In the South the mention of a crawl space might once have made homeowners cringe. But with the right partner—and today’s advanced construction methods—these underused areas are being reimagined into fully livable lower levels, often adding between 1,200 and 2,200+ square feet of usable space; that’s the size of a small Atlanta home or condo. And when it comes to mastering the crawl space conversion game, no one does it better than Heide Contracting.
The Rise of Crawl Space Conversions
With housing costs, high interest rates, historic preservation concerns, and strict city regulations, homeowners in the South are facing fewer options for expanding their living space. While building up or out has traditionally been the go-to solution, a growing number of savvy homeowners are looking down—and reaping major benefits.
Crawl space conversions are changing the game. On average, converting a crawl space costs just one-third as much as a traditional home addition—yet can yield up to three times more usable space. Construction is less invasive, families can stay in their homes during the process, and perhaps best of all—the exterior of the home remains completely untouched.
Here’s why more Southern homeowners are digging deep:
1. Lower construction costs mean better ROI.
2. Minimal disruption—you stay home while the work happens beneath it.
3. Instant equity—the value of your home increases the moment the basement is complete. That square footage is officially yours.
At the forefront of the crawl space conversion movement is Heide Contracting—pioneers in transforming underutilized space into high-value, livable square footage. Founder Alex Heide brings a distinctly innovative, European-inspired approach to Southern architecture, preserving a home’s character while maximizing its long-term value. As a first-generation Danish-American, Alex grew up with a different mindset: in Europe, when families need more space, they dig down—not out or up. “It’s not unusual in Europe to find homes with six or seven levels beneath ground,” says Kendra Heide, Chief Marketing Officer at Heide Contracting. “When Alex moved to Atlanta, he was struck by how many families were outgrowing their beautiful historic homes and how often the solution was demolition. He saw an opportunity to preserve the architecture while solving the space problem in a way that no one here had ever considered.”
Let’s be clear: Crawl space conversions aren't small projects—they're major structural
transformations that demand expert engineering, architectural foresight, and specialized
labor.
“What sets us apart is our ability to make the ‘impossible’ possible,” says Kendra. “Many of our clients come to us after hearing ‘no’ from other contractors. That’s where we
thrive—bringing ambitious visions to life with smart design and technical mastery.”
Heide Contracting guides homeowners through every step—from the architectural vision to the excavation and finishing work. “This is heavy-duty construction,” Kendra adds. “But it’s guided by thoughtful design and deep respect for the homes and families we’re working with. We help homeowners understand not just what’s possible—but what’s best for their home and future.”
Just ask Brian and Megan Hartman, Buckhead homeowners who needed more space for their growing family. Heide Contracting delivered a solution that preserved their home’s charm while dramatically expanding its function. By transforming and lowering their existing basement, the Heide team added three bedrooms, two full bathrooms, a home office, a spacious laundry room, and a family room—doubling the home’s square footage without altering its exterior or requiring the family to relocate during construction.
“Alex was the first person who had the idea to expand our house in a way no one else had suggested,” says Brian. “It was also more affordable than any other option we explored—and from start to finish, it was a great experience.”
More Than a Home Improvement — It’s a Smart Investment
Crawl space conversions are not just luxury upgrades—they’re some of the smartest
investments a homeowner can make. Adding functional, livable square footage below grade significantly boosts your home’s value, enhances everyday functionality, and increases future flexibility. Whether you’re expanding for a growing family, creating space for aging parents, or building a rental suite, the financial benefits are clear—and compelling. Consider a project where Heide Contracting added 1,135 square feet to a 3,165-square-foot Atlanta home—all underground and with zero changes to the exterior. The result? The home’s value jumped by over $.500k within months, yielding a net equity gain of over $300K and an immediate return on investment of 124%.
For many of Heide’s clients—especially those with backgrounds in finance or real estate—these numbers make the decision clear: crawl space conversions offer one of the highest returns on investment you can achieve on a primary residence.
So yes, that once-daunting crawl space could be your home’s most valuable asset. With experts like Heide Contracting in the South at the helm, homeowners can dream bigger, dig deeper, and expand their living space—without sacrificing style, safety, or the character of their home.
This isn’t just a passing trend; it’s a smart, forward-thinking way to enhance your home’s value and enjoy it for years to come.
For more information visit: https://www.heidecontracting.com/
“What sets us apart is our ability to make the ‘impossible’ possible,” says Kendra