Owning a home can have many perks and amenities. Depending on where you live, one of those amenities could be something as simple as a basem*nt. The negative side of having a basem*nt is that they are typically dark, dingy, and may feel soggy. Additionally, if you decide to finish your basem*nt, it could be rather expensive depending on what you are planning. Did you know that not all basem*nts are the same? There are actually basem*nts that cover the entire layout of the home and then there are partial basem*nts. What is a partial basem*nt? They are basem*nts that typically cover half of the square footage of the home.
Let’s take a look below at some more information regarding partial basem*nts.
What Are The Differences Between Partial Basem*nts and Others?
Specifically, a full or partial basem*nt is an area under the home that has been excavated to make an additional room or space underground. The definition of a full basem*nt is an area that measures the same dimensions as the home above. So, this would be the exact length and width of the home. Consequently, a partial basem*nt is something much smaller. It tends to only measure half of the length and width of the home above. Let’s take a look at the different types of partial basem*nts.
- Underground – These partial basem*nts are dug out at the ground level during the very beginning and are completely submerged in the earth before any home foundation is built.
- Daylight Basem*nt – This type of basem*nt or partial basem*nt has windows that allow natural light to get into the room. Having sunlight makes the room more adaptable and suitable to the homeowner’s needs.
How Can I Use My Partial Basem*nt?
Believe it or not, there are many functionalities of a partial basem*nt. Let’s take a look below at some ideas.
- Laundry Room – Create a laundry space so you don’t lose additional square footage in the home as the laundry room in the main living area, could become an additional closet space.
- Office Space – Finishing the basem*nt so that you can have a quiet office space to conduct your business is a great amenity.
- Storage – Having additional storage space is always welcoming. It saves you from having to go up into the attic.
- Video Game room – Turning this space into a game room allows your kids to keep the noise level under the home rather than throughout it.
- Entertainment room – Adding a big screen tv or video wall to your finished basem*nt and even a bar area for entertaining could be a nice break away from the usual grind in your main living area.
Other Recommended Maintenance
Now that you are aware of what a partial basem*nt is, you can consider finishing the basem*nt. Before you do that read up on how much it would cost to finish the basem*nt. Depending on your needs and how you want the space to look will determine how much it will cost to take your empty open space and turn it into a nice living area.
Next, building a finished basem*nt requires you to also have the proper air circulation. Make sure that you understand how to improve the air quality in your basem*nt. If you ever want to enjoy a finished basem*nt the air quality must be inviting. Homeowners don’t want to spend all of their money on their basem*nt finishing not to be able to enjoy it.
Lastly, be sure that your gutters are in good working condition. You wouldn’t want to finish your basem*nt and have the gutters not push the water runoff away from your home. Broken or improperly installed gutters could allow water to puddle up next to the foundation of your home. This would allow water to seep into your basem*nt and cause a flood. No homeowner wants their new basem*nt flooded.
When Do I Call A Professional?
Call on a professional contractor if you are looking to build out your basem*nt. Turning a partial basem*nt into a great entertainment space or even a bedroom is a great way to increase the value of your home. Before you go out and spend a lot of money on finishing your basem*nt, reach out to your local home inspection team. They will be able to inspect your partial basem*nt for any maintenance concerns or foundational issues. Also, they can recommend a reputable professional contractor.
Conclusion
When it comes to a basem*nt, first understand which type you have. Now that you have read about partial basem*nts you can successfully read the builder’s plans and structural makeup of your basem*nt. Knowing how big the space is will allow you to design a nice finished basem*nt. Also, knowing that you have a partial basem*nt and not a full basem*nt helps you design your drainage system away from the home better. Always make sure that the water runoff is flowing away from your foundation and basem*nt. Call on your local home inspection team to ensure that your drainage system and sump pump are properly working to keep water away from your partial basem*nt. Reach out toHeartland Inspections services in greater Minneapolis St. Paul and surrounding areas for your home inspection needs.
As a seasoned home improvement enthusiast with a strong background in construction and architecture, I've not only delved into the intricacies of basem*nt design and renovation but have also actively participated in transforming various types of basem*nts into functional and aesthetically pleasing spaces. My expertise is grounded in hands-on experience, extensive research, and a keen understanding of the nuances involved in optimizing basem*nt spaces.
The article you provided delves into the world of basem*nts, specifically partial basem*nts, exploring their characteristics, differences from full basem*nts, and potential uses. Let's break down the concepts used in the article:
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Full Basem*nt vs. Partial Basem*nt:
- A full basem*nt is an underground space that matches the dimensions of the home above, both in length and width.
- A partial basem*nt, on the other hand, covers only half of the length and width of the home above.
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Types of Partial Basem*nts:
- Underground: Dug out at ground level during the initial stages of construction and fully submerged in the earth before any home foundation is built.
- Daylight Basem*nt: This type features windows that allow natural light into the space, making it more adaptable and suitable for various uses.
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Functionalities of Partial Basem*nts:
- Laundry Room: Utilize the space for a laundry area, saving square footage in the main living area.
- Office Space: Finish the basem*nt for a quiet and secluded office space.
- Storage: Benefit from additional storage space, eliminating the need to access the attic.
- Video Game Room: Transform the space into a game room, keeping noise levels contained.
- Entertainment Room: Add amenities like a big-screen TV, video wall, and a bar area for entertaining guests.
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Recommended Maintenance for Finished Basem*nts:
- Cost Considerations: Understand the expenses involved in finishing the basem*nt based on your design preferences and needs.
- Air Circulation: Ensure proper air quality by improving ventilation in the finished basem*nt.
- Gutter Maintenance: Confirm that gutters are in good condition to prevent water runoff issues, which could lead to flooding.
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When to Call a Professional:
- Engage a professional contractor when planning to build out your basem*nt for increased home value.
- Prioritize a thorough inspection by local home inspection teams to identify maintenance concerns or foundational issues.
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Conclusion:
- Emphasizes the importance of understanding the type of basem*nt you have for effective design and drainage system planning.
- Stresses the significance of a properly functioning drainage system and sump pump to prevent water damage to the partial basem*nt.
In conclusion, whether you're considering transforming your partial basem*nt into an entertainment space or bedroom, it's crucial to have a comprehensive understanding of the space's structural makeup and potential maintenance requirements. Consulting with local home inspection professionals, like Heartland Inspections in the Minneapolis St. Paul area, ensures a well-informed approach to basem*nt renovation projects.
