Creating a Room Under Your House: A Feasibility Guide
Hello! I’m 13, and there is a space underneath our house that's about 1 metre high. I am in need of my own room and my mother said that if I would like to, I can build my own room there. Would that be a good spot to build a room?
The prospect of having a room under your house sounds intriguing, but it requires careful consideration. Let's delve into the feasibility of using this space, the necessary infrastructure, and the potential challenges involved.
Assessing the Space
Firstly, you need to ensure that the space under your house stays dry. Water accumulation can lead to mold, bacteria, and structural damage. A critical step is to protect the floor by laying down plastic to prevent moisture. Additionally, you'll need a way to ensure that water doesn't seep in during rain. This involves creating a sealed structure to keep pests like bugs, rats, and squirrels out. The walls and floor need to be fortified, and proper insulation is essential to maintain a comfortable temperature.
Structural Considerations
You mentioned building four walls. For construction, using materials like wafer board or plywood is a good recommendation. Framing with 2x4s is advisable, but remember to put down a floor first, either plastic or a rug over the plastic, followed by a plywood floor. You’ll need to seal any gaps between the joists of the floor above to prevent critters from entering. Metal flashing can also be used to enhance water resistance and structural integrity.
Why It Might Not Be Practical
Others have pointed out that this space may not be ideal for several reasons. Firstly, why do you need a room in that specific location? Typically, a habitable room must be at least 7 feet 2 inches high, equivalent to 2.1336 meters, from the floor to the ceiling. This guideline is set to ensure adequate space and comfort for living. If the space is only 1 meter, it is likely too small and may not meet the necessary height requirements.
Furthermore, the space under your house is often a crawl space, which is designed to provide access to utility pipes. It can be damp and lacks lighting or heating. Making this damp, unlit area suitable for living would involve significant modifications, including insulation, heating, and the installation of windows and a door. These changes could be costly and time-consuming.
Another concern is the presence of mold and bacteria, as well as pests like mice, which are common in crawl spaces. Additionally, a 1-meter space might not be large enough to stand up in, unless you are very small in stature. Alternative spaces like a garage or attic might be more suitable, especially when considering the future comfort of the room.
Country vs. Town Considerations
In more relaxed areas, such as the countryside, creating a room in a crawl space might be more feasible. However, it would likely not be a comfortable space as you grow older and taller. For instance, in the South, where winters are milder, you could consider constructing a garden shed. Insulate and drywall the shed, and hook it up to your house's electrical system. This would provide a more comfortable and larger space than a crawl space.
Additionally, if you live in a town, local ordinances might prohibit such a construction, and your parents could face fines if they go ahead with it. It's always best to check local regulations and building codes to ensure that any modifications align with the law.
Conclusion
While it is technically possible to build a room under your house, it involves numerous practical and safety considerations. A crawl space is not typically a suitable space for a habitable room due to its limitations in size and lack of proper amenities. Exploring alternatives, such as a garage, attic, or even a modern garden shed, might be more practical and align better with your needs and safety requirements.
By carefully assessing the space and considering your living conditions, you can make an informed decision that meets both your current and future needs.