Basement Pros & Cons
Yes, we do basements. Basement spaces are no longer the cold, dimly lit, musty-smelling places, with a creaky door, that are often depicted in scary movies. The building materials and requirements used today make those old stereotypes a thing of the past. Basement spaces today can be a very desirable and enjoyable upgrade for your new home. Most homeowners that choose to include basement space in their custom home build, absolutely love it and have no regrets.
However, you rarely see basement space as an option on cookie-cutter homes in the Boise area – why is that? Well, let’s face it, many large volume home builders don’t include basement space simply because of the added time, cost, and complexity. If you are building a custom home, you don’t have to rule it out, just be aware that there are pros and cons, and several important factors to consider when deciding whether or not to do a basement.
Let's First Discuss Some Of The Pros Of Having A Basement:
Temperature
Basement living areas pair well with the hot summers and cold winters here in the Boise area. Due to more comfortable temperatures, basements often end up being the more popular living areas of the entire home. Basement space tends to be more energy efficient as it has fewer exposed external walls.
More Space
Building lots with large footprints are getting more difficult to find every year. However, with a basement, you can add a ton of extra space, without adding requiring a large building footprint. This extra space is perfect for general storage, food storage, a wine cellar, extra bedroom(s), a playroom, theatre room, exercise room, man cave, she shed, or whatever you desire.
Resale Value
While it differs depending on the area, most home buyers consider a basement space to be a big plus. While the cost of adding a basement may be significant, the ROI is there if/when you decide to sell. In addition, daylight/walk-out type basement spaces have become a very desirable option for home buyers.
So What Are The Cons Of Including Basement Space?
Current project we are working on with basement included
Cost
Adding basement space isn’t cheap, and can cost more than adding bonus space above the garage for example. The costs is, of course, going to be different depending on a variety of factors, but generally, the cost to add basement will range from $35-$75 per sq ft.
Groundwater & Soil Conditions
Groundwater and soil conditions are important factors to consider before deciding on a basement. The flooding we experienced last year was a perfect example. Depending on the location of and quality of drainage on your property, flooding is something to take into consideration. Sump pumps can help reduce the possibility of flooding, but in some areas where the water table is high, having a basement may end up being more trouble than it’s worth.
If you are thinking about building a custom home and wondering if a basement is right for you, contact Riteway Builders today. We can help you analyze the pros and cons based on the specifics of your project.
Call +1 (208) 963-0475
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