Builder screwed up (documents, clause, price, construction)
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You might be able to have the builder dig down a foot... That seems to be the common solution to increasing headroom space in a basement. Of course, the builder would have to eat all the cost involved.
What would it cost to tear out the floor in a 1200 sq ft basement to dig it down? That sounds outrageously expensive and then I would have to wonder if that would make the floor more likely to crack up in the coming years. I know there's gravel poured under the concrete floor.
... the basement with the 9ft ceilings and because of that, we didn't raise the ceilings on the upstairs bedrooms.
Quote:
Originally Posted by TexasHorseLady
[/i]I imagine the brokers and agents in their area know what's expected in that area. And it sounds like the OP consulted them when making decisions about upgrades based on what they said about every upgrade being chosen based on future marketability in that market.
You think the agents in her market told her to raise ceilings in the basement and to NOT raise ceilings throughout the rest of the house? More than likely the OP was selective on where to raise the ceilings with probably a general comment from the agents that it's better to have higher ceilings, and she chose where she wanted the higher ceilings. I can't imagine any agent suggesting someone building a house to have low ceilings. And this is a custom home, not a tract home.
You think the agents in her market told her to raise ceilings in the basement and to NOT raise ceilings throughout the rest of the house? More than likely the OP was selective on where to raise the ceilings with probably a general comment from the agents that it's better to have higher ceilings, and she chose where she wanted the higher ceilings. I can't imagine any agent suggesting someone building a house to have low ceilings. And this is a custom home, not a tract home.
See my comment that followed. The master bedroom has cathedral ceiling and the living/dining/kitchen is 2 full stories with cathedral as well. Upstairs has 2 bedrooms and those are at 8ft and an open loft with high ceiling that overlooks greatroom. Only ceilings in the house that are at 8ft are those 2 "kid" bedrooms upstairs, the bathrooms, and the closets.
We did not think that the ceiling height in the 2 upstairs bedrooms would have that much affect on saleability and value. We went with upgrades like basement height, covered patio, fireplace, hardwood instead of carpet in living room, etc. Ceiling height in the kid rooms is pretty easy to overlook as the rooms are bright, have great views, and they have walk in closets.
Last edited by Land_Girl; 06-07-2014 at 12:01 PM..
It is in a subdivision, but it's one with 5-10 acre lots and this is the only lot in the sub that we liked. It has a pond and a mountain view. You can't see the mountains from any of the other lots. We're currently living at the base of the mountains but need to move to this other area about 60 miles away. To still be able to see the mountains out our windows is something we really want. Also, I don't think we want to go through this whole process again. We are suppose to close next month. Starting over would mean we don't close/move until December. If we don't go with this house, I would rather look at what is currently on the market. I have a job waiting for me over there and am anxious for us to get moved. I've already packed 1/2 my house.
It is in a subdivision, but it's one with 5-10 acre lots and this is the only lot in the sub that we liked. It has a pond and a mountain view. You can't see the mountains from any of the other lots. We're currently living at the base of the mountains but need to move to this other area about 60 miles away. To still be able to see the mountains out our windows is something we really want. Also, I don't think we want to go through this whole process again. We are suppose to close next month. Starting over would mean we don't close/move until December. If we don't go with this house, I would rather look at what is currently on the market. I have a job waiting for me over there and am anxious for us to get moved. I've already packed 1/2 my house.
Maybe the builder would jack up the house, and raise it a foot to get you the headroom.
With close engineer supervision, of course.
House movers do that all the time, and I would certainly choose that approach over digging out the foundation footings and the basement floor.
It actually could put the finished floor elevation where you originally intended.
Maybe the builder would jack up the house, and raise it a foot to get you the headroom.
With close engineer supervision, of course.
House movers do that all the time, and I would certainly choose that approach over digging out the foundation footings and the basement floor.
It actually could put the finished floor elevation where you originally intended.
I thought about that as an option already and I think it would actually come out looking weird because the basement eagress windows would be so far down. It would also mean adding steps down to the patio which would take away usable surface space on the covered patio. I also don't think I can get my husband to go for jacking up the house. I don't think he would be ok with that, regardless of whether or not an engineer was overseeing the project.
I thought about that as an option already and I think it would actually come out looking weird because the basement eagress windows would be so far down. It would also mean adding steps down to the patio which would take away usable surface space on the covered patio. I also don't think I can get my husband to go for jacking up the house. I don't think he would be ok with that, regardless of whether or not an engineer was overseeing the project.
We do similar around here quite often.
They even moved the Hatteras Lighthouse about half a mile several years ago.
Anyway.... I feel for you folks and the mess you are involved in.
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