Did you know that basem*nts are not as common in every state as they are here in Colorado? Sometimes it’s conditions such as water table levels that determine whether or not a home has a basem*nt, and in other cases it may simply be the buyer’s budget at the time of home construction that dictate whether or not a home has a basem*nt. Fortunately, in Colorado our climate is favorable to basem*nt inclusion. Did you know, however, that there are different types of basem*nt structures? What kind of basem*nt do you have?
Eight types of basem*nts are common in our state: crawlspaces, cellars, garden-level basem*nts, walkout basem*nts, walk-up basem*nts, full basem*nts, half or partial basem*nts, and subbasem*nts. Read on to learn more about each type.
Crawlspaces
Crawlspaces are hollow locations under the floor and typically extend one to three feet above the ground. Most have no windows and a dirt floor. They are also often accessed from a standard basem*nt, through a small door or opening.
Crawlspaces provide access to household systems such as plumbing and HVAC. Some homeowners also use them for limited storage.
Cellars
Cellars are generally used for storage. Being windowless and entirely underground, cellars are naturally cool, dark, and damp, making them ideal for storing various foods and wines, among other items. Most cellars are accessed from a door on the outside of the home.
Most cellars have at least a finished floor and sealed walls. Some homeowners finish their cellar just as they would a regular basem*nt. Cellars with windows and natural light – called “English basem*nts” – can be turned into garden-level apartments.
Garden-Level Basem*nts
A garden-level basem*nt is only about half underground, with windows beginning at waist level and indoor ceiling heights similar to the house built above them. This type of basem*nt may have garden-level windows on one end of the basem*nt and smaller, higher windows on the other, depending upon the slope of the lot. Finishing a garden-level basem*nt has the benefit of added light, as the windows are not underground.
Walkout Basem*nts
A bonus for finishing as living space, walkout basem*nts have at least one wall above grade and a doorway leading outside, lending an above-ground, light-filled feel to the space. The doorway also makes it easier for contractors to bring tools and supplies into the basem*nt for finishing, rather than having to go through a window or bring large sheets of drywall in through the main entrance of the home.
Because of the independent entrance, this type of basem*nt is also popular for use as a residence for aging parents or as a rental apartment to bring in additional revenue for the homeowners.
Walk-Up Basem*nts
More common in hillside properties, walk-up basem*nts are completely below grade, with an independent entrance via a flight of stairs, Otherwise, they are similar to walkout basem*nts (minus the additional light) and often serve the same purposes.
Full Basem*nt
A full basem*nt extends for the entire area underneath the house. If a single-level house with a full basem*nt is 1,500 sq. ft., the basem*nt will also be 1,500 sq. ft. As you can imagine, many homeowners finish out their full basem*nts to dramatically increase (even double!) their living space.
Half or Partial Basem*nt
In the same way that a full basem*nt extends the entire area beneath a house, a half or partial basem*nt (also called a semi-basem*nt) takes up half or some other portion less than the entire space. Half-basem*nts are often found in smaller homes and are often used for laundry rooms or finished out as home offices.
Subbasem*nt
A subbasem*nt is a floor beneath the main basem*nt level, i.e., the lower floor in a two-story basem*nt. These usually serve as secured storage (given the location) or perhaps as a boiler room. Commercial businesses often use subbasem*nts for extra parking lots or even swimming pools.
Rely on Our Expertise
Whichever type of basem*nt your home has, we’d love to help you design a space that works for your lifestyle and budget! Whether working with 700 or 1,700 sq. ft., we can work with you to maximize the space to your best advantage.
As a division of Sheffield Homes, one of the most experienced home builders in the Denver metro area and northern Colorado, we have the expertise, trade relationships, and proven track record of delivering consistently high-quality work.Schedule a no-obligation consultation today.
