If I own an acre lot and want to build a house with a basement, is there limitations on how deep I can dig?

Answer 1

You are limited to the extent of how much money you want to spend on the foundation walls. Normally, 7'10" is the height of a typical residential foundation wall. If you go higher than this, you are looking at big bucks. If you want to stay with typical residential foundation heights, consider that whatever elevation you begin your foundation walls, it will directly affect the slope of your finish driveway.
Another consideration would be your sanitary sewer. If you are to connect to a public sewer system, the bottom of your basement floor must be well above the level of the sewer line.
Another consideration would be the water table. If you lived in Florida, you are limited to about 4 feet until you hit the ocean.
Consult your contractor about how it will look finished.
Good luck!

Answer 2

Building codes vary from place to place. There are some things to consider when digging deep.. one is the water table. (never mind the molten core mentioned by someone else) If you want your basement to remain dry there is a limit to how deep you can go depending on the water table in your area.

If your property is near a river, you may find the water table is much higher than in other areas and of course you must comply with the building codes for your area.

Answer 3

Well there is the molten core of the Earth to consider.

J/K Actually there is probably a building code limit. Since you are going to higher a contractor (or wear yourself out digging) he will know the limit.

You can probably forget about underground parking beneath the family room in the finished basement.

Answer 4

Under normal circumstances the only limitations are they ones you impose on yourself- If you hit water- if your Excavator Man, can dig deeper than 8 feet- and so on. You want a basement, so I assume you are in the North , Water table is high in the Midwest.

Answer 5

check with your local town or county building safety dept. and after you get your hole dug, be sure to seal both the inside and outside of the walls with thoroseal or a product called elastodeck available from pacific polymers or by locale White Cap construction supply. also drains around the base of the foundation such as miradrain and miradri work wonders. consult building codes for depth but these are extras you SHOULD do to prevent water seepage throught water and block walls. www.whitecap.net

Answer 6

never heard this asked, most basements r either 8 -10 ft deep.....i grew up in a house with a 2400 sq ft basement and it was about 9 ft under.....also consider ur water table...u will need a building permit showing ur depth on ur plains.....

lic. gen. contractor

Answer 7

Yes , you have to hire a contractor or call town hall for more info