Estimating Partial Basements

Use the BidMagic construction estimating software to estimate concrete and masonry foundation costs.

Partial Basement Estimating

If the project consists of a partial basement under part of the structure and a crawl space under the remaining area, follow these steps for anything but a remodeling project:

1. Turn on the Basement button on the Basic Dimensions card, and indicate whether it is finished or not. Enter the length of outside walls and the floor area for the actual basement only.
2. On the Foundation Dimensions card, enter the actual length of footings that will be used under both basement walls and stem walls. You may need to unlock the length and increase it above the suggested quantity.
3. Increase the length of basement/stem wall so it includes the length of both basement walls and stem walls. Enter the depth below grade and the height above grade for the basement portion.
4. Reduce the foundation wall area until it includes the actual horizontal wall area of foundation wall. If you have only one height of basement wall and one height of stem wall, it can be calculated by using the following formula:
   Area = (Length of Stem Wall * Height of Stem Wall) + (Length of Basement Wall * Height of Basement Wall).

EXAMPLE: If you have 120 lineal feet of 8' basement and 60 lineal feet of 4' stem wall, the total horizontal area will be (120 x 8) + (60 * 4), or 1,200 square feet.
Construction Quirks Page 359

For a remodeling project, enter the actual basement area into one or more Room cards, then follow steps 2 through 4 above.