How to make a basement in a private house

In a private home, adding a basement can greatly increase the usability and value of your property. There are countless uses for a basement, including extra storage, a home office, or a comfortable retreat. To guarantee that a basement is secure, dry, and long-lasting, however, meticulous planning and execution are needed.

Selecting the appropriate site and being aware of the soil conditions are two of the most important parts of building a basement. The water table level and soil type must be determined by a thorough site assessment because they will affect the design and construction process. Appropriate waterproofing and drainage techniques are essential to avoid moisture issues that can cause mold development and structural damage.

Selecting the right materials is yet another crucial factor. Because concrete is so strong and long-lasting, it is most frequently used for basement floors and walls. To guarantee that the basement can withstand the pressure from the surrounding soil and any potential water infiltration, it is essential to choose the appropriate type of concrete mix and reinforce it properly.

Local building codes and regulations must be followed when building a basement. Obtaining the required permits and making sure the design complies with all safety requirements are imperative. Navigating these requirements and avoiding costly mistakes can be facilitated by consulting with experts or hiring experienced professionals.

Step	Description
1. Plan the Design	Decide on the size, shape, and purpose of your basement. Consider ceiling height and room layout.
2. Excavate the Area	Carefully dig out the ground to create space for the basement. Ensure the site is clear of rocks and debris.
3. Install the Foundation	Pour concrete to form the base of the basement. Make sure it is level and strong to support the structure.
4. Build the Walls	Use concrete blocks or poured concrete for the walls. Reinforce with steel bars for added strength.
5. Waterproof the Basement	Apply waterproofing materials to prevent moisture from seeping in. Consider using drainage systems.
6. Add Insulation	Insulate the walls and floor to keep the basement warm and energy-efficient.
7. Install Utilities	Set up electrical wiring, plumbing, and heating systems as needed for your basement’s purpose.
8. Finish the Interior	Complete the basement by adding flooring, walls, and any desired features like a bathroom or kitchen.

Number of storeys of the house and the presence of a basement

The basement itself will vary according to the building’s story count. There are numerous primary categories of buildings:

• Single-storey. When constructing such low-rise houses, a basement is most often installed. As a rule, it is necessary to arrange a reinforced recessed foundation for it. Thanks to the presence of a basement in a one-story house, it is possible to create additional rooms without large expenses for the installation of a second floor.
• Two-story. The owners of such houses are often families for whom comfort comes first. In this case, the basement allows you to organize a garage in the house, as well as additional rooms for recreation.
• On a slope. Differences in terrain usually cause a lot of inconvenience. However, thanks to the basement floor, you can hide this drawback.

For a two-story building, the usable area of the building can be increased by 1.5 times, and for a one-story house, by 2 times, thanks to the basement itself.

Practical! It is important to remember that a staircase is assumed to be present on the basement level. A minimum flight width of 0.9 m, a tread width of 0.3, and a riser height of roughly 16 cm would be the ideal configuration.

Features that are worth paying attention to

Prior to beginning construction, it is advised to make a few clarifications:

• In a basement of this type (and there are at least 5 of them), you should not install windows and doors that will face north. The fact is that in winter it is this wall that receives the most snow, which provokes more serious loads. Doors and windows can become deformed.
• Determine the height of the ceilings on the basement floor (some also call it the zero tier). The optimal solution would be a room height of 2.3 – 2.5 m. In this case, we are talking about a full-fledged floor, which will require the organization of a deep pit. But if you make it lower, then it will already be a room of a different type, and the possibilities of its use will be reduced.

Practical! The basement must frequently be deepened to the lowest allowable level if the site has a high level of groundwater; this will lower the floor. You must set up a drainage line or devise another method for draining the space beneath the house if you wish to keep it at zero tier height.

• Check the thickness of the basement walls. As a rule, they correspond to the walls of the entire house. But this is only possible if the building is located on low-moving soils, that is, on a solid foundation. If the soil is problematic, which is often the case, then the thickness of the walls of the zero tier should be increased by 20 cm.

In relation to a solid basis, it is worthwhile to choose another crucial factor.

Type of foundation for the basement

This kind of building can benefit from the following essential foundations:

• Pile. For buildings with a base, it is recommended to use piles with a diameter of 300 to 500 mm. And the thickness of the wall panels themselves can correspond to the thickness of the foundation. Such a foundation is considered optimal for most types of soil (the only exception is the so-called heavy soils). One of the advantages of a pile foundation is that it does not require additional ventilation holes, since its technological features already imply them.
• Slab. Suitable for weak soil, characterized by high water saturation rates. You can mount a plinth on it, but in this case the room will resemble a cube, which is closed on all sides. The width of the basement walls should correspond to the width of the foundation itself.
• Strip. Such foundations are suitable for any type of soil. This is the optimal solution for a house with a basement.

After deciding on the basement’s project and foundation, let’s talk about the features that will be included in its construction.

Installation stages

It goes without saying that setting up the basement takes more money, time, and effort than actually installing it. However, the means justify the end. Thus, let us examine the primary phases involved in constructing a basement.

Pit

Following the marking of the location, a pit is excavated there that is 0.5 meters deeper than the subterranean portion of the foundation. This is required to further arrange a cushion of sand and gravel for groundwater drainage.

Practical! Making sure the pit is level is crucial. As a result, it is best to start with an excavator and then use a shovel to remove the final layer of dirt. The corners must also be manually aligned.

It is important to keep in mind that the pit might eventually fill with water. In this instance, it makes sense to think about the drainage system and to divert water away from the future base as much as feasible. If, after digging, water-saturated soil (quicksand) has formed, it is also worthwhile to pump it out.

In the last phase, permanent formwork is erected around the building’s perimeter, vibratory ramming is performed, and geotextiles are placed at the pit’s bottom.

Cushion and waterproofing

We start adding after the extra liquid has been pumped out. Layers of sand and crushed stone (gravel works well) are placed at the bottom of the pit; it is advised to add water after backfilling. Every layer should have a thickness of 10 cm. Layering materials with compaction and compaction is advised.

Wholesome There are various ways to arrange the pillow. Some people "tamp" crushed stone into a layer of sand that has been filled in more densely first. Sand is spread after a 5 cm layer of crushed stone has been filled in.

To stop cement milk from seeping into the sand-concrete cushion, a PVC film is then applied to the base, covering the pit’s walls.

The "sub-concrete" stage is the following. This is a M50-100 cement grade solution. The layer of solution is 5 cm thick.

It is essential to apply a bitumen primer—a liquid solution of bitumen mastic—to the dry base once the cement layer has strengthened. Subsequently, we apply the first waterproofing layer in one direction over the formwork and the second in the opposite direction.

Installation of the foundation

The first step in this process is to tie the base plate’s reinforcement frame to the releases for the base’s future walls. Subsequently, we pour concrete mortar continuously (not layer by layer) using a concrete grade of no less than M250. The base plate needs to be at least 20 centimeters thick.

For a period of 28 days, the poured concrete will get stronger. You can work on formwork for wall panels and reinforcement during this time. The longitudinal elements are attached to the rods that were previously left. The concrete solution is then poured, and the formwork for the wall panels is constructed.

Practical! 50 centimeter-thick layers of concrete are used to construct the walls.

Next, we complete the basement’s internal and external insulation. Before roofing felt is placed, an exterior primer is applied. Foam plastic slabs are used by some. An adhesive substance or coating is used for internal insulation.

Remember to include a drainage system (installed following the basement’s final exterior and interior insulation) and communications (bookmarks are made during the foundation installation).

This is a typical basement construction option. However, occasionally the notion of a zero tier emerges post-house construction. Though not easily accomplished, it is feasible.

Features of the construction of the basement in a finished house

You can realize your dream of having a basement if you currently live in a home without one and have a strong desire to have one. It’s true that you will need to do a lot of work for this:

• The marking is made along the perimeter of the building.
• The soil is removed to the depths of the future base.
• The block wall panels are installed.
• The concrete screed is reinforced.
• The ventilation system, waterproofing, insulation are laid.

This is briefly. In fact, such construction is fraught with numerous difficulties. Before digging a pit under an existing house, it is necessary to determine the bearing abilities of the soil itself, to evaluate the strength and reliability of the existing fundamental base and structure itself, to calculate the loads that will be on the foundation and much more. It is very difficult to do it independently and without specialists. There is a great risk that such experiments and redevelopment will affect the durability of the entire extension. Therefore, it is better to weigh the pros and cons of. If you want to become the owner of a cellar, then it will be much easier to build it as a separate object.

Furthermore, it’s important to consider the building materials, whether you’re adding a basement to an existing house or starting from scratch. Although concrete mortar is widely used, there are substitutes.

Material for the basement

There is no use in constructing a concrete foundation if the ground floor of the house is to be constructed out of foam blocks. The same low-profile blocks work well. Conversely, a concrete foundation is the only suitable material for a brick house.

These days, concrete block construction is also very common. This type of installation happens considerably more quickly. Concrete blocks withstand increased loads well and are long-lasting. Additionally, because installation is much easier in this scenario, the cost of such construction will be fairly low. The basement’s perimeter is surrounded by blocks. At this point, the locations of communication channels are considered, and spaces are appropriately left between panels. Following that, a cement solution is used to bind the components together.

FBS and foam concrete blocks are also used by some. They are fastened with the solution and fit on the foundation. Similar to other styling of this kind, it is done in rows and must be aligned both vertically and horizontally. Additionally, waterproofing should be applied after every layer that comes after.

Constructing a basement in a private residence can be a useful addition, providing additional space for living quarters, storage, or even leisure activities. To guarantee stability and longevity, the process necessitates meticulous planning and execution, beginning with a thorough understanding of the soil conditions and the selection of the appropriate construction method. It’s critical to focus on details like drainage and waterproofing to avoid water damage and guarantee a dry, comfortable space.

Concrete has many benefits when used as the main building material for basements, such as strength, resilience to environmental changes, and durability. Concrete floors and walls provide superior structural support, which makes them a great option for basements. Homeowners can achieve a sturdy and dependable basement structure by adhering to the suggested procedures and methods for mixing, pouring, and curing concrete.

Following building codes and safety regulations is essential during construction in order to prevent problems and guarantee the project’s success. Getting expert advice or working with seasoned contractors can help you handle any obstacles that may come up while navigating the intricate details of the construction. When designed and executed with care, a well-constructed basement can add years of value and increased usability to a home.

In a private home, finishing a basement can greatly expand your living area by providing more space for utilities, storage, or leisure. Building and safety codes must be followed, the design must be carefully planned, and the appropriate materials must be chosen when building a basement. This include clearing the area, building sturdy foundation walls, making sure that drainage is adequate, and waterproofing the area to stop moisture issues. You can construct a useful and long-lasting basement that increases the value of your house by following a methodical procedure and taking into account elements like soil type, climate, and intended use.

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