While many states like Texas, California or Florida do not have basements, many Northern states like Illinois, Missouri or Ohio do have them. However, did you know that not all basements are the same? Sure, they have the commonality of typically being unfinished, but there are four different types of underground dwellings. Learn about the four types of basements here.
Crawlspace
A crawlspace is not a full basement. Instead, it may be part of a basement or just a small area that you have under your home. Typically, crawlspaces are about 3-ft high and hold utility components. This space is accessible through a small door or hatch. Many homeowners use this space as a storage area due to its size.
Cellar
Cellars are underground rooms that are cold enough to house produce, wines and preserved foods. Unlike crawlspaces, cellars have ample amounts of standing room for people to easily come in and out of. Many homeowners will either keep it as a storage space or finish it to become a living space. They can be full, covering the entire footprint of the house, or partial, covering only a portion of the home. Foundation revisions may be necessary if homeowners choose to extend the cellar out. If you want some inspiration, check out our guide on how to create a cellar.
Daylight
Unlike cellars, daylight or lookout basements are half underground and half above ground. The above-ground section of the basement usually includes a small under to let natural light and air in and out. Daylight basements stretch across the entirety of the home, effectively doubling the living space when finished. When finishing a daylight basement, you will need to have a full remodel with electricity, plumbing, flooring, drywall, etc. since most of these spaces have concrete walls and floors.
Walkout
The last type of basement on our list is a walkout basement. A walkout basement has a door to the outside on the lower level, though there may be stairs leading up to the exit. These basements can either sit on ground level or partially underground like daylight basements. They typically have full-size windows that can open and close freely. A walkout basement adds square footage to a home, providing additional space for bedrooms, bathrooms, living areas, or even a mother-in-law suite. Adding a walkout basement is complicated. Home improvement professionals have to lift the entire structure and alter the foundation to complete this project. That is why many houses on a slope will have walkout basements instead of the other three options.
Which one of these four basements do you have? Are they finished yet? Make the most out of your basement by renovating it. You can turn this additional space into anything — gym, playroom, office, etc. For inspiration or ideas, check out this guide. If you are ready to remodel your basement, let the top stress-free remodelers in the area help — Valor Home Services. Let’s get you started today! Call us or book an appointment for the first steps.
