COST to add Basement under Existing Home? (Sunnyvale, Santa Clara: leasing, movers)

[Newbie3317]

Our lot is maxed out and the existing home does not meet the needs of the family. We are unable to move. The only option we could think of is a basement... I've looked online, but am not sure of the cost for the Santa Clara County, San Mateo County areas. It would be a finished basement of 1200 to 2000 sqft depending on cost per sqft. Do you have any ideas on price? Or ideas on how else to make it work? Our lot is about 6000. The house is about 2000. It needs to have areas for multiple functions. Two adults have businesses they run from home. So there needs to be a quieter area for them, separate from the home space. There also needs to be space for adults with limitations, who cannot live on their own, but would like some independence (that is why we thought a basement or second story if that were possible would be nice). Then of course, just living space for th rest of the family to relax and all. And even have friends over once in a while. Any ideas would be appreciated. Funds are very limited, so creating space in the most affordable way is the idea. Thanks!

[NoMoreSnowForMe]

Can't build an outbuilding for offices, etc.? No mother-in-law unit allowed? Can't build up?

I'd start with the city/county building departments and ask what it would cost and what would be allowed. They won't be trying to sell you anything. Get as much info as you can, and maybe even get a referral to a contractor from whomever you talk to there. Going in person might get you more info.

I would think a basement would be hugely expensive. You'd probably have to shore up the foundation, etc., etc. But, talk to the city/county, and then some contractors and see what they have to say.

Sorry, I can't be more specific.

[dburbs1975]

in the midwest, it cost about 50-80K to dig a basement and add foundation piers. the finishing costs depend on the level of finish you want. there will be more costs associated with electric/plumbing/etc. things are more expensive here in general, plus you have extra earthquake stability issues to deal with. It can be done and is definitely cheaper than rebuilding the whole place in the midwest, but you may find a point where it just isn't worth saving the original home.

You need a company with experience lifting/moving homes (i.e. historic structures where the land is wanted for redevelopment but the home cannot be demolished), not just any random builder.

http://www.fbhm.com/

http://trosthousemovers.com/

"structural movers bay area" google search
https://www.google.com/webhp?sourcei...overs+bay+area

[spicydreamt]

A suggestion: look into leasing shared space for one or both businesses. We just leased a "cubicle" at Sunnyvale's Plug and Play Tech Center that seats three people, for $700/month including internet access and 24h/month free conference room use (that's the cheapest they offer). It's surprisingly pretty quiet in there even though they host ~ 300 companies. We're not a startup and HQ is not based in the SF Bay Area - but it doesn't matter to them.