Basement Foundation
A Wise Choice?

These questions are important to ponder before the first shovelful of dirt is lifted to start your project.

You can begin by asking what options are available in your locale, what your plan for your basement might include, and what potential current and future value a basement foundation might bring to you and your family.

Basement Foundation Options

First, you'll need to know if a basement foundation is feasible in your location. A local real estate agent can tell you if basements are common or uncommon in your area, and why.

You may also inquire about this by speaking to local builders as well as your area's housing and development agency.

Types of Basement Foundations

Once you have settled upon the likelihood of building a basement, what type will you choose? There are several:

* Crawl space basement
* Cellar
* Daylight basement
* Walk-out basement

No matter which option you choose, consider installing a radon mitigation system. Planning ahead now can save you a lot of grief and expense later, should you discover a radon problem in your home.

A crawl space basement is simply a basement that you cannot stand up in - hence the name "crawl space".

This name might bring images of spidery earthen darkness under your house.

Indeed, some are constructed like this, but a crawl space may also be finished to be much like a traditional basement, with finished walls and floor.

Crawl spaces allow access to various house systems, such as HVAC and electrical systems, as well as the water heater and furnace, if desired. Pier-built homes may also include a crawl space basement.

A cellar is typically the name given to a basement foundation that is underneath the ground. This is accessed by walking down a flight of stairs from inside the home.

A cellar may have a typical ceiling height, or may be lower than adult human height in some cases. It may have earthen walls and floor, or be finished in a more traditional manner.

A daylight or look-out basement is simply a basement foundation with some windows above ground level. This allows at least some daylight to filter into the space.

A look-out basement may have outside access, typically a flight of stairs from outside the home. There is also access from inside the home, via a separate flight of stairs.

Lighting considerations should be well-thought out in a daylight basement especially, since there is limited infiltration of natural light.

Daylight basements generally house the various electrical, gas and water piping and systems, and may also have a laundry area with a washer and dryer. Read more about daylight basements here.

Walk-out basements are becoming more and more popular for a variety of reasons. As with all of the basement types, a walk-out basement may be finished or unfinished.

A walkout basement exits directly to the outdoors. It typically has a flight of stairs connecting to the first level of the home as well.

Walk out basements work especially well... more about walk out basements

Basement Advantages

Easy access to your house systems is a huge plus in owning a basement. Plus, many people appreciate basement foundations because you will usually know pretty quickly if there is a problem, and where it originates.

With a crawl space basement or slab , problems may worsen before you realize an issue is brewing.

Besides the typical "extra storage" and HVAC, plumbing, and laundry areas in your basement, check out ideas for innovative basement living in this dream list options for basements. These work especially well for finished basements - whether you decide to finish now or in the future.

Also, check out these basement ideas
and even more basement finishing ideas.

If you have the option, seriously consider a basement foundation for your home. If it is well-built, dry and clean, the likelihood of a basement adding substantially to your personal enjoyment as well as to the resale value of your home is great.

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