes at least one full-sized window open to the exterior. This window can be above ground level or can also be below ground level with a window well. A daylight basement may also include a door, but it would not exit out onto ground level.
Finishing a basement costs homeowners an average of $7,000–$23,000. See which factors will impact your total cost. Some homeowners are happy using their basements as storage space, but others see the basement as extra square footage to be used as a home office, home theater, or extra bedroom.
Prefab homes: Modular or manufactured homes are more affordable because their structures are partially built off-site, rather than building a fully custom house on-site. Tiny homes: A tiny home may be the cheapest type of house to build.
An “Iceberg House” is more of a trendy description than a technical architectural term, but it describes the practice of adding onto an existing home by digging a disproportionately large basement — sometimes multiple stories deep — below the existing structure.
However, to be considered legal, a basement apartment must meet certain criteria including (but not limited to) minimum ceiling height, a minimum number of windows and exits, and possibly even having its own utility meters.
Price: Crawl Spaces
Building a crawl space foundation costs around $14,000, or between $5 and $16 per square foot. Basements are more expensive, at an average of $30,000 or between $25 and $50 per square foot. Finished basements can total even more, sometimes in excess of $50,000.