4 Reasons Why Basements are a Better Investment Than Crawl Spaces
December 6, 2016When planning out your custom home, it can be easy to get stuck on the details. For example, is it better to have a basement or a crawl space? The answer depends on what you want out of your home. However, basements tend to be a better investment for these four reasons:
1. More Secure
While both crawl spaces and basements are susceptible to mold, crawl spaces tend to attract moisture more because of their space, the light, and the exposure to the elements. A well-ventilated and insulated basement will be able to withstand the elements and any possible moisture it comes into contact with. A basement will also be easier to reinforce. While crawl spaces work well in dry climates with small houses, they are rarely safe from moisture and the impending pressure of the home. Basements can be reinforced after construction if need be and can always be reinsulated as well.
2. More Space
A basement offers much more space than crawl spaces. This means you can store more safely without having to shimmy under your home or possibly expose your items to the elements. A basement also offers the space for you to categorize and organize the belongings that are going into storage. That was holiday decorations wouldn’t be mixed up with your summer clothes or photo albums. Though this may seem overly detailed it will help keep your family and home organized and prevent possible damage.
3. Easily Traversed
Unlike basements, crawl spaces need you to travel through them in a certain way, crawling. They are often cramped, dusty, and difficult to move through. A basement can be spacious and easily traversed. A basement also provides another possible living space for you as well as storage. A finished basement can be as comfortable as a living room.
4. Customizable
A basement can be anything from storage, a workshop, to a playroom, a walk-in closet, or a guest bedroom. By finishing and decorating your basement you can create a comfortable extra room perfect for whatever you wish. Unlike a crawl space, basements can be made into perfectly comfortable and welcoming places while crawl spaces are almost always dark, dusty, and ill-equipped to hold more than Rubbermaid containers.
If you decide to build a custom home you should weigh the benefits of a basement to a crawl space. While it may seem like more money initially it will give you more space and comfort in the long run.