MossRoad
Super Moderator
- Joined
- Aug 31, 2001
- Messages
- 57,955
- Location
- South Bend, Indiana (near)
- Tractor
- Power Trac PT425 2001 Model Year
The OP needs about 142' X 8" thick of concrete wall about 4' down for a crawlspace. Extending that wall to 9' ads 18 yards of concrete. That's about $2500 additional in concrete to double the floor space. The contractor is going to have to dig the hole deeper, but they're already there. They're going to have to set taller forms, but they're already there setting 4' forms. It's going to cost for more rebar. You won't have but around $5-6000 in additional materials and labor. It's an extremely cost effective way to double your available floor space, even if you aren't going to use it as living space. It's there for future use if you want to finish it later.While I agree with your math that the basement is cost effective if you need the living space. Then we are back to the stairs used on a daily basis.
Your first sentence is simply wrong.
Of course, there's variables like shallow bedrock or high water table. However, in general, in soil conditions conducive to it, it's the best bang for the buck.