Interested in a Crawl Space Dig Out? Here’s How the Process Works.
If you think a basement crawl space is good for nothing more than a home for bins of seasonal decor and families of spiders–think again! Did you know that the crawl space in your home can be converted into usable living space? Read this quick overview to see if the investment is something worth your consideration.
What is a crawl space dig-out?
A crawl space dig-out (or conversion) is simply a method of turning the crawl space under your home into a full-sized basement. Professionals dig to a floor-to-ceiling-length depth, replacing the dirt with concrete walls, floors, and a ceiling. Doors and windows are added as necessary. Later, the basement can be finished, if desired.
How does the process work?
A contractor follows six basic steps when digging out a crawl space in an existing basement:
1. Review the crawl space.
As with any project, the contractor must first evaluate the space and assess the amount of work to be done. Together with the homeowner, plans are discussed and finalized so that all parties understand the scope of work prior to beginning the job.
2. Design and engineer the project.
Once the contractor understands exactly what the homeowner wants, the design phase begins. The basement needs to be both structurally sound and aesthetically pleasing, so often a structural engineer works in tandem with the architect.
3. Excavate the basement.
Think of the excavation as the official “groundbreaking ceremony.” Contractors create an entry point from which they continue excavation until the crawlspace has been sufficiently dug out to begin the structural work.
4. Reinforce the structure.
Adding supports and reinforcing the foundation of the home plays an important role in building safety. Without a sound structure, the newly-dug basement could cause long-term problems in the home.
5. Pour the concrete.
Concrete forms the floors and walls of the basement. This provides the basis for future flooring, insulation, sealing, etc.
6. Finish the basement.
The newly-claimed square footage in your basement can make a great storage place, however, finishing the basement to make it match the rest of your home makes it feel like a seamless addition. What would you do with extra square footage in your home–more bedrooms, a bathroom, a theater room, game room, hobby room–the options are limited only by your imagination and budget.
How can you know if a crawl space dig out is right for you?
If you aren’t sure whether or not to invest in a crawl space conversion, it can be helpful to call a professional to assess the crawl space, who can then help you evaluate the pros and cons of converting it to a basement.
Sheffield Homes Finished Basements and More is a home builder in the Denver metro area and northern Colorado with a reputation for exceptional homes and service. Our process will ensure that your home is of the highest quality, built to suit and completed on schedule. Contact us to learn more.
(Photo Source: Krystle with www.homejobsbymom.com)
