Are you thinking of constructing a residential house with a basement? This quick guide will tell you everything you need to know about residential basements in Kenya before embarking on this journey. Regardless of their specific construction type, basements perform a similar structural job for the building. The basement walls are additional and supplementary foundation materials for the building while their ceiling serves as the ground floor of the building. With that said, basements should be durable enough to withstand the weight of the whole structure and distribute the weight evenly.
Before we take a look at the different types of basement construction, let’s quickly discuss their pros and cons.
Basement pros
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additional space and storage
having a basement will provide more space and storage by allowing you to maximize the square footage of your main living area. This is an ideal situation for families with many members.
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Increases resale value
When you no longer want to stay in your house and think of reselling it, a basement increases its resale value and makes the listing much more attractive.
Basement cons
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Moisture and humidity issues
basements are more vulnerable to accumulating water and humidity which may lead to damage and growth of mildew.
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Higher cost to build
it often costs more to build a house with a basement than one without. Before committing to it you have to thoroughly review the cost and see if the extra cost is worth it.
Types of residential basements in Kenya homes.
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Poured concrete basements
Poured concrete basements begin by pouring of a footing in the foundation, forms are used to hold the walls in place while they dry resulting in strong basements that do not typically cause many problems later on.
Because it is sturdy and simple to construct, this type of basement is the most common. Poured concrete walls tend to be stronger and often require fewer repairs over time. However, it is possible for cracks to form in the walls, and the joints in the walls and floor may allow small amounts of water to seep in with time.
Pros
poured concrete walls are pretty resistant to cave-ins taking earth pressure and water into account. The dense material brings added resistance
Cons
Plumbing systems are usually buried under these poured concrete slabs, you have to break these slabs to get to your piping in case repairs are needed.
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Concrete block basement
Concrete block basements are built using concrete or masonry blocks and reinforced by steel rebars to reinforce the strength of the walls. It is an inexpensive option for basement construction. These concrete block walls tend to be more susceptible to water leaks through the joints and sometimes through the mortar.
Pros
it is the least expensive method of constructing a basement
Cons
The walls are very prone to water leakage and damage
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Precast panels basements
In this method, the basement panels or walls are constructed at a different location then transported to the site and placed on the footer, a crane is usually needed to place the walls on the footer given their size and weight. despite the cost increase, the added time to check for defects before installation improves the overall quality
Pros
The finish is smooth and very aesthetically appealing, and the construction site is safer since there are no materials stored there.
Cons
Cost more money upfront, requires heavy and sophisticated machinery, and handling precast panels is quite sensitive and difficult.
Wrap up
The type of basement you choose to construct depends on the structure you are building, the type of soil you are building on also dictates the basement you choose, whether it is rocky soil or loamy. also consider the amount of rainfall received in that area, not forgetting the building regulations and codes observed.
