Whether you’re planning to move or have a house already, you may find yourself wondering what the difference is between a crawl space and a basement. They’re more different than you might think, and each one has its own pros and cons.
Read on to compare a crawl space vs basement and get all your questions answered.
The Amount of Space
The biggest differentiator between a crawl space and a basement is the amount of space each one provides.
Crawl spaces are smaller places. On average, they’re usually no more than 3 feet deep, explaining the “crawl” in crawl space.
A basement, on the other hand, is much larger. A typical basement can be 8 feet or taller.
This is because basements, unlike crawl spaces, are intended for living in. In fact, it’s not uncommon for basements to have several rooms or even a bathroom.
Uses of Basements
In the United States, 32% of homes have full basements. This is because, believe it or not, most basements aren’t the scary places they’re depicted to be in movies.
Basements can take on many uses because they’re meant to add living space. You can convert basement rooms into extra bedrooms, an office, or even its own small apartment unit in some cases. They can be particularly helpful for guests.
Basements are also a safe place to hide in severe weather.
Uses of Crawl Spaces
Comparatively, 15% of homes in the United States have crawl spaces. These spaces have fewer uses since they’re smaller, and in most cases, have a dirt or concrete floor. Some people use crawl spaces for storage, but they need to be well maintained for this.
Perhaps the biggest benefit of a crawl space is that your home’s cables, ductwork, and piping for electricity and plumbing are typically located under the home here. This gives repairmen or yourself much easier access if something needs to be fixed.
Pros and Cons of Each
The main pro of having a basement is the extra living space it provides for yourself or hosting. They’re also cheaper than other add-on options for living space. The fact that they protect you from tornadoes and earthquakes is another plus.
The biggest con of having a basement is the complete lack of windows or natural lighting since it’s underground. In some states near sea level, like Florida, basements are also illegal because they would get flooded.
The biggest pros of a crawl space are how cheap they are and that they provide easy access for utility repairs.
Crawl spaces have a pretty big downfall though. They’re not as protected from moisture, so the humidity is a breeding ground for mold. For this reason, crawl space maintenance is essential and you should have it professionally cleaned for crawl space mold prevention.
Crawl Space vs Basement: Make the Most of the Space You Have
Now that you know the differences between a crawl space vs basement, you can make the most of the space you have. Convert your basement into an awesome office or den, and invest in crawl space repair and maintenance to keep it from becoming a health hazard.
If you have a crawl space, check out our crawl space cleaning services today.