What is the difference between basement and crawl space

The majority of a basement is underground, though some homes built into hills have daylight basements, meaning half of the basement is exposed.

As we mentioned before, the primary difference between crawl spaces and basements is the livability. Conversely, crawl spaces are part of the non-livable, unheated portion of the house, requiring both insulation and ventilation to control the moisture levels of the space. Another major difference between crawl spaces and basements is the clearance.

Crawl spaces are 6 feet tall at the very most, while basements start at 8 feet. With crawl spaces ranging from 18 in—6 ft the majority being around 3 feet tall and basements ranging from 8—10 ft, this is perhaps the most apparent difference between the two spaces. Unfinished basements are not classified as crawl spaces, though they may appear to bear some similarities. Basements can provide living space, once finished, while even the deepest crawl space will still be too shallow to be livable.

While many older homes in the PNW have both a basement and a crawl space, newer builds are more often opting for only crawl spaces because basements are difficult to keep dry, especially in wet climates. However, some modern homes in the PNW do still build basements to gain square footage.

Daylight basements have also become popular — the front access has windows, while the back access is crawl space. Can your crawl space be converted into a basement? Which one is best for your needs?

These are questions that can be answered by looking deeper into the benefits and drawbacks of each option. The main considerations are financial and structural. A major point you will need to consider before deciding on a basement or a crawl space is the kind of area you are living in , and what other houses in your area have used.

Ultimately, you must do what is best for your particular house. If all the houses near you have used a basement foundation for example, there may well be good reasons for that.

How do they differ from one another? Crawl spaces are found in homes that have been raised off the ground by a few feet. This is done by laying the load-bearing sections of the walls on feet or blocks above the actual foundation slab. This creates a space beneath the house itself. Image source: Creating Space, Inc. Basements are one of the most commonly used types of foundation. In the case of a storm, the entire family can take refuge in the basement, which, if kept stocked with food, can sustain the whole family until the inclement weather passes.

Plus, a basement increases the square footage of a house, which enhances the overall valuation of the property. Now, to come to the disadvantages. Despite all the great things that basements have to offer, there are quite a few of these.

This will inevitably lead to molding of the walls, and the puffing up of plaster. Also, if senior members of the family stay in the basement, they might face problems continually going up and down the stairs.

Locations near large water bodies, frigid regions, or even earthquake-prone areas will not be able to hold a basement. This is due to a risk of foundational damage to the house. This area replaces a poured concrete slab, and similar to basements and cellars represents yet another method of constructing the foundation of a house.

Why is a crawl space needed? Well, its primary purpose is to house items such as the plumbing, electrical wires, and HVAC ducts. It also acts as an insulating layer for the lowest floor of the house. Just like cellars and basements, the crawl space is one of the primary techniques used for separating the bottom of the house from the ground.

In such locations, where basements cannot be built, crawlspaces can provide a viable alternative. This block wall is then bricked up, and the foundation of the house is built over this structure. Crawl spaces are dark areas that are mostly visited for repair purposes. These places often hold drainage lines or electrical wiring, and due to constricted dimensions, are not conducive to storage like basements and cellars.

Crawl spaces can suffer from problems such as excess moisture and molds. They may also become infested with pests and vermin. This can lead to the seeping of gases into the house, thus negatively affecting the interiors. The encapsulation acts as a guard against gases and vapors seeping into the house.

In the encapsulation process, the entire crawl space is covered with a layer of plastic. This, coupled with a proper dehumidification system, can deliver significant benefits in terms of insulation from moisture. Even though a crawl space offers none of the benefits that come with cellars and basements, they are still an attractive option for homeowners. This is primarily due to the low cost associated with the construction of crawl spaces.

Also, protecting crawl spaces from the attack of moisture and creepy critters is easier than protecting an entire basement. Another advantage of crawl spaces is that they house all the essential utility lines of the house in one place. This eliminates the need to dig up walls and remove concealed wiring or plumbing, not to mention the lowered cost of repairs. Whether its water in the basement or worse, you could end up having anything stored there, or your furnishings, ruined. Your decision may depend on the part of the country in which you live.

In cold climates, basements are common, as it is already necessary for the contractor to place the footings below the frost line, deep into the ground. In warmer climates, crawl spaces or slabs are more frequently found.

The natural ventilation of a basement generally keeps it cool even during the most sultry, humid weather. If you live in an earthquake-prone part of the country, a crawl space is generally preferable. If the ground shifts, that can cause permanent damage to other types of foundations, so crawl spaces are the foundation of choice in an area where soils may slide.

Crawl spaces are also preferred in areas prone to flooding and dry climates. Requirements to Get a Mortgage. By Jane Meggitt. More Articles Cost of Engineered Vs.