Basements

Basement Excavation

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I am often asked if it is better to go up or down. There are pros, and cons to both. Basement finishing is usually a pretty straight forward process. An advantage is that you work within the envelope of the home and it is essentially existing space that is poorly utilized. Other times we add a basement when we are doing an addition to develop space that would otherwise be lost. Regardless here are some relevant things to consider when thinking about adding or finishing a basement in Boise Idaho.

Why use Levco for your basement remodel?

Levco has experience.

1. We have created basements where others couldn’t even get their equipment to go.
2. We understand the area hydrology.
3. We use all sorts of techniques to waterproof structures.
4. There is not a one size fits all way to create a basement. We work with you, and provide several options.
5. Being an experienced General Contractor, we use local architects to make sure your end project meets your needs with a great design.
6. We work in Boise’s North End and other low lying, and historic districts.
7. We understand the challenges of working on hillside as well as high density areas.

Basement with Egress

Things to think about prior to digging include:

Stairs: Try to make them welcoming and wide enough. Think about getting furniture in and out.

Windows: Egress for bedrooms is a requirement

Ceiling Height: Too low and it feels claustrophobic, we often leave ceilings rough framed and paint them white to give a feeling of more height

Do you want a Bathroom:If so we need to evaluate the options for eliminating the waste

Sewer Depth: Often known by the city, occasionally we are tricked by floor drains that lead to french drains

Sewage ejection Pump: The second best option, the best is a natural gravity flow

Drainage: Often a separate sump pump with floor drainage system is the best. What is the water level in the area ? Tell tail signs of water entering dissolving concrete and effervescence on the walls. Are their gutters? is the soil sloping away fr0m the foundations. Are sprinkler systems pointing away from the home?

Furring out walls: Realize you will loose some floor space to furring out the walls. This will allow for rigid insulation and a warmer space

Proper Layout: Although design is often limited by structural considerations laying it out on paper until it makes sense is the way to go

Basement Stairs

Flooring: I like 8# pad for basements it just feels better and insulates great

HVAC: balancing the home and having a system that has enough supplies and returns is the only way to go. Basements are going to be cooler, so ensure they are not taken for granted.

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Utility Rooms: make sure you have make up air and combustion air. Realize they are going to make noise, so provide a sound barrier near media rooms and bedrooms.

Lighting: Adequate lighting is a must, to avoid the space feeling like a dungeon.

Foundations: Are they in good shape? We look for cracking, shifting, tel tale signs water leaking known as effervescence, and crumbling or any other signs of deterioration. Occasionally we see stone foundations and cinder block. These require special considerations for structural integrity.

Laundry Chute: We always look for an opportunity to add one.

There are several ways to approach a basement addition. I evaluate the foundations first and  determine if they are sound. I also look of properly supported structure. Tel tail signs include “Sagosis”  doors not aligned, cracking plaster walls, and waved floors. If so then I am tempted to not replace them and dig the floor deeper. This is accomplished by driving a tractor under the home and supporting the structure while we dig the basement lower. Then we pour new retaining walls inside the original foundation and a new floor. The other option is to lift the home and replace the foundation at the same time as you create the basement. Setting the home down on the new foundation fixes all sorts of problems.

Creating New Basement

All in all I believe that every basement we have done provides unique challenges that we have managed to overcome. A basement remodel often includes fixing and or upgrading other parts of the home. Some examples include just adding a bathroom, or fixing a kitchen at the same time.

Your comments are welcome. To ask questions or get more information about remodeling, email me directly or visit our contact page.