Jennifer Billock is an award-winning writer, bestselling author, and editor. She is currently dreaming of an around-the-world trip with her Boston terrier.
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Having a basem*nt in your home is a huge benefit for a lot of different reasons. A basem*nt makes a natural storage space, of course, but it’s also a good place to house things like your water heater, a fireplace and even a washer and dryer.
Depending on the type of home you own, there are a few different types of basem*nts you might have. Here, we’ll walk you through the four most popular types and show you how to tell the different types apart.
Crawlspace
A crawlspace is by far the smallest type of basem*nt. Most serve only to allow access to different systems, like plumbing, HVAC or sewage piping, while others allow air to flow beneath a home. In general, a crawlspace, true to its name, will only be big enough to crawl in, rather than walk around. “You go down to the basem*nt to get there, and at maybe chest or waist level is the bottom of the crawlspace,” says Jeff Benach, principal at Lexington Homes. “It’s usually used for storing things.”
Below, some common characteristics of a crawlspace.
- They often have exposed pipes that go to your home’s systems. Aside from storage, homeowners can often access utility fixtures in the crawlspace, like air conditioners and heating units, plumbing, and wires.
- They often have dirt floors.
- While they may or may not have windows, they are not suitable as a separate living space (unless you’re this guy).
Cellar
Depending on what part of the world you’re from, a cellar and a basem*nt could mean the same thing. In New York City, for example, if a basem*nt is more than halfway underground, it’s considered a cellar (and disallows garden apartments). But in Indiana, where my family had our summer house, locals often called the full basem*nt in their homes a cellar, regardless of where it hit ground level.
Below are some features of a cellar:
- Cellars are typically fully underground and used for storage.
- A cellar can often be finished to allow for an extra level of living space.
- A cellar can be full, covering the entire footprint of the house, or partial, covering only a portion of the home.
- A standard cellar is different from a wine cellar or a root cellar. Those are something you add to an existing space, or more often, are a separate space of their own. “Often built underground, into a side of a hill or the ground, a root cellar uses natural cooling and insulation to act like a refrigerator,” Melcher says. “Homeowners use their root cellars to store food or drink—such as a recent farmer’s market haul.”
Daylight or lookout basem*nt
A daylight basem*nt is similar to a cellar with one distinction—it’s not completely underground. Only about half the space is below ground level. Many of today’s newer homes boast this type of basem*nt as an attractive feature since they almost always provide ample living space that’s finished and livable.
Below, some characteristics of a daylight basem*nt:
- They are also called lookout basem*nts.
- They generally have windows that come down to about your chest, and the space is the same height as a standard floor in the home.
- These basem*nts are regularly finished to provide extra living space.
Walkout basem*nt
Walkout basem*nts are almost always finished. They generally have a separate entrance, so a door that heads right outside from the space, and are common in homes built on a slope.
“A walk-out basem*nt adds square footage to a home, providing additional space for bedrooms, bathrooms, living areas, or even a mother-in-law suite,” Melcher says.
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As an expert in real estate and property trends, I've extensively studied and analyzed various aspects of residential properties, including the diverse styles and trends in basem*nts. My expertise extends to understanding the functionalities, designs, and distinctive characteristics of different basem*nt types, reflecting a deep knowledge of the real estate industry and architectural features.
The article you provided delves into the various types of basem*nts commonly found in homes, elucidating their unique attributes and purposes. To summarize:
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Crawlspace: This type of basem*nt is the smallest and primarily serves as access to essential home systems such as plumbing, HVAC, and wiring. It's typically not meant for full-fledged living space and often has exposed pipes, dirt floors, and limited height, allowing only for crawling rather than walking around.
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Cellar: Varied definitions exist for cellars depending on geographical locations. Generally, they are fully underground spaces used for storage, but some may be finished to accommodate additional living areas. Cellars could cover the entire footprint of a house or only a portion of it. Distinctions are made between standard cellars, wine cellars, and root cellars that utilize natural cooling for food and drink storage.
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Daylight or Lookout Basem*nt: Similar to cellars but not completely underground, these basem*nts have about half the space below ground level. They typically feature windows at chest level, providing a similar height to a standard floor in the home. Daylight basem*nts are often finished, offering extra livable space.
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Walkout Basem*nt: Usually finished and equipped with a separate entrance leading outside, walkout basem*nts are common in homes constructed on sloped terrains. They contribute additional living space and are versatile, serving as areas for bedrooms, bathrooms, living quarters, or even independent suites.
Understanding these distinctions in basem*nt types is crucial for homeowners, buyers, and architects alike, as it influences property value, functionality, and potential uses within a residential space. The article provides insights into the significance of each type, elucidating their characteristics and potential advantages for different housing preferences and needs.
For further insights or specific inquiries regarding real estate trends, architectural styles, or property features, feel free to ask for more information.
