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In architecture, a semi-basement is a floor of a building that is half below ground, rather than entirely such as a true basement or cellar. Traditionally, semi-basements were designed in larger houses where staff was housed.
What does a partial basement mean?
A full basement refers to a basement that has the same dimensions of width and length as the dwelling above it, while a partial basement is typically smaller. This type of basement usually refers to excavation that only extends to half the length or width of the above ground structure.
What are the three types of basements?
There are 3 basic types of basements: Masonry Wall Basements. The basement walls are constructed with masonry block units. Precast Panel Basements. Poured Concrete Wall Basements. Choose the basement entrance carefully. Stairway design. Include windows. Vary lighting. Don’t scrimp on finishes.
Can you make a partial basement a full basement?
You will have to dig up your foundation, raise your house, pour a new concrete wall and concrete slab, then finish it off by waterproofing, backfilling the exterior, framing, and interior finishing details.
What are the types of basement?
Types English basement. Walk-out basement. Subbasement. Finished fully underground cellar. Underground crawl space. Unfinished basement. Finished basement. Partially finished basement.
Can you build a house with a partial basement?
A partial basement can be an ideal solution for houses on small plots as properties can be optimized with no loss of available space is lost.
What does a half finished basement look like?
A partially finished basement has finished and unfinished areas. For instance, many people will have a fully finished living area and maybe a bedroom or half bathroom in their basement. These areas will have fully finished walls, floors, and ceilings with all utilities done correctly.
What is a house with a basement called?
A bungalow is usually a small one floor house that can be expanded by adding a bedroom down in the basement or up in the attic, so it is more the name of a one story house with room to grow.
What is a small basement called?
Subbasement. A basement floor beneath a walk-out or daylight basement is called a subbasement. This type of structure sits completely underground and does not have windows or exterior doors. Many people use the sub-basement for storage when they already have another basement space.
What is considered a small basement?
Many homes don’t have a basement at all, while others have only a small storage area which is considered a basement. A home that has a 652 sq ft basement would be considered small. A 1,680 sq ft house might have an 850 sq ft basement. With this small space, you could set up a small storage area, a bed, and a TV area.
Which is better crawl space or basement?
Additionally, basements have a higher clearance than crawl spaces, and are thus much better suited to be livable space in the home. Knowing the difference between crawl spaces vs. basements is helpful, but you may also be wondering about the purpose of each of these structural elements.
Does a basement have to be the same size as the house?
As part of a house, you might assume that a basement is included in the square footage of that home. But that’s not always true! Basements must meet specific criteria to add their area to a home’s total square footage.
Is a basement better than a slab foundation?
When space is limited (with total footprint and height restrictions) a basement foundation may be the best option, but if space allows there is a strong case for avoiding basements altogether and choosing to build a slab-on-grade instead.
What is the strongest foundation for a house?
Foundations are mostly constructed from strong material so they can hold the house in place even during earthquakes and cyclones. Therefore, they are generally made up of concrete which is the strongest construction material.
Why is a basement called a basement?
basement (n.) “lowest story of a building, wholly or partly underground,” 1730, from base (v.) + -ment.
Can a partial basement be finished?
A partially finished basement is also called as a half-finished basement. It is mostly used by children and teenagers. It can be used as a work area for the entire family. You may also be able to find showers and toilets in this type of basement.
Can you build an addition with a basement?
Another way to create new space which is becoming increasingly popular is to add space underneath your home, which for lack of a better term we will call the Basement Addition. This can involve the use of an existing basement, or the excavation of a portion or all of the crawlspace to create an entirely new area.
What’s a dugout basement?
Dugout basements are more often seen in older homes. Digging out a basement is also known as underpinning and is typically done to add extra space to a home in a more cost effective manner. Dugout basements have exposed dirt walls and floors, which makes them more affordable than full or partial basements.
What makes a basement room finished?
A basement is finished when the entire level is complete and similar to the upstairs living areas. It generally includes an electrical system, heat, finished floors, an accessible entrance/stairway, level ceilings, and finished walls.
Does a partially finished basement count as square footage?
Does A Finished Basement Count Toward Total Square Footage? Even if a basement is finished, its area should not be added as part of a house’s total square footage. Any part of a home that falls even partially below ground level should not be included in the total square footage.
How much does a finished basement add to home value?
The appraised value of finished basement space is generally 50% to 60% of the value of the main level square footage. To maximize the cost/value ratio, the market experts recommend keeping the basement budget below 10% of the existing home’s value. Staying between 5-10% is a good plan.
Why are there no basements in Texas?
In some parts of the state the water table is too near the surface of the ground, making leaking and flooding an issue. In other areas the bedrock is too near the surface, making digging a basement difficult and costly.
Why are there no basements in California?
In addition, fear of earthquakes was often cited as a reason for the dearth of basements in the Golden State. Building a basement to code upgrades your home to the safest level of protection for earthquakes, because you have a much stronger foundation for the whole house.
Is a basement cheaper than a second floor?
Adding a second floor is likely usually cheaper. A basement has to be excavated, and quite possibly needs extra equipment to keep it dry, etc. Also, more difficult to keep it warm (though usually easier to keep cool), you have moisture issues (and of course straight up leaks.).
