The Basement
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The Basement
Nov 2007
I have a very large basement which I would like to convert into a
separate space that I can rent out...but I am unsure as how to go
about this.
What kinds of permits do I need? Do they take forever to
get? The house was built in the 1960's - if I convert it, does
it need to be up to current code (what is ''current code''
anyways)? Can I just rent it out as is, or are there legal
ramifications of not going through the city's various approval
processes, etc?
If you have already gone through this process, I would love
to hear about remodelers/contracters you used, or if you have any
advice in general.
Thanks!
The first thing you need to do is talk to the city to find out if
a second unit is possible in your zoning area (or have your
architect/contractor make this inquiry). They will then be able
to tell you what type of permits you will need to get. It varies
in each city but typically a planning and building permit are
needed. The time varies greatly depending on the type of work
you are doing and the city itself. The house itself does not
need to be brought up to current code but all NEW work will need
to be done to code. That said, if a contractor opens up your
walls and finds defective work (not work that doesn't comply but
work that was initially done incorrectly), he/she will need to
bring that up to current code. I usually tell my clients to save
at least 10% in their budget for these unexpected upgrades. In
regard to what current codes are, there are too many to go
through here. But the one that stands out to me in a basement
remodel is egress codes. All bedrooms need a window to the
outside that you can use in case of a fire. The city can tell
you the minimum sizes and height off of finish floor (or you can
look it up in the Uniform Building Code). Also, there are
probably a lot of illegal second units in this area but if you
decide to go this route, if you get caught you might be required
to tear out any changes you've made and/or pay fines (and aquire
a permit). It all might sound a bit daunting but it's worth a
visit to your city's building department anyway! Good Luck!
Lori
I have a great contractor to recommend for your job. You
definitely should contact Mircea Ilie Construction about your
project. Mircea & his crew completed a fantastic full basement
remodel at my Berkeley home last year. The end result
surpassed my expectations & the whole process was faster & more
reasonably priced than I anticipated going into it. The work
included installing 2 bathrooms (amazing tilework with real
skill), upgrading plumbing & electrical, foundation & drainage
work etc. Mircea & his crew are skilled at every level from
structural work to providing fine,detailed finishwork. They
are craftsmen. I found them to be helpful, friendly and highly
skilled every step of the way. You should call Mircea directly
(510-575-5434) to have him come to give you an estimate. He is
also helpful with aiding you in thinking through the project
and can talk about permits, codes etc. Re. your other
questions...more and more now it seems that getting permits is
the sensible thing to do. In the past lots of work was done
without permits in the Bay area and the real estate market paid
no mind...nowadays it does seem to matter more and more though
it really comes down to what you are comfortable with. You can
get a sense of what permits you need by going to the local
planning/zoning office (look it up online) & talk with the
staff there about your proposed project. Then I think you weigh
the timeline & cost of permits etc. against any possible risk
of not following the ''rules.'' Good luck! Call Mircea Ilie at
510-575-5434
Marie
Dec 2006
I am interested to hear anyone's experience in excavating under
their house to create a useable space, such as a recreation room
or office. We have a very unfinished basement with dirt floors
and only about 2 feet to 6 feet of height (our house is on a
slope). Is is a pipe dream that somehow we could excavate, add
electricity and heat, maybe even pop out a window, to make this
dark cave of spiderwebs into a pleasant retreat?
Any insight would be appreciated.
Eliza
It can certainly be done, but it will probably be much more
expensive than you imagine. You will likely have to excavate
below the bottom of the existing foundation to get the headroom
you want. This would destabilize the dirt the foundation is
sitting on and you really don't want that. It is possible to do
the excavation and install retaining walls to support what the
foundation is sitting on (this was done with our under-house
garage).
We recently replaced our foundation, and in the process, we had
them excavate out the entire area below the house. The new
foundation went all the way down to the floor of the new
basement. If you need a new foundation, doing the two things at
the same time is great. But hugely expensive, with the
foundation being the vast majority of the cost.
Bottom line: it messes with your foundation, and will therefore
involve much more work and cost than expected. Do not cut
corners, or you will destabilize your house.
Carrie
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