Can you build a basement/cellar in a home that is already built?

Question

The house has been standing for 70 years, so would it be impossible to dig down and add a basement?

Answer 1

It wouldn't be impossible, but it would be very very costly. They'd probably have to jack your entire house up off of its foundation then dig the basement out. Then pour the basement and new foundation. Just jacking up the house alone would probably cost almost as much as your current house costs. Then you're probably looking at another $20K to $40K to dig the basement.

In some regards it might be cheaper to tear the house down and build a new one with a basement or tear it down, then leave one foundation wall up so you can still claim it as a 70 year old house instead of a brand new one. Some places will allow you to still claim it as the old house as long as at least one foundation wall is still being used. Or you could add an addition to the house and build a basement under the addition.

Answer 2

Nothing is impossible. But is it worth the cost? You would need to have a professional contractor look at it and give you a estimate. It would have to be figured out how to support the house during and after construction. Contact these folks. Maybe they will put it on there show and give you a hand. http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/

Answer 3

its done all the time and worth it if you need the extra space. the house would be jacked up just enough to take the weight off and supported with steel "I" beams and then dug out , footers poured and blocks laid. its also been done by doing half at a time. support one half of the house dig it out, pour footer, lay blocks then set house back down and do the other side

Answer 4

Can be done. Probably not worth it. You should add why you want a cellar in the first place. basements can be nasty.

Answer 5

yes

Answer 6

well im not a bulder or even anything like it, but i probably wouldnt reccomend it

Answer 7

yes ,if codes will permitt