{"id":44697,"date":"2019-11-26T00:00:47","date_gmt":"2019-11-26T00:00:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.zameen.com\/blog\/?p=44697"},"modified":"2019-11-26T06:59:38","modified_gmt":"2019-11-26T06:59:38","slug":"things-keep-mind-constructing-basement","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.zameen.com\/blog\/things-keep-mind-constructing-basement.html","title":{"rendered":"Things to Keep in Mind While Constructing a Basement"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Constructing a basement may not be cheap, but it could be a really valuable addition to your home. Whether you are planning to build a new house or are contemplating adding a basement level to an existing one, there are certain things you need to keep in mind before taking on the project.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Firstly, depending on its size, the basement construction cost is nearly 30 to 40 percent higher than building the ground floor. Secondly, from a structural point of view, digging a basement under an existing house can compromise its structural integrity \u2013 especially if it\u2019s a relatively old house. Since safety concerns are not something one should take lightly, you first need to make sure your house is suitable for adding a basement level. Moreover, you might also be required to obtain permits or NOCs from relevant authorities for basement construction. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, there are also quite a few advantages of building a basement. For instance, having a basement gives you an extra floor, which can be pretty useful \u2013 after all, who doesn\u2019t like some extra space in their house? Not to mention, a basement also helps cut down on the heating and cooling cost that\u2019s otherwise spent on the ground and first floor. However, it is imperative to have a proper ventilation system in place for this purpose. You can also utilize it as an emergency shelter, storage space or a rental portion. You can find out more about the pros and cons of having a basement<\/a> here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Things to Consider Before Constructing a Basement<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Let\u2019s take a look at the things that you need to take into account during the construction of a basement:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Accounts for the Added Cost?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"construction
Lintels provide additional support to the structure <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Laying lintel (colloquially called lentar) in all four walls, ceiling and even on the floor is arguably the main expense of building a basement. This extra lintel is meant to give structural strength to the house that the basement will hold firm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Along with six additional lintels, basements are required to be given further strength via beams. If the covered area of the basement is smaller than that of the first floor, only four beams (one in each corner) will be enough. If the covered area is the same as that of the ground floor, extra beams will be required.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Please note the cost to build a basement varies with each project, but the labour cost for constructing a basement remains the same, as no special skill is required for doing so. However, do not compromise on quality while laying lintels and beams.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Height of the basement<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"building
The height of your basement may vary depending on its intended usage<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Whether you are digging a basement under an existing house or a new one, this level is often dug deeper to lay a strong floor bed. The height of a basement is also more than that of the ground floor to allow extra space for windows. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In most cases, digging is done to the depth of 20 feet to construct a basement. In addition to that, basements are also a bit more elevated than the ground level (of the garage), which automatically lifts up the house\u2019s ground floor. Windows for basements usually open in the garage and the side alley or into the two alleys.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The seepage issue<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"prevent
Proper ventilation can help deal with the seepage issues<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The selection of bricks is pretty important to make sure your basement does not face any seepage issues. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is often the use of katchi<\/em> bricks in the basement floor construction that causes the issue, as they can absorb the water that\u2019s used while laying lintel. Furthermore, houses constructed on land previously used for agricultural purposes might also face seepage issues. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Therefore, proper ventilation arrangements need to be made to keep the moisture away. In this regard, it is recommended to have windows on two sides to allow  fresh air and sunlight into the basement. If that isn\u2019t possible, you can also install ducts to speed up the ventilation system. These are often used in basements that are completely functional. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Moreover, it is one of the most important things to consider before starting a basement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Special Sewerage System<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"
If you want to turn your basement into a multi-purpose room, consider adding a bathroom inside<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

These days, basements also come with a bathroom  to make the space fully functional. For this purpose, a separate septic tank is built in the basement floor. From this tank, a water pump takes the sewerage water to the main septic tank of the ground floor. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This work has to be done meticulously to keep the tank and sewerage pipes perfectly in place to avoid any seepage. Bathrooms in the basement should always have a good exhaust system in place as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Emergency Escape Routes <\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"add
It’s important to plan an emergency exit route while constructing a basement <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

While window openings in a basement are important for ventilation, they are also vital for planning escape routes in case of emergencies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In case you live in a gated community, the society bylaws will most probably require you to build an accessible and safe exit route during the basement construction. This is especially true if you\u2019re going to use the basement level as sleeping quarters. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Basements should always have a window opening that\u2019s big enough for a person to escape in case of a fire or natural disasters. However, make sure to cover the opening with an accessible panel or screen to keep out the burglars. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re looking for more information on how to build a basement, head over to Zameen Blog \u2013 the best real estate blog in Pakistan<\/a>. You can also take a look at our detailed breakdown of the construction cost of 1 kanal houses in 2019<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Meanwhile, if you have feedback on the article or any query for us, let us know by  emailing at blog@zameen.com. You can also subscribe to our newsletter on the right to stay up-to-date about the latest developments in the real estate sector of Pakistan.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Constructing a basement may not be cheap, but it could be a really valuable addition to your home. Whether you are planning to build a new house or are contemplating adding a basement level to an existing one, there are certain things you need to keep in mind before taking on the project. Firstly, depending on its size, the basement construction cost is nearly 30 to 40 percent higher than building the ground floor. Secondly, from a structural point of view, digging a basement under an existing house can compromise its structural integrity \u2013 especially if it\u2019s a relatively old house. Since safety concerns are not something one should take lightly, you first need to make sure your house is suitable for adding a basement level. Moreover, you might also be required to obtain permits or NOCs from relevant authorities for basement construction. However, there are also quite a few advantages of building a basement. For instance, having a basement gives you an extra floor, which can be pretty useful \u2013 after all, who doesn\u2019t like some extra space in their house? Not to mention, a basement also helps cut down on the heating and cooling cost that\u2019s otherwise spent…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":81,"featured_media":74413,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[29],"tags":[39213,44659,609,44661,44663,44677,39211,44673,44665,158,44674,44675,44664,44676,39214,44658,44657,44662],"persona":[32409,35639],"class_list":{"0":"post-44697","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-construction","8":"tag-adding-a-basement-to-your-house","9":"tag-advantages-of-building-a-basement","10":"tag-basement","11":"tag-basement-construction","12":"tag-basement-construction-cost","13":"tag-basement-floor-construction","14":"tag-building-a-basement","15":"tag-construct-a-basement","16":"tag-constructing-a-basement","17":"tag-construction-2","18":"tag-construction-of-a-basement","19":"tag-cost-to-build-a-basement","20":"tag-digging-a-basement-under-an-existing-house","21":"tag-house-basement-construction","22":"tag-pros-and-cons-of-basements","23":"tag-pros-and-cons-of-having-a-basement","24":"tag-things-to-consider-before-constructing-a-basement","25":"tag-things-to-consider-before-starting-a-basement","26":"persona-constructiondevelopments","27":"persona-property-management","28":"cat-29-id"},"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nThings to Keep in Mind While Constructing a Basement | Zameen Blog<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Constructing a basement can add value to your house. 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