Naturally there are more positives to adding a basement to your project than negatives. But as with everything there is a good and bad. In this short blog we will run down a few of the pro's and cons then moving onto he different types of basment construction types.
Pros
- Additional living space in built up areas
- Wow factor
- Energy efficiency
- Better use of land
- Added value to property
Cons
- Cost
- Disruptive construction
- Planning may be an issue
Now if you have decided the cons are all achievable and acceptable then lets look into the methods.
Interested in creating your own subterranean space
Types of basement
There are three main approaches, and one rarer option which is still found in older building, but not used in modern construction.
- Piled basements (secant or contig)
- Concrete box
- Masonry (rare)
- Precast concrete
What stops the basement flooding?
- All the concrete structures will require water resistant concrete by the use of a specialised additive (Pudlo, Caltie etc) which is the primary form of waterproofing
- This is then backed up with a waterproof membrane which will collect any water seepage which in turn is sent to a pumping chamber to be disposed of to a soakaway
If a high water table is present or there is a risk of hydrostatic pressure, which will cause the concrete to fail then a third form of water proofing is required by the means of a French drain of similar to divert any high water away from the structure
If these measure are followed then you will have a perfectly dry and habitable living area to enjoy for many years.
