Building in the Basement

[Bearhawker87]

Longtime lurker here!

I am slowly researching building a Bearhawk. So far, my biggest hangup has been locating and budgeting for a proper workspace. I recently purchased a new home that has an 1800 sqf. unfinished and heated basement. The only problem would be getting finished components out once it was time for final assembly. This would require a wall to be knocked out at the very least. Ventilation would not be an issue as I have access to a good sized egress window. I figure it will take me at around 6 to 7 years to build once I start construction and I think the minimum to rent a heated shop would be approx. 500 dollars per month. This would net me at least a cost savings of $36k before the costs to remove and replace the section of the foundation not to mention the convenience of basically living with my project.

Are any other builders doing this? Does anyone have an idea as so what it might cost to do something of this magnitude?

[whee]

I knew a guy that had a wood shop in his basement. He framed one exterior wall so he had a 5' wide slot he could slide stuff in and out. When he got old and took the shop out he sided the outside and hung drywall over the slot and you couldn't even tell it was there. I don't see why you couldn't do the same.

Also, my aunt had a hot tub in her basement. She had a wall removed to install it and ten years later removed the wall again to take out the HT. You could do the same but I think some kind of slot you could slide sheet of metal through and finished wings out would be better.

I say do it.

[N942VT]

Definitely a big plus living with your project, not just in financial terms but in getting things done. Lots and lots of planes have been built in basements and hauled out one way or another. Cut that window into a doorway and put a basement bulkhead in - 2 grand max.

[John Rheney]

I'm building in my basement and it is working well (when I'm not traveling.) My house is built into sloping ground, but I installed an 8 foot garage door on the ground level side when I built the house. I can attest that a BH on gear can be moved through such a door. You didn't say whether your house is block, bricked or wood framed or if a portion of the basement is at ground level, but I would think that adding a door of some sort would be much less than $36K. A fellow non-BH builder in my area has a double door into his basement and has no problem moving two planes out so far.

[Bcone1381]

I think the idea is to build it in your basement as far as you can, then have a local press event/ceremonial block party on the day the fuselage and wings are presented thru the dug and knocked down basement wall. The day starts early in the morning when the back hoe shows up. Engage your wife and kids in this planned party right from the very beginning in order to develop a team spirit in the building process.

[leecampos]

I have made a garage in my basement and my house is located in a very open area so there is no issue in doing building works. All I have to maintain proper temperature as there is hardly a window opening through basement and we need to keep door closed while working, so I have installed a ventis ventilation system.

[geraldmorrissey]

I'm sure I could ever finish my project if I could not walk to my shop.
Gerry
Patrol #30

[KyBearhawk]

Same here Gerry... If I had to go somewhere to work on it, I would never get it done. My shop is 150 feet from my house and I wish it was in my basement.