A basement is a building with a single story or several stories that are either completely or partially below the ground floor. Not all buildings have basements. For buildings with basements, the furnace, water heater, car park and air-conditioning system of a house or building are typically located in the basement, as are amenities such as the electrical distribution system and cable television distribution point. The basement walls typically form the foundation, a part of the house structure. In warmer climates, houses sometimes do not have basements because they are not necessary (although many still prefer them). However, in colder climates, the foundation must be below the frost line.
A “walk-out” basement, a modern architectural form, is one in which the house is situated on a slope with part of the basement above-ground. The “look-out” basement has basement walls that extend sufficiently above ground level, with some of the basement windows above ground level. Any basement that has an exterior entrance via a stairwell is a “walk-up” basement. Some designs cover the stairwell with angled basement doors so that rain water does not accumulate in the stairwell. Finishing a basement is a major renovation project, which can add significant floor space to a house.
An unfinished design might contain a water heater, various pipes running along the ceiling and downwards to the floor, and sometimes a workbench, freezer, refrigerator, or washer/dryer set. The next type of basement, which might be called “half-finished,” is likely used by teenagers and children and can include a workout area that may be utilized by the entire family. It is also common to have a secondary (or primary) home office in a partially finished basement.
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Basement Finishing
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
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Spending money on finishing a basement can not only provide a homeowner with more floor space, it can improve the resale value of the house. Finishing the basement will probably cost less than adding another large room to the home. In the past, many homeowners...
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Waterproofing Basement Walls
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
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Although representatives from waterproofing companies may guarantee results from their product or service, it is wise to keep in mind that there is no magic solution to waterproofing basement walls. In order to save costs on unneeded repairs, it is the responsibility of the homeowner...
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Basement Apartments
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
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A basement apartment is a living space underneath the ground floor of a building. Basement apartments are more familiar in places where the above-ground space for building limited and the rent is high. Each basement apartment is considered a separate housekeeping unit. Usually it contains...
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Basement Waterproofing
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
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Basement waterproofing is usually completed when a basement is still in the very early stages of water damage. The first step in waterproofing is to identify the source of a wet or flooded basement, since dealing with the water source will ensure long-term success. Waterproofing...
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Basement Waterproofing Advice
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
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Basements need to be waterproofed for many reasons. Cracks in the walls, leaking windows and pipe condensation are probably the most common reasons basements have water build-up problems. Too much or prolonged water retention in the basement can cause a variety of problems. Termites, mold...
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Basement Appliances
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
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The basement area can be a place for appliances that require additional space, electricity connections and drainage. Water heaters, basement heaters, washing machines, dryers and water softeners are a few appliances usually found in the basement. Water heaters positioned in the basement to supply hot...
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Basement Heaters
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
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Basement heaters are a cost effective way of adding heat to the basement area and are quite common in intensely cold climates. Basement heaters are available in various types and models. Propane space heaters, baseboard heaters, ceramic heaters, fan heaters and heavy duty electric heaters...
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House Floor Plans
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
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House floor plans essentially fall into two categories x96 custom-drawn and pre-drawn floor plans. It can take a lot of time, money and effort if one chooses the former. Moreover, a pre-drawn floor plan, apart from saving money and time, also lends itself to modifications...
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Basement Insects
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
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The basement region can be a breeding ground for insects because the area is seldom used and is usually filled with old, used items and other knick-knacks. Cracks and gaps in the foundation and walls, along with the dampness, allow insects to survive in the...
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Basement Remodeling
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
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There are three important factors in developing the basement remodeling: idea, design, and price. Before remodeling any basement into a useful and pleasant living or work space, it has to be waterproofed. Creating a ceiling that blends in with one’s idea and remains within a...