Yes, a Lake House can and does have a basement, but it depends on various factors such as how high the water table is, environmental factors, and how close the place is to the lake.
Constructing a basement in a high water table ground can be expensive and tricky. In addition, You have to take extra measures to Prevent Flooding and other water-related problems such as water seeping for the long-term sustainability of the basement.
Do I need a basement for my Lake house?
Having a house next to a water body is every man’s dream. Lake houses are stunning and can be very relaxing and exciting to live in. People love the fresh air, water sights, and the peace that comes with being away from the city.
What people don’t always love, nonetheless, is the shortage of storage space in a standard lake house. This is where the basement comes in handy.
Here’s a list of pros and cons of having a basement in your Lake house that you should consider before deciding:
Pros:
- Extra storage space.
- It’s the perfect place to store all of your summer gear.
- More Space for bedrooms and bathrooms for growing families.
- Private Space for long-term guests.
- Increases House Value.
Cons:
- Constructing a basement can be expensive and requires expert skills, especially when you’re going for a lake house basement.
- Water seepage is a common problem in basements where the water table is high.
- Making the basement waterproof is complicated, often not done well, and can provoke ongoing issues.
- Risk of Flooding after heavy rainfalls and increased lake water level.
Location of the House
If your home has a direct border with the lake, the chances of house flooding are very high, especially if you plan to have a basement.
In addition, prolonged rain can cause the water table to rise, which can cause severe damage to your house.
What is Water Table?
The water table is the point at which the ground becomes saturated with water.
What causes wet basements?
Due to the high moisture level in the soil caused by the high water table, the ground can expand, exert pressure on the house walls, and cause cracks in the walls and basement floor from which the water can seep in.
How to prevent wet basement?
To prevent water seeping, You must waterproof the basement thoroughly.
To keep the basement dry, there are various methods you can choose; here, we explain two of those.
Drain Tile System
It is a draining system that ensures your basement isn’t flooded by groundwater.
The functionality of the Drain tile system is simple. It creates a low-resistance route for water to follow around a home. Water gushes down the side of the house and marks that it can go slightly further to the drain tile. It then streams down via the pipes before vacating out the drainage opening.
It is highly effective in keeping the basement dry around high water table areas.
Also, ensure to waterproof your basement and house walls to prevent water from seeping in and making a mess.
Sump Pump
Another standard method to keep the basement water-free is to use a sump pump.
A sump pump is a vital factor in a home’s plumbing system. It assists in keeping the basement dry by pumping water out of the sump pit and away from home. Sump pumps come in both pedestal and submersible models.
If you plan on buying a sump pump, picking the right one for your needs is crucial. There are a few things to consider when deciding, such as the size of your sump pit and the amount of water you need to pump out.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a lake house?
A lake house is a house that is next to a lake.
What State has the cheapest Lake Houses?
There are numerous aspects people consider when purchasing a lake house. Some want one with an easy pass to all the action, and others wish for total privacy. And the price is always a concern for buyers. So which state has the cheapest lake houses?
According to Trulia, Arkansas is the most inexpensive State for lake houses, with a moderate list price of $129,900. Next on the list is Wisconsin, followed by Minnesota and Iowa.
What State has the Most expensive Lake Houses?
According to a recent report from Trulia, the most expensive State for lake houses is Connecticut. The average list price for a home on a freshwater lake in the State is $799,000.
While Connecticut lakes may be the most expensive, they are not the only ones with a high price tag. Houses on lakes in Idaho, California, and Michigan also have a high median.
Why does every house in Michigan have a basement?
Why does every house in Michigan have a basement? It’s a question that has baffled many people. Some people say it’s because of the temperature, others say it’s because of the ground, but no one knows for sure.
It likely has to do with the severe weather conditions that Michigan often experiences.
Why do houses in California not have basements?
One of the main reasons most houses in California don’t have a basement is the high water table and the bedrock. In addition, if you need more storage space, it’s usually cheaper to construct on the ground floor, unless real-estate costs in the area where you wish to build are costly.
Due to these reasons, it’s challenging and expensive to construct a Basement in California. Therefore, Most Californians decided not to add a basement to their houses.
