Frequently
Asked Questions
Crawlspaces 2 Basements is dedicated to educating our customers and helping you make an informed decision. This section provides answers to many common questions about crawlspace conversion.
Click on each topic to learn more about our company and the crawlspace conversion process.
What is the first step to create my new basement?
The first step is to evaluate your existing crawlspace and foundation walls. Call today to schedule an appointment with Crawlspaces 2 Basements. Together, we will complete a walk-around of your property to evaluate the existing structure of your home and discuss options for creating your new basement before presenting you with our formal recommendations.
Who does the design and engineering work?
Crawlspaces 2 Basements partners with outstanding interior designers throughout the Denver Metro area. Our designers specialize in basements and they are experts at maximizing the value of your new living space.
Our expert structural engineers create customized construction plans for your new basement. These plans guide the entire construction process. Crawlspaces 2 Basements works with a small group of structural engineers, who have extensive experience in crawlspace conversion.
Together with our expert partners, Crawlspaces 2 Basements has the knowledge, experience, and integrity to do the job right.
Will this process work with a brick foundation?
Crawlspace conversion is an excellent choice for older homes with brick foundations. Over the years, brick foundations may weaken and crack. The individual bricks soften through long-term exposure to moisture and temperature changes. Converting your crawlspace is an excellent way to reinforce your foundation and gain new living space at the same time.
Crawlspaces 2 Basements has extensive experience working with brick foundations. We can provide several effective options to design and construct your new basement. Our engineering-based process makes it safe and affordable to convert your crawlspace and improve the structural integrity of the home.
What if my existing foundation is cracking? Can you help?
Ted Tapparo and Crawlspaces 2 Basements are experts in foundations and concrete. We have the knowledge and proven experience to solve almost any challenge with your existing foundation. Crawlspace conversion provides an excellent opportunity to identify and resolve structural problems in your home.
What if my house is built on caissons (piers)?
Here in Colorado, many homes are built on caissons (structural piers), due to our expansive clay soils. This type of specialized construction is ideal for crawlspace conversion.
Crawlspaces 2 Basements has extensive experience at creating new basements for homes built on caissons. Plus, we have learned how to save time and money for these homeowners. First, caisson construction saves time in the excavation process. Then, when excavation is complete, the caissons are encapsulated in your new basement walls, to provide the maximum structural support.
My home already has a basement, but the ceilings are very low. Can you help?
Crawlspaces 2 Basements can easily create more headroom in your existing basement. The only question is how deep do you want to go? Our engineering-based construction process enables us to create basement walls up to 12 ft. tall.
If you want more headroom in your existing basement, Crawlspaces 2 Basements has the knowledge and experience to do the job right.
Call Crawlspaces 2 Basements at (303) 598-9988 to learn about creating a new basement for your home.
Is crawlspace conversion a new process? How long has it been used?
Crawlspace conversion is not a new process. This valuable construction technique has been in use for more than 60 years. However, most people are not aware of this opportunity to add a new basement under their homes. Over the years, crawlspace conversion has become safer, easier, and more affordable. But it still requires a knowledgeable and experienced contractor. This is not a “do it yourself” project. Crawlspaces 2 Basements has extensive experience converting crawlspaces in homes of all types and sizes – from modern ranches to homes on the historical register.
Can we dig out the crawlspace ourselves?
Crawlspace conversion is a complex process that requires an expert engineer and a knowledgeable contractor. It is not recommended for homeowners to do it themselves. It is essential to protect the structural integrity of the home throughout the excavation and construction process.
Ted Tapparo and Crawlspaces 2 Basements have been completing top-quality crawlspace conversions for over 10 years. In addition, Ted Tapparo brings more than 30 years in concrete, framing, and general construction. Plus, we are fully insured up to $2 million.
In summary, you can count on Crawlspaces 2 Basements, and our team of experts, to safely and efficiently create a new basement for your home.
How can I be sure this project is safe?
Crawlspace conversion has been in use for more than 60 years, and Crawlspaces 2 Basements has completed dozens of projects throughout the Denver Metro area. Our proven construction process is guided by certified structural engineers, who specialize in crawlspace conversion.
What is the warranty on your work?
Crawlspaces 2 Basements partners with StrucSure Home Warranty to provide an outstanding 5-year warranty on all of our crawlspace conversion projects. StrucSure Home Warranty is the nation’s leading warranty provider.
Learn more about the StrucSure Home Warranty
Will we need a building permit?
Crawlspace conversion is a significant construction project that requires an expert engineer and a knowledgeable contractor. It is essential to get a building permit. Although permits and inspections can be frustrating, these are important steps to ensure the safety of your home and family. Crawlspaces 2 Basements handles everything involved in obtaining a building permit so you don’t have to deal with the hassle of the process.
Can you begin work during the winter? What about snow?
Crawlspace conversion can be done at any time of year. It’s even a great winter project. Crawlspaces 2 Basements has completed projects every season. After the initial step of creating our entry hole, the majority of the work is done under the house. Adverse weather is rarely a challenge.
Do we need to move out during construction?
Crawlspace conversion is the most convenient way to add new living space to your home. Unlike additions and pop-top conversions, there is no need to move out. You can live comfortably in your home throughout the construction. This makes crawlspace conversion much easier on family life…and easier to afford.
Crawlspaces 2 Basements use a proven construction process that minimizes disturbance of your living space. The vast majority of work takes place under the house, which is accessed through an exterior entry hole. Crawlspaces 2 Basements is dedicated to helping you and your family to feel comfortable throughout the construction. You’ll be amazed at how easy it is to add new living space under your home.
How long does it take to complete a crawlspace conversion?
Through many years of experience, Crawlspaces 2 Basements has developed a highly efficient process to complete a crawlspace conversion. We’ve learned many ways to minimize downtime and accelerate construction.
Crawlspace conversion is much faster and easier, compared to additions and pop-top conversions, which often last 16-20 weeks and cause major disruptions in the home. Although every project is unique, a crawlspace conversion can often be completed within 6-8 weeks. This represents the time from starting the job to the completion of all concrete work. At that point, you can finish the basement right away or wait until later. It’s your choice.
Will my utilities (water, electricity, gas) be turned off?
Completing a crawlspace conversion is a very convenient way to add new living space to your home. However, during construction, it is often necessary to relocate gas, electric, and water lines. This brief interruption of utilities rarely lasts more than a few hours. Everyone at Crawlspaces 2 Basements is committed to helping you and your family live comfortably in your home throughout the construction process.
How do you get underneath my home to start construction?
Crawlspaces 2 Basements uses a proven, engineering-based construction process. We begin by digging an entry hole into the crawlspace, through your existing foundation wall. Then, all work access is made through the entry hole and this is where all the dirt exits from your crawlspace. There is typically no activity in your living space. For your safety and security, the entry hole is secured at night and on weekends. Through our extensive experience, Crawlspaces 2 Basements has learned how to create a new basement quickly and efficiently, with minimum disturbance to your home.
Do you also offer basement finishing?
Crawlspaces 2 Basements specializes in the “heavy lifting” work of crawlspace conversion. We are experts in excavation, structural reinforcement, concrete, and framing. Our proven experience and specialization ensure that Crawlspaces 2 Basements delivers the maximum return on your investment.
Our unique approach provides maximum flexibility for “when” and “how” to finish your new basement. Some homeowners want their basement unfinished. Some want simple finishes, while others prefer luxury. Crawlspaces 2 Basements works closely with outstanding finish contractors throughout the Denver Metro area. This means we can recommend a contractor to meet your specific needs and requirements.
How can I learn more about the construction process?
You can start by exploring our project portfolio to see step-by-step slideshows of some of our recent projects. You can also contact Crawlspaces 2 Basements at 303.598.9988 to schedule an appointment. At that time, we can thoroughly explain the construction process and discuss your specific requirements. It is also possible to visit one of our current conversion projects. Another way to learn about our work is to hear directly from our customers. Click on the video below to hear about their experience with Crawlspaces 2 Basements.