With us, there was a risk of groundwater and no money left – so two problems at once. So we built without [a basement] and are doing fine.
We were in a similar situation.
Do I miss having a basement? Sometimes – especially when I see our overcrowded utility room (currently there are still bags of concrete and accessories for the irrigation system stored there). But I think this will change over the next two years. Once we have our garden shed, terrace furniture, bicycles, (large gas and small charcoal) grills, plant containers, future lawnmower, etc. can be stored there over the winter, for example. At the moment, we have to try to stow such things somehow in the storage room / utility room or outside (my poor bike / my poor grill / the garden tools). In addition, we pay 40 euros every six months for storing the bikes at the workshop.
By the way, we will do the annual attic decluttering in winter. Then we will also free up some space there.
When else do I miss having a basement? Actually, I had planned to hang a punching bag in the formerly planned “mom-dad relaxation room.” Well – that room doesn’t exist – nor does the bag. Just the desire for a bit more activity. But honestly – if you’re not already exhausted from work, the kids take care of that. If not the kids, then the garden. So there’s no reason to skip exercise.
Also, a few months ago I played foosball (table soccer) with my (now 5-year-old) daughter. She was totally enthusiastic – so was I – but unfortunately, I don’t have the appropriate space to set up such a table here. Because a proper table is somewhat bigger and heavier, it’s not moved around all the time. Therefore, it should be placed where it is not in the way and is always usable. We don’t have such a place. Maybe if the old double bed for guests in the office/guest room is replaced with a pull-out couch – but many other things have priority there.