Can I dig down under my house?

You could dig out a basement under the house. It sounds expensive and messy, but spiralling house prices mean that excavating a basement can add considerable value. Unlike loft conversions, basements can have their own front door, accessed by stairs down from the front garden.

How do I access my crawl space?

How to Get Into a Crawl Space

1. Search the exterior of your home for an access hatch. Examine the foundation near ground level.
2. Check inside your house if you can’t find an access hatch outside.
3. Open the hatch or door covering the access point.
4. Shine a flashlight into the crawl space before you enter it.

What is the underneath of a house called?

A basement or cellar is one or more floors of a building that are completely or partly below the ground floor. The word cellar applies to the whole underground level or to any large underground room.

How deep can I dig under my house?

However, for practical purposes (leaving the legal requirements aside), it is generally safe to dig holes no more than 300mm deep (12 inches) on your property, and it’s much safer and non-risky to dig holes no more than 100mm deep (4 inches).

Do I need planning permission to build underground?

“What you propose would be classified as an engineering operation. Unlike Building Regulations, there are no exemptions under the Planning Acts that permit nuclear shelters or similar structures to be constructed. Underground (engineering) works will require Planning approval.

What is the purpose of a crawl space under a house?

A crawlspace provides support for the living areas above, and a buffer between the house and the ground below. A crawlspace is typically vented to the outside or an adjoining basement. This ventilation allows air to circulate below the house, explains Scott Fisher, contractor and owner of Ciel Power, LLC.

What is code for crawl space?

Building codes state that the space between the bottom of the floor joists and the earth that is not a basement needs outside ventilation. There should be vents on all crawl space walls. They should provide a minimum of 1 square foot of vent area for every 500 square feet of crawl space area.

How do you vent a crawl space?

Airing out your Crawl Space The following are more options for venting the crawl space: Transfer a small supply of heated air from the HVAC system into the crawl space. Use an exhaust fan to move air from the crawl space to the outside. Install an air intake or dehumidifier system.

How deep is a crawl space foundation?

Basement foundations start with a concrete layer placed at the bottom of a deep hole, usually about 8 feet deep.

Do you need planning permission to build underground?

How do you get rid of the smell from Under Your House?

Once you have sprinkled the lime over the soil, cover it with 6 mil black plastic to keep the smell contained. Stretch the plastic out, allowing for a one or two-foot overlap on each section. Another option you can consider when you notice a funky smell coming from under your house is to buy some DampRid.

What to do if there is an animal under your house?

Ask questions along the way. If you think you are dealing with a live animal issue, there is no shame in calling in a professional to confirm whether you have a nest of animals under your house before your try to clean up.

What to do if there is standing water under your house?

Inspect the crawlspace under your home. While the soil may be moist, it shouldn’t be saturated or have standing water. Look for any plumbing leaks as well as excessive dampness, mold, and mildew. Clean out any debris and stored items under your house, and fill in any holes or depressions.

What do you do if you find a skunk under your house?

If a skunk fell down a window well, simply place a wood plank or board down the well, so that the animal can climb out on its own. If there are skunks under your shed or home, you need to first look at your property and decide just what lured the animals to that location.