Basement Construction Checklist and Guide

Successful concrete basement construction is a matter of knowing what type of basement you want and adhering to a checklist of actions that will prevent your basement from flooding or cracking. Many people prefer to hire a contractor.

Precast Panel Basements: Using a crane, large precast panels of concrete are lowered into a hole to create a basement. On the plus side, this method of construction is instantaneous. On the downside, more cracks and potential water damage can result if the panels are not thoroughly waterproofed.

Masonry Basements: While masonry block construction offers a more handcrafted feel, there are more potential entrances for water due to the nature of how the blocks fit together. An experienced mason or brick-layer should lay the bricks.

Poured Concrete Basements: Poured concrete offers a fireproof, joint-free construction, and generally provides the best protection against water damage. A concrete basement can be constructed in practically any type of soil or in regions with high water tables, as long as a durable waterproofing membrane is installed beforehand.

• Choose a qualified contractor with years of experience. Local recommendations from people who have used their services before are the best guide.
• Ask the contractor what type of concrete basement they have experience in building. Press for specific details.
• Don’t be afraid to ask the contractor to explain exactly how they plan to build your basement. If they are experienced professionals, they will be happy to take you through the steps.

• Make sure to add a thorough waterproof membrane to your basement.
• Insulate your waterproofing membrane to prevent the basement foundation construction from cracking.
• Plan out and position the drainage.
• Protect the life of your slab by digging trenches to relieve it from water pressure.
• Make sure all your brick ledges are closed and waterproofed. Open brick ledges can quickly create leaks in the walls.
• Backfill evenly. Backfilling all on one side will create uneven pressure, leading to a potential structural failure.
• As concrete ages, it releases water. Make sure you let the basement dry out at regular intervals to prevent a build up of moisture.
• Seal any and all penetrations in the basement wall construction, including tie rods, before waterproofing.
• Avoid additional water problems by landscaping the earth around your house above the basement. Create a downward sloping wall to prevent water from leaking down into the basement.
• Have your soil checked for radon gas. Installing a PVC pipe that vents from the soil up through the roof is a good preventative measure.
• Know exactly where your basement is if you ever intend to install any additional features, such as porches or below ground accessories. If you breach your waterproofing barrier, your entire basement could flood.