A basement or crawl space is an excellent option for homeowners looking for additional living space. These spaces can be used for storage, bathroom walls, clothing closets, and more. You might wonder if there is any difference between a basement and a crawl space. In this article, we’ll look at both pros and cons and help you decide which option is right for your home.

What are Basements?

Basements are the lowest room in a house or condominium. In many homes, basements are used for storage space and utility closets. Basement walls are usually made of concrete or brick but can also be made from stone.

Pros 

  • You don’t have to cope with your house’s cold and wet weather.
  • You can have a guest room or playroom for your kids.
  • You can have a separate entrance from the rest of your house, so you don’t have to be bothered by noise from upstairs.
  • Better insulation makes it easier for you to heat and cool your home more efficiently.
  • You can use the space for recreation 
  • Adding a bathroom, kitchen, and living space is easy if needed.

Cons 

  • A basement is prone to moisture and mold issues. Mold will also grow in basements if there isn’t enough air circulation or if you don’t clean them, which is why you should clean the basement as often as possible.
  • No daylight access. You won’t have access to daylight from above ground level unless you install skylights or windows into your home’s ceiling; if these aren’t available, then consider installing artificial lights. 

What are Crawl Spaces?

Crawl spaces are spaces under your house. They’re usually just below the lowest level of your home or the ground level. They’re usually either unfinished or covered with insulation and soil.

Depending on your area, you can have crawl spaces with or without basements. That is, If you don’t have a basement, then it’s probably a crawl space. If you have a basement, it’s perhaps not a crawl space.

Pros 

A crawl space offers several benefits over a basement.

  • Excess storage. Crawl space can be used as a storage area for items not needed during winter, such as Christmas decorations or lawn furniture. It provides a place to store your attic access door and attic ladder.
  • No worries about flooding. If you live in an area that gets lots of rain, you’ll appreciate having a crawl space because water can’t enter the building through your foundation or walls. That means no risk of damage to your home. 
  • Better insulation. Because there aren’t any supporting pillars holding up any partials above ground level, insulation materials can go right up against them without being compromised by any root growths growing underneath them; 

Cons 

  • Less usable space. While a crawl space can have more storage and be more compact, stored items are prone to damage due to pests and humidity. You’ll likely need to install overhead cabinets or shelves to make the most of it. 
  • Harder to get to. Crawl spaces are typically accessed through a hole in an unfinished basement’s floor or ceiling, making them harder to access than basements with easily accessible sides and back walls.
  • Poor drainage systems that collect water runoff are more prone to flooding issues. This problem often increases when there’s no access above ground level for rainwater runoff from nearby roofs or downspouts.

Why We recommend a Crawl Space

Ultimately, it is important to consider all your options when deciding which type of basement you want. Basements are more expensive, and they’re also more prone to moisture. Crawl spaces are cheaper but aren’t as susceptible to the same issues as a basement. 

A crawl space is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a way to maximize the space under your home. A crawl space allows you to get rid of heat from the sun, which can help save on energy costs. It also allows you to get rid of moisture problems, which are common in older homes. And it provides a safe place for kids and pets to play, which can be important when dealing with a large family space budget.

With Crawlspace Doctor on your side, you’ll be able to relax knowing that your crawl space is in good hands. Our licensed professionals will work with your project from start to finish, ensuring that every detail is handled efficiently and professionally and following local codes and regulations.

 Call us today for a crawl space inspection.