Can I Fill in My Crawl Space With a Basement?

Considerations

• Cost is often a big factor in deciding whether you should replace your crawl space with a basement. Installing a basement under an existing home generally can cost much more than installing a basement at the time of new construction, due to the extra expense of moving the house to allow for the excavating and pouring processes. Additionally, your insurance company may require you to purchase extra insurance to cover your home and property during the construction period.

Removing the House

• In the process of moving a home off its crawl space prior to installation of a basement, a moving company lifts the home from the crawl space and moves it onto a flatbed trailer or a special trolley system to move it to the side. A crane can also lift the house off the foundation and deposit it in an open area of your landscape. Complete removal of the house from the foundation allows easy access for excavation equipment and the forming and pouring of your basement floor and walls.

Propping the House

• Nearby houses, large trees and other adjacent structures may limit your ability to move your house entirely off your crawl space foundation. In this case, your contractor may decide to use house jacks and temporary braces to lift your home off the seal plate and hold it in place during the basement excavation and construction process.

Basement Construction

• The specific procedures for excavating and constructing your basement depend heavily upon the level of accessibility. If you set your home off to the side, the process is similar to building a new basement. A backhoe can dig out the existing crawl space and a cement truck can come in and pour the new floor and walls. Bracing your home above the foundation usually requires special equipment. Your excavator may need to use a small skid loader, rather than a backhoe, to dig out the crawl space a little at a time. Forming and pouring the floors and walls may also require special equipment and extra manpower to complete. Discussing your project with your local building inspector and getting construction bids from several contractors may help you save time and money on your basement addition.