There are plenty of benefits to adding a basement conversion or construction to your home. But building in value depends on how well you can mitigate costs like foundation construction to make your project cost-effective.
The costs of basement construction
Getting a basement construction right results in a watertight, healthy and highly desirable extra space that adds real value to your home. The most important thing to remember is that every basement is different. If no excavation is necessary then your costs will be much lower, but if you need to dig a new space and underpin it then your basement costs could run to £3000 per sq. m.
Other costs to consider include creating separate external access, engineer’s fees, building regulations and party wall agreements. While cutting corners will result in a failure that could cost thousands to put right, there are ways to mitigate the cost of the overall project – starting with the foundations.
What factors affect the costs?
Various factors will affect the cost of underpinning your basement including the type and size of foundations required. The quality of the subsoil and the ease of access to the site are other cost factors to consider. If the site is uneven or requires specialist equipment then your costs can rocket.
Basement foundation strategies
However, there are a number of strategies you can use to bring down the costs of your foundations without compromising on build quality:
Be sustainable
Using recycled and reclaimed materials is better for the environment – and better for your wallet. Just make sure you don’t compromise on the quality of the materials that are used for your basement foundations.
Consider the cost factors
Factors like size, soil type and additional treatments can all affect the cost of your concrete foundations. Think hard about whether you need to create a full basement or whether a smaller footprint will give you the space you need.
Find the right contractor
Digging foundations for such a big project requires specialist skills which is why you need a basement construction company. Using a trustworthy and reliable contractor will save you hassle and money as they’ll recommend foundation solutions that let you get it right first time. In turn that means you’ll avoid the delays and additional expenses of putting right the mistakes of an incompetent or inexperienced contractor.
Keep an eye on costs
Monitor the costs of the project closely and ask your contractor where they can make savings without compromising build quality. Working with an experienced contractor will help you achieve efficiency and a cost-effective outcome – just make sure you keep the lines of communication open.
Retain excavated soil
If you’re planning a garden makeover, tell your contractor to repurpose excavated soil for creating beds and other landscaping features.
Be smart and save on construction costs
The key to keeping your foundation costs under control is to work with a professional basement construction company. At Noble Structures we have over 30 years experience using the latest technologies and cutting edge foundation solutions to make cost-efficiencies that never compromise on quality. Contact us today to find out how we can help you create your dream basement.