onsider, for a moment, the Basement Myth. The cost of a basement depends on the climate where you're building as well as the specific topography of your lot.

First, a word on construction. Every home is built on footings that anchor the home to the ground and support the structure. Footings must extend below the frost line so that they remain stable throughout the freeze-thaw cycle. If you are building in a cold climate, your footings might need to be 4' deep or more. The theory is that if you're going to need to dig 4', you might as well (yup, that's one of them) dig another few feet and have enough space for a basement. There is, however, a difference in cost between deep footings and a basement. In a basement you have the extra excavation costs, the cost of materials for the walls, moisture proofing, an additional floor, stairs, plumbing, electrical, heating, windows and doors (with a walk-out basement) as well as design, engineering and labor costs. When you stop to think about it, you're saving the cost of digging the footings, but that's just about all you'll save.

Basements have many uses, and if you want a basement it certainly can be done, but they aren't "cheap" space. In fact, in more moderate climates where footings don't need to be deep, or on flat lots that would require much more excavation, it can actually cost less to add storage or workshop space to your garage at ground level rather than build a basement. You'll get the additional benefit of windows for day lighting and solar heat (nice in a workshop!) and easier access for loading and unloading materials and storage items.

We realize how hard it can be to let go of having a basement, especially when you were raised with one. We also understand their value as a cool spot in the hot summer, as well as extra storage and a safe room in tornado country. Basements and Bonus Rooms can be great additions to your home. We just want to address the cost realities of "cheap space" so you can make the best decision for your project.

Be prepared for the might-as-wells! Come see how.