Digging a basement under the house would mean creating a lot of free space for storage or entertainment, but the job needs a lot of planning.
If you are wondering, “how long does it take to dig a basement?” I am here to tell you about that. Remember that the total time includes the actual digging process as well as the pre-digging consultation and planning.
So, let’s get into the details!
Factors To Consider Before Digging A Basement
1. Consulting A Professional
The first step would involve consulting a professional architect and asking them to do a quick analysis of the house. They will be able to tell you how deep the basement can be. Now, some houses will have a lower ground floor, which doesn’t allow one to create basement spaces at all.
Others may not have this issue and will be able to figure out the height of the basement easily. This should take two to three days but can vary depending on the architect’s schedule.
2. Acquiring Permissions
You will need to take permission from local authorities if you want to dig underground. So, it is best to do this beforehand; otherwise, you may need to pay extra charges for damages.
3. Fixing The Budget
Next, the budget will need to be fixed, which could again be discussed with the architect or the construction head. This should again take a day or two to happen.
4. Waterproofing
Once everything is planned, you will need to make sure that the basement stays dry at all times. Now, if you build a new foundation wall around the basement, then it is supposed to remain safe.
On the other hand, if that is not possible and you wish to keep the old foundation in place, damp-proofing may be needed. You can consult your architect regarding this.
5. Lighting
Nobody wants to stay in a gloomy and sad room underground; hence, the lighting is very important. It should be such that the place is very well lit up when needed. Opt for track and pot lights on the ceiling, along with keeping enough inlets for natural light.
If there are no electric lines, it should take around three days to get this done, but that depends on the total lights needed.
Final Words
Considering talking to the architect, planning, fixing the budget, and lighting, you will need around eight to twenty weeks to make a basement.
However, it may take less time if you know an architect personally or the basement is very small. But it is best to keep this much time in hand before proceeding further.
Also, if money is not a concern, building a new foundation wall may be the best idea to keep your basement dry and protected. Don’t forget to discuss it with your hired professional.
On this note, I will wrap up the guide, and I hope it helps!