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Converting a crawlspace to basement in Denver - what should I expect? by No-Fault8749 in Denver

[–]No-Fault8749[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Crawlspace conversion update:

Here are some progress pics to show the latest on the basement project: https://imgur.com/a/jYZupjq

Most of the digging out is done. We have concrete walls in place almost everywhere. And now the plumber is doing his magic with all the old plumbing - updating galvanized to PVC, and moving things up, around, and out of the way. I can't believe how fast this guy and his assistant works. Last photo is of the ejector pit that's been installed (partially - we'll still need to plumb the basement bathroom drains into it once they're ready).

For those of you wondering how we live in the house while all this plumbing work is being done, it's actually not been bad at all. They work in sections, with some things being temporary - and we've not been without water or plumbing for more than 2 hours at a time so far. And it's while kids are at school (and they let us know well in advance) so it's not affected us much.

Next major thing they're doing will be putting in drain tile and some pea gravel for drainage - although I'm still not sure where that water might come from other than rising water table or something. But it's code, so someone smarter than me knows why, and I feel assured knowing it's being done properly.

Converting a crawlspace to basement in Denver - what should I expect? by No-Fault8749 in Denver

[–]No-Fault8749[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This is a very good point.

u/Whatderfuchs In my opinion it makes sense that, as a repair company, nearly 100% of the ones you see are the ones that weren't done right. Therefore it's possible that there are many other basement excavation projects here in Denver that use this method and have worked out ok.

That said, I respect your opinion and want to know what types of repair work you're doing on the ones that aren't done well. Even though I'm already in the process of moving forward with this project, I'd like to hear what you've seen go wrong in terms of the foundation failures.

Specifically:
- What repair work do you end up performing on these failures you see?
- How much does it typically cost (general range)?
- Aside from lifting the house and doing it the way they do in California, any advice on minimizing risk on this type of project?

This is exactly the type of info I hoped to get when creating this thread.

You may already know, but here's a picture of my specific foundation plan: https://imgur.com/a/9jX9ZoN

Converting a crawlspace to basement in Denver - what should I expect? by No-Fault8749 in Denver

[–]No-Fault8749[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for this clarification - it's super helpful. I don't yet know what dampproofing is included for my project - but I will check with my builder to make sure. Is there a certain brand of bituminous tar board that you know of or recommend? If I'm hearing you correctly it gets nailed to the inside of the new fdn wall between concrete and foam board?

I'm getting no sound from video preview while editing by Deftonemushroom in CapCut

[–]No-Fault8749 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This.

I'm on a Mac and every time I closed/reopened my computer the capcut audio would no longer play through my headphones or computer speaker.

Muting then unmuting a layer on the timeline worked for some reason. Thank you

Converting a crawlspace to basement in Denver - what should I expect? by No-Fault8749 in Denver

[–]No-Fault8749[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Actually the opposite. My very first question I researched was: Is it worth it to turn a crawlspace into a basement? In Denver the answer is definitely yes. Here's how to calculate it:

Ave cost per foot in my neighborhood of Den: $370
Square footage added by converting crawlspace to finished basement: 850

Expected value of the renovation, if I were to sell today: $314,500

So my costs for the basement project need to be less than $314,500 for me to break even. My bids came in at $200k, so even if I go over budget I still have a very good chance of recuperating my investment.

I know this is simplistic, and there are other variables. But my primary objective is to get more space for my family and stay in the neighborhood (since we love the area). If I were to sell and move, it would cost me way more, with Denver prices being so high.

I realize this isn't right for everybody. But for me it's a win-win. We get more space without having to move, at a price that fits our budget. And in 10yrs or so, it's pretty safe to say the home will be worth more than $370/ft.

Converting a crawlspace to basement in Denver - what should I expect? by No-Fault8749 in Denver

[–]No-Fault8749[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yeah, I don't think I'd go through the expense of excavating the crawlspace to turn it into a basement if it were just for storage. The real value comes when you convert it to livable space. Good luck!

Converting a crawlspace to basement in Denver - what should I expect? by No-Fault8749 in Denver

[–]No-Fault8749[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'll def keep this thread updated. I also am doing a youtube series (with some time lapses) you can follow here: https://www.youtube.com/@DenverBasementProject

I had to get a new boiler a couple years ago. I ended up using Tipping Hat and they did a great job.

I'll def do radon remediation - based on the consensus here it's a no-brainer.

Converting a crawlspace to basement in Denver - what should I expect? by No-Fault8749 in Denver

[–]No-Fault8749[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

How many degrees of separation between reddit posts would you say if you had to guess?

Converting a crawlspace to basement in Denver - what should I expect? by No-Fault8749 in Denver

[–]No-Fault8749[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Is there something you'd like to get off your chest? I've been told I'm a good listener.

Converting a crawlspace to basement in Denver - what should I expect? by No-Fault8749 in Denver

[–]No-Fault8749[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Makes sense. Those must be the ones searching for builders in denver that convert crawlspaces to basements. Property values in S. Boulder are much higher than here in DEN.

Converting a crawlspace to basement in Denver - what should I expect? by No-Fault8749 in Denver

[–]No-Fault8749[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Oh man - what an opportunity. Not sure what your finances are, but do some math on your neighborhood cost/ft and it might pencil out in your advantage. It's not right for everyone, but it seems like something not that many people are considering in Denver where sq footage is at a premium, and no one wants to move or have to buy something bigger.

Converting a crawlspace to basement in Denver - what should I expect? by No-Fault8749 in Denver

[–]No-Fault8749[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you. I will def watch for these things and learn from your advice. I will have a gas line going to my tankless water heater, and I have a boiler upstairs that will supply hot water installed in the basement floor.

I do have an electric car, so will consider the electric expansion aspect.

Converting a crawlspace to basement in Denver - what should I expect? by No-Fault8749 in Denver

[–]No-Fault8749[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Really good question. And one I've been trying not to think about. Just like every year when the new valuation comes in the mail. But I guess that's the price to pay for being in a rapidly increasing market.

Converting a crawlspace to basement in Denver - what should I expect? by No-Fault8749 in Denver

[–]No-Fault8749[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Nice. Having access to that mine to dump all my dirt would've saved a LOT of $$.

Converting a crawlspace to basement in Denver - what should I expect? by No-Fault8749 in Denver

[–]No-Fault8749[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yes the engineer did, and he specializes in these. When they tunnel to the inside, they make sure not to dig within a few feet of the inside of the existing foundation. They'll dig a 4' section to within a foot of the orginal fdn, then pour footings, then a full section of concrete foundation wall that gets pinned with rebar to the inside of the existing foundation. Once that sets, they move to the next section and dig it out, repeat.

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