Basements and crawlspaces are the best solutions for adding additional living space to a house. Knowing the difference between these spaces is essential to finish your basement or to store items in crawlspaces.
For example, you can turn the basement into a workout space, game room, theater, or additional bedroom. Similarly, you can use the crawlspace for storage and other uses, such as installing a heating and cooling system.
Read more: Turn Your Basement Into a Workout Space: Ideas and Tips.
We will explain the variations between a basement and a crawlspace, how to select the proper one for your needs and hints on preserving and resolving issues with every space.
What Is a Basement and How Can You Use It?
Basements are usually placed beneath a home’s flooring and have a ceiling above. These areas provide lots of places to furnish more dwelling areas and storage in your home, with many innovative choices on hand for utilization.
Basements can be completed with drywall, paint, carpets, and even furniture, giving it a complete look and feel. Many house owners use their basements as leisure or enjoyment spaces, with choices like sports rooms, theater setups, and workout areas. Basements additionally furnish extra storage areas for gadgets that must be stored out of sight in the house.
What Is a Crawl Space and How Can You Use It?
A crawl space is a shallow foundation system, usually between one and three feet deep, that lies beneath the floor of your home. These spaces are built for inspection, maintenance, or access to utility lines in your home. Although they can be used for storage, many homeowners prefer to leave these boxes unfinished and avoid using them for living space due to their shallow height.
Crawl spaces are an excellent option for homeowners who want to access their home’s utilities without significantly changing the installation or aesthetic design. In most cases, these spaces serve as a way to provide an easy access point for professionals that need to inspect and repair those utility lines.
Factors That Differentiate Between a Basement and a Crawl Space
Whether you need space for a workshop, an extra bedroom, or additional storage space for your home, when deciding between a basement and a crawl space, there are several factors to consider, as they can have different effects on the house’s living areas.
1) The Size
The size is the first and most obvious difference between a basement and a crawl space. Basements can often extend the entire footprint of the house, while crawl spaces are typically only several feet wide. As basements are larger and have more living space, they allow you to create more complex designs within your home, such as adding closets, bedrooms, or bathrooms.
2) The Accessibility
Another significant factor between a basement and a crawl space is their accessibility. Basements are easily accessible from the inside of the home, while crawl spaces are typically only available through small entrances in the side or back of the house. This means basements can be used as living spaces where people spend time, while crawl spaces usually provide storage space.
3) The Building Materials Used
The building materials used for a basement differ from those used for a crawl space. Basements require thick concrete walls and floors, while crawl spaces are typically built with wooden floor joists and ventilation ducts that allow air to circulate throughout the area. This can make installing utilities, such as water, gas, and electric lines, easier.
4) The Cost of Construction
The cost of constructing a basement is higher than that of a crawl space because of the materials used and the extra labor involved in building the large area. Basements also require waterproofing to protect against moisture seeping up from the ground below.
Call R&S Basements for the best basement remodeling in Johns Creek. We offer various services for any basement project, from fixing a musty smell to complete renovation.
