Deep Basement - feasible?

[ZSXI]

Hi all. First post here. I didn't see this topic addressed in the search though I'm a bit surprised. I could make this a real quick post but I'm new here and wanted to give some background.

I am considering a build from scratch (as part of a new home). I've been in a few rooms over the years and one major goal I have this time is to go for plenty of space. I am willing to go for a single room (live + control) as I have definitely seen the light when it comes to acoustic treatment of undersized spaces, not to mention soundproofing.

For several reasons, I think a basement studio could be optimal but there is one major drawback. Typical basement heights are 7'-9' high. So my question is, how easy/hard is it to go deep, right from the start? I'm talking at least 12'. I'm thinking my room would be about 12'Hx17'Wx23'L, which conforms to one of the preferred ratios and, for me anyway, would be pretty large. I would most likely make the basement larger so I could add some storage, bathroom, possible iso booth.

And if it's not too much hassle, I may even go for 15'...

As far as sound isolation, I'd be building on a lot with some buffer between me and the neighbors. I would expect to go with an independent ceiling, mainly to avoid hearing footfalls from above.

In any case, I'm asking from the perspective of design, materials, stability, etc. I know anything is possible with enough money -- what I'm hoping is that this wouldn't cost orders of magnitude above a typical foundation (either poured or using precast concrete). Technically we're just talking more concrete and re bar here but I know the devil is in the details.

Let's assume local zoning, codes, water table issues, etc. are not an issue (I will definitely have to research all that). I live in the PDX area.

Thanks...

[sandledfoot]

ZSXI

I have been looking at exactly what your doing, building from scratch, studio in the basement. I also live in West Virginia, which isn't flat, hence the need for a tall basement. My initial thought was the same, the height can help with the room ratio and allow me to build on a steeper lot. My builder directly said the price break happens at 9' for block (about 14 courses). After 9ft, you then need to grout (fill) the blocks and reinforce with rebar. This is rather expensive. I also looked into a poured concrete foundation, which is common here. The contractor I spoke with said he could go to 10'6" with his ICF forms. Any higher than this, he would need to go with an engineered plan... and of course thats higher cost. To give you a price for example, the ICF 10'6" H, 186'Lft (about 1800sqft house)+ a front porch was going to cost me $40,000. (That is just the foundation materials and labor, not site work). I'm more than likely going to build a 9' ceiling, and in the future, try to build an external building specifically for the studio... something like... (* I"M NOT advertising... rather, trying to give a " cost" comparison to sinking an extra 20k in foundation, versus spending 40k for a blank slate)...

http://www.barnpros.com/barn-plans-prod ... =Craftsman

hope that helps.

kevin

[ZSXI]

Thanks for the reply. I figured that might be the case & was wondering it I'd be better off with a slab and one of those barn type products.

I'm still brainstorming... dangerous, but free....

Have you thought about a standard depth basement, plus a fairly short floor-less building on top? Maybe cinder block, earth bag or straw bale. I suppose this would essentially be an earth contact building. You'd still get some natural cooling and decent soundproofing (depending on the above ground part). Depending on which barn you were considering (plus slab), the price may be comparable...

Again, just looking for ideas without going overboard on cost. I'm somewhat fixated on a below ground solution for 3 main reasons -- easier soundproofing, natural cooling and better physical security. Maybe I'm overemphasizing those aspects.

...I'm reading Rod's book right now and one major takeaway for me is, the more you can leverage your location, environment and building, the less you have to deal with the cost & hassle of soundproofing.