We are considering adding to our existing home. Someone suggested that we would get the most space for the money by adding a basement (the house is currently on a crawlspace). Can someone give me a very general, ballpark dollar figure for such an addition?

THe home is a two story colonial with a crawlspace of approximately 25' x 40'. I would like to raise the house about one or two feet in the process and excavate (on an "ever so slightly" sloped lot) to allow for an outside entrance through a normal door. I would like the foundation walls to be poured, if possible, but block would be okk. I would like to everything necessary to ensure proper drainage (as in a new build). I would like to have the contractors leave the floors unfinished (for me to finish) but to go ahead and hang drywall. I also would like an inside entrance via stairs and "roughed in" plumbing for a future bathroom and wetbar. Any input would be appreciated.

 

I have no idea what it will cost (lots!), but I suspect you'll have to get multiple contractors to do this job. One to raise the house and pour the walls, one for framing and drywall, an electrician, and a plumber. You'll have to have several inspections along the way.
My advice is to have a detailed plan long in advance of exactly what you want and stick to it. Where exactly all the plumbing drains go, all the electrical circuitry, water lines, etc.
I expect that raising the house would be more expensive than adding an above ground family room, which would look better and never question the structural integrity of your foundation. Just my inexperienced opinions...
Good Luck!
Matt

 

You want more than a basement. You also want a partial basement finish job (you mentioned drywall). You also have a two story house and room for a 1000 square foot basement.

$50,000

 

$50,000 doesn't sound all that bad, given that it would add about 1000 square feet. I realize that this is a VERY rough estimate, but $50.00 per square foot is a LOT less than about $75.00 to $80.00 per square foot that a new, above-ground addition likely would cost. Granted, I will spend a fair amount in flooring costs even though I will do that on my own, but even if I go nuts with expensive carpet or Formica laminate, we're only talking about an additional $5.00 to $7.00 per square foot. Hmmmmm. $57.00/square foot . . . not bad.