House with or without a basement? - Experiences

Hello everyone,
I just registered here to clarify the question of whether we should build a house with or without a basement. For us, the topic is really the classic: My husband definitely wants one ("I need a hobby basement!") and I rather say: "Let's save the money and buy some nice furnishings instead." Anyway, a basement might be nice, I admit that. Ideally, if it consists of two rooms. I like making music and can well imagine having a very quiet oasis for that in the basement without disturbing the children upstairs. Hmm, but those aren’t really decisive arguments.
What are your experiences, do you have a basement? Have or had you any moisture problems? Because I am quite afraid of that. We have 2 small children (2 and 4), so everything should of course be tip-top.
I have, of course, searched the forum beforehand, but have not yet found an answer to my question. Looking forward to your statements.
Best regards
Sandra

Hello Sandra,

You can already tell yourself that the question cannot simply be answered with YES or NO.

I really don’t see any savings in the configuration of a basement or interior fittings.

First of all, I see it as a question of the plot size or the design.

Because the footprint of the house will be correspondingly larger without a basement.
Basement rooms are also not always attractive, often poorly lit and ventilated, meaning there is a lack of room quality here. You feel somewhat trapped in the basement. Okay, the sound insulation is good, if that’s the drum set for you.

Best regards

Experiences

Hello Sandra,
wonderful, your question – because it is actually my favorite topic.
I am an advocate of a basement. The higher initial costs are outweighed by many positive arguments:
- space for supplies, for bicycles, for tools, etc.
- flexible usage possibilities, ranging from laundry basement, drying room, workshop, party room, and so on
- reserve space for change of use (new hobby, new technical equipment)
- separation of the heating system from the living spaces, expandable if needed
It is a one-time investment that pays off over time.
Moisture in the basement – that is a construction-related problem, but (almost) always solvable. We have had good experiences with a "black tub" (sealing against penetrating groundwater using bitumen coating) in a calcium silicate basement. You can even dry laundry here. Calcium silicate is very moisture-regulating.
Ultimately, however, you have to weigh the decision for yourself. However, once made, it cannot be changed anymore.
Good luck!
Waulmurf

@Waulmurf

Your arguments concern every room.

Space,
flexible usage options,
reserve space for change of use,
separation of the heating system (if there is one at all),
moisture regulation.

I see this more as a "room relocation," so instead of the basement more on the ground floor.
The building services, bicycles, lawnmower,... need to be housed.

I rather see savings in earthworks, disposal, sealing, stairs.

@Waulmurf

Your arguments apply to every room.

Space,
flexible usage options,
reserve space for change of use,
separation of the heating system (if there is one at all)
moisture regulation

I rather see this as a "room relocation," so instead of the basement more on the ground floor.
The building services, bicycles, lawnmower,... need to be housed.

I rather see a saving in earthworks, disposal, sealing, stairs.

@parcus

In principle, that applies to every room, of course.
But hardly anyone plans a "laundry drying room" that can also serve as a party room if needed, or a room for the washing machine separately in the house. Unless they build extremely luxuriously.
Today, hardly anyone plans the so-called "pantry," although this room is very practical as a storage room, despite the refrigerator.

And if such rooms are planned in the house, they are located inside the thermal insulation and are heatable, which is not necessarily required.

And for bicycles, garden tools, garden utensils (seeds, fertilizer, etc.) sooner or later a garden shed will be set up anyway.
If you have enough space, that may work.

I am of the opinion that the higher costs are worth it.

Regards
waulmurf

PS: Overwintering plants can also be stored in the cellar. Or dahlia tubers. Where else?

@Waulmurf
And when such rooms are planned in the house, they are located within the thermal insulation and are heatable, which is not necessarily required.

I agree with you, that would of course be not very sensible, because then the savings quickly disappear.