How much does it cost to dig out a basement? A Comprehensive Guide from Basement Savvy

Are you thinking about digging out a basement but worried about the cost? You need look no further than this thorough manual from Basement Savvy. We’ll go over all the information you require regarding pricing variables, average costs per square foot to dig out basement, and a thorough breakdown of costs for various excavation project types. We’ll also look at the extra expenses related to digging a basement, such as permits, insurance, and plumbing and drainage. Finally, we’ll assist you in making the choice of whether to take on the project yourself or hire a specialist. So let’s check How much does it cost to dig out a basement?

I. Introduction

Digging up a basement can be a great way to add living space and increase the value of your home. You could build a rental unit, a family room, or more bedrooms by excavating a basement. However, depending on a number of variables, the price of excavation a basement can vary greatly.

To increase the amount of usable space in their home, one of the main reasons someone might want to dig out a basement. This is especially true in areas with high housing costs and limited available space. Many times, homeowners can increase the value of their home while also gaining useful living space by finishing a basement.

The cost of basement excavation is influenced by a number of factors, including location, size and complexity of the project, soil type and condition, existing structures and utilities, and access to the site. In the following sections, we will take a closer look at these factors and how they impact the cost of digging out a basement.

II. Factors Affecting the Cost of Basement Excavation

The cost of basement excavation can vary widely depending on several key factors. Here are the main factors that can impact the cost of digging out a basement:

1. Location – The cost of excavation can vary significantly depending on the region where the project is located. Labor costs, permitting fees, and material costs can all vary widely from one area to another.
2. Size and complexity of the project – The size of the basement and the complexity of the excavation can also have a major impact on cost. A larger basement will require more excavation, which will increase the cost. Similarly, if the excavation is complex – for example, if there are multiple levels or angles to the excavation – the cost will also be higher.
3. Soil type and condition – The type of soil and its condition can also impact the cost of excavation. Hard, rocky soil will be more difficult and time-consuming to excavate than soft, loamy soil. Additionally, if the soil is contaminated or unstable, special measures may need to be taken to ensure the safety of the excavation site, which can drive up costs.
4. Existing structures and utilities – If there are existing structures or utilities on the site, these will need to be moved or modified to make room for the excavation. This can add significant cost to the project.
5. Access to the site – Finally, access to the excavation site can also impact the cost of the project. If the site is difficult to access – for example, if it is located in a densely populated area or on a steep hillside – this can make excavation more difficult and increase the cost.

III. Average Cost of Basement Excavation

The cost of basement excavation can vary widely depending on a variety of factors, as we discussed in the previous section. Here, we’ll take a closer look at the average cost of basement excavation and what you can expect to pay for different types of projects.

1. National average cost per square foot – According to HomeAdvisor, the national average cost to excavate a basement is $30 to $55 per square foot. This estimate includes both labor and materials.
2. Range of costs for different types of basement excavation projects – The cost of basement excavation can vary widely depending on the type of project. Here are some general ranges to give you an idea of what to expect:

• Digging out a crawl space to create a full basement: $15,000 to $70,000
• Excavating under an existing home to create a basement: $20,000 to $100,000
• Digging a new basement for a new construction home: $20,000 to $150,000
• Lowering a basement floor: $20,000 to $100,000
• Underpinning a basement: $40,000 to $200,000

Note that these are general ranges and your project may fall outside of them depending on the factors we discussed earlier.

3. Regional differences in cost – The cost of basement excavation can also vary significantly depending on where you live. For example, the cost of excavation is generally higher in urban areas than in rural areas due to higher labor and material costs. Additionally, regions with difficult soil conditions or high water tables may also have higher excavation costs.

It’s important to keep in mind that these are general estimates and the cost of your project will depend on a variety of factors specific to your situation. It’s always a good idea to get quotes from multiple contractors and to do your own research to get a better understanding of the cost of basement excavation in your area.

IV. Cost Breakdown for Different Types of Basement Excavation

In this section, we’ll break down the costs for different types of basement excavation projects.

1. Cost to convert crawl space into basement – If you have an existing crawl space and want to turn it into a full basement, you can expect to pay between $15,000 and $70,000. This cost will depend on factors such as the size and condition of your crawl space, the type of soil you have, and whether any additional excavation or foundation work is needed.
2. Cost to dig basement under existing house – Excavating under an existing house to create a basement is a more complex project and can cost between $20,000 and $100,000. This cost includes not only excavation but also underpinning the existing foundation to support the weight of the new basement.
3. Cost to excavate basement for new construction – If you’re building a new home and need to excavate a basement, you can expect to pay between $20,000 and $150,000 depending on the size and complexity of the project. This cost includes not only excavation but also pouring a new foundation and any necessary site preparation work.
4. Cost to dig basement deeper – If you have an existing basement and want to dig it deeper, you can expect to pay between $20,000 and $100,000. This cost will depend on factors such as the depth of the excavation, the condition of the existing foundation, and whether any additional underpinning work is needed.
5. Cost to lower basement floor – Lowering a basement floor is a complex project that involves removing the existing slab, excavating deeper, and pouring a new slab. This can cost between $20,000 and $100,000 depending on factors such as the size of the basement, the condition of the existing slab, and whether any additional excavation or foundation work is needed.

It’s important to note that these are general ranges and your project may fall outside of them depending on the specific factors involved. Additionally, these costs do not include any additional work that may be needed such as plumbing, electrical, or HVAC work. Be sure to get a detailed quote from a qualified contractor before beginning any basement excavation project.

V. Other Costs Associated with Basement Excavation

In addition to the costs associated with the actual excavation process, there are several other costs that may be associated with basement excavation. These costs can vary greatly depending on the specific project, but some of the most common costs include underpinning, excavation for the foundation, and finishing the basement.

1. Cost of Underpinning Basement: Underpinning is a process that is often required when excavating a basement. It involves reinforcing the existing foundation of the house to prevent it from collapsing during the excavation process. The cost of underpinning can vary widely depending on the size of the foundation and the complexity of the project, but the average cost is around $1,000 to $3,000 per underpinning point.
2. Cost of Excavation for Foundation: If you are excavating a basement for new construction, you may need to excavate the foundation as well. The cost of excavation for the foundation can vary depending on the size of the foundation and the depth of the excavation. On average, you can expect to pay around $2,500 to $5,000 for excavation for the foundation.
3. Cost of Finishing the Basement: Once the excavation process is complete, you may want to finish the basement to create additional living space. This can involve adding walls, insulation, flooring, and other finishes. The cost of finishing a basement can vary widely depending on the size of the space and the level of finish you are looking for. On average, you can expect to pay around $20 to $50 per square foot for finishing a basement.
4. Plumbing and Drainage Costs: If you plan on adding a bathroom or kitchen to your basement, you’ll need to consider the cost of plumbing and drainage installation. The cost will vary depending on the complexity of the plumbing system and the distance from existing pipes. On average, homeowners can expect to pay around $2,500 to $5,000 for plumbing and drainage installation in a basement.
5. Permit Costs: Before starting any excavation project, you’ll need to obtain the necessary permits from your local government. Permit costs vary depending on location and the scope of the project. In general, permit costs for a basement excavation project can range from $500 to $2,000.
6. Insurance: Excavation work carries some risk, so it’s important to have the right insurance coverage in place before starting your project. Depending on your insurance policy, you may need to purchase additional coverage for your basement excavation project. It’s important to discuss your plans with your insurance provider to ensure you have adequate coverage.

It’s important to note that these costs are in addition to the cost of the actual excavation process. When planning your basement excavation project, it’s important to consider all of these costs to get a more accurate idea of the total cost of the project.

VI. DIY vs Hiring a Professional

When it comes to dig out basement or basement excavation, homeowners have the option to either tackle the project themselves or hire a professional contractor. Each approach has its own set of advantages and disadvantages.

DIY Pros:

• Cost savings: By doing the work yourself, you can save money on labor costs.
• Control: You have complete control over the project, from start to finish.
• Learning opportunity: DIY projects can be a great opportunity to learn new skills and gain experience.
• Flexibility: You can work on your own schedule and take breaks when you need to.

DIY Cons:

• Safety risks: Excavation work can be dangerous, and inexperienced homeowners may not be equipped to handle the risks.
• Time-consuming: DIY projects tend to take longer than hiring a professional, especially if you’re working alone.
• Limited resources: Homeowners may not have access to the same equipment and resources that a professional contractor has.
• Potential for mistakes: Inexperience can lead to mistakes that could end up costing more in the long run.

Hiring a Professional Pros:

• Experience and expertise: Professional contractors have the knowledge and experience to complete the job safely and efficiently.
• Equipment and resources: Contractors have access to specialized equipment and resources that can make the job easier and faster.
• Quality workmanship: A professional contractor can provide a higher level of quality workmanship.
• Insurance coverage: Professional contractors have liability insurance to cover any damages or accidents that may occur during the project.

Hiring a Professional Cons:

• Cost: Hiring a professional contractor will generally cost more than a DIY approach.
• Less control: Homeowners will have less control over the project when hiring a contractor.
• Limited scheduling flexibility: Contractors may have a set schedule and may not be able to work around your schedule.

Considerations for choosing between DIY and hiring a professional:

• Experience: Do you have experience with excavation work or other DIY projects?
• Time: Do you have the time and energy to commit to a DIY project?
• Safety: Are you comfortable with the safety risks associated with excavation work?
• Budget: What is your budget for the project?
• Quality: How important is the quality of workmanship to you?
• Schedule: What is your timeline for completing the project?

Ultimately, the decision to DIY or hire a professional contractor will depend on your personal preferences and circumstances. It’s important to carefully consider all the factors involved before making a decision.

VII. FAQs

VIII. Conclusion

In conclusion, the cost of basement excavation varies depending on several factors such as location, project size and complexity, soil type and condition, existing structures and utilities, and access to the site. On average, the national cost per square foot ranges from $10 to $30 for different types of basement excavation projects, with regional differences in cost.

When considering basement excavation, it is important to factor in other associated costs such as plumbing and drainage, permit fees, insurance, underpinning, foundation excavation, and finishing. Additionally, the decision to DIY or hire a professional should be carefully considered, weighing the pros and cons of each approach and considering important factors such as safety, time, and cost.

If you are considering basement excavation, it is important to work with an experienced and reputable professional to ensure the project is done safely and efficiently. At Basement Savvy, we have the expertise and resources to help you with all your basement excavation needs. Contact us today for a consultation and let us help you transform your basement space into the functional and beautiful living area you’ve always dreamed of.