Can you live in a basement while building your house?

Question

My husband said that years ago his grandparents lived in their basement while their house was being built above them. Has anyone ever heard of this can you still do that these days, we are looking at a cost effective way to buy this piece of land and build our dream house w/o a HUGE unaffordable LOAN!!! Any suggestions or answers welcome.

Answer 1

You can, but most places it's not legal to do so.

It's a question of whether the local authorities

will 'give you a break`.

Answer 2

One possibility is to buy a cheap used trailer and put it on the land.  Then when your house is ready to move in, re-sell the trailer.  We were going to do that when we built our house (just moved into our dream house in November!!-been planning it for 7 years.)  However, we were able to live with my husband's grandparents right near the land instead.  Good luck with the building!  So exciting!!!!

Answer 3

You most definitely can. That is how my grandparents built thier house and they had seven kids.

Answer 4

Yes, Its best to have the house framed, roofed etc so water doesn't enter.

If the upper part is still getting plumbing, wiring drywall etc Yes you sure can and many do.

Answer 5

It may be possible.  Many people live in their house during major renovations.  If there's a bathroom down there and access to electricity and stuff, I think you could.  You'd have to be really flexible schedule-wise.  And prepare for dust to appear out of nowhere.  Good luck.

Answer 6

I worked on a house about 5 years ago in which the elderly couple who lived there, had first built a day basement. Obviously as suggested, and as they did in pre-planning, water, electric, and plumbing (toilet, shower, etc.) were added.

   The house was two story, eventually, at approx. 2400 sq. ft. and they managed very well. In effect what happened was that the basement became a place where visiting family and/or friends could stay as if it was an apartment.

   I have no real clue as to codes and/or zoning restrictions governing your situation, but you can certainly find out. I suspect you'd have to have those issues resolved and in place in order to occupy. On a very practical level it would be a major inconvenience, even to you, to do without electrical service, running water, sewage and any draining needed.

Steven Wolf

Just my two "sense"

Answer 7

Sure. I had neighbors a few miles away that did just that- built the basement, then added the house on top.

Answer 8

It depends on where you live. I would check with your local code officials at the city hall and ask them. It is doubtful that you would be able to get an occupancy permit to live in the basement of an unfinished house. But, if you live in a more rural are that is less regulated you might be able to get by with it. Check with city hall. It will be your best source of reliable information on local regulations.