Browse Forums Renovation + Home Improvement 1 Oct 03, 2012 9:17 am I was wondering whether it was possible to extend below a house (rather than putting a second level on top). I was wondering if this was viable - you would have to spend more on lighting but less on cooling. Has anyone any experience with this? Was it markedly more difficult/expensive? Re: Building down (rather than up) 3Oct 05, 2012 7:39 am Anything is possible but few things are viable In addition to structural considerations as outlined by Stewie D, your biggest challenge will be waterproofing. On my inspections I frequently see dampness and mould in structures built below ground level. Often the issues are serious. Dampness/mould is unhealthy and may interfere with respiratory system and or bring on allergies My most recent blog with serious dampness issues is below, where my client had to abandon the use of basement theatre room http://www.buildingexpert.net.au/blog/b ... -the-cost/ Water is unforgiving and the slightest lapse in construction and or detailing will be punishing, don't try it without expert advice. Hence construction will be expensive and will drive down viability Foremost Building Expert in Australia,assisting with building problems/disputes, building stage inspections,pre-contract review advice for peace of mind 200 blogs http://www.buildingexpert.net.au/blog Re: Building down (rather than up) 4Oct 05, 2012 7:51 am Below ground rooms can be damp. In my case only in the summer months. At first we had problems with a musty smell. We then got a dehumidifer and turn it on whenever the humidty in the earth bermed rooms goes above 85%. We don't have airconditioning, but that would also work in dehumidifying. In our case the high level of humidity had nothing to do with external water getting into the building. Demolition August 2009, Construction Started September 2009, Completed December 2010 Re: Building down (rather than up) 5Oct 05, 2012 3:59 pm Most of the time dampness in buildings below ground level is from water coming in but it can be from leaks, condensation and poor ventilation. Sometimes it is combination of several problems. Therefore correct diagnosis is essential or dampness will persist. Dampness cannot be cured unless you can eliminate the source of water. Foremost Building Expert in Australia,assisting with building problems/disputes, building stage inspections,pre-contract review advice for peace of mind 200 blogs http://www.buildingexpert.net.au/blog How long is a "long period"? For a few weeks, it should be ok. It also depends on the area you live in...I would let your neighbours know that you will be away too and… 1 28573 Hi HomeOne, I'm in the midst of landscaping a cat run down the side of my house, and the recent rains have me wondering if I need to install some sort of drainage. I've… 0 12283 Hi I live in a 100yr old semi and my neighbour added an additional floor last yr and our architect has advised that we can knock down our semi and build a free-standing… 0 37714 |