What is a Yankee basement?
They call it a “Yankee basement” or, well, sometimes a “root cellar,” where basically you take the interior perimeter of the foundation wall, move in about 2½, 3 feet and then dig down there. So you leave this sort of berm of soil to support the foundation that’s under the footing.
How deep should a basement be?
8-foot
For a full basement, your foundation depth will be below frost depth. Basements have footings, and typically 8-foot walls built on a 4-inch concrete slab. The slab will serve as the floor of a room underground, where you can store your home’s mechanical and HVAC system or make use of it as storage.
Why is a basement called a basement?
basement (n.)
“lowest story of a building, wholly or partly underground,” 1730, from base (v.) + -ment.
What rooms can you have in a basement?
Consider some of the many ways your basement could become the hottest spot in your home:
- Home Bar. …
- Game Room. …
- Den or Informal Living Room. …
- Wine Cellar. …
- Theater / Media Room. …
- Library. …
- Extra Storage. …
- Workout Room / Home Gym.
Is there a crawl space under a basement?
A basement crawl space is a hollow area under the floors of some homes between the ground and the first floor. It’s usually just high enough for someone to enter by crawling, as its name implies.
What is a Texas basement?
A Texas Basement is floored attic space that is typically accessible via a hallway or closet on the second floor. In some homes, the Texas Basement is accessible via a separate stairways in the garage and the floored attic space is the space above the garage.
What is the strongest foundation for a house?
The strongest foundation for a house is a plinth and beam foundation. Many people flock towards using a plain old-fashioned concrete slab foundation as it is cheaper to make and can be made by any contractor.
Do you need planning permission to convert a basement?
In most cases, planning permission is not needed when converting an existing basement or cellar. Converting an existing cellar to a living space only involves a ‘change of use’ and therefore does not require planning permission.
How many blocks high is a basement?
The height of the basement is 12 courses of 10 inch concrete block. If we go to 13 courses, which is a common request because customers want to finish their basement with a little higher ceiling, when we go to the 13th course it’s not just as simple to adding one row of block.
Is it safe to put a bedroom in the basement?
So, can you use your basement as a bedroom? In short, yes. You can use your basement as a bedroom, but you have to ensure that it complies with the proper building codes. Basement living spaces require an emergency exit and rescue openings, also known as an egress code.
How do I maximize my basement space?
How to Optimize the Space of Your Small Basement
- Add Recessed Lighting.
- Keep Colors Light & Bright.
- Create Vertical Lines.
- Use Your Windows & Mirrors.
- Consider Industrial-Style Ceilings.
- Install Sliding Doors.
- Store It Under The Stairs.
How do I convert my basement into a room?
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How do you make a unfinished basement livable?
16 Finishing Touches for Your Unfinished Basement
- Better Your Basement. 1/18. …
- Lay Down Foam Mats. 2/18. …
- String Some Lighting. 3/18. …
- Throw Down Area Rugs. 4/18. …
- Install Storage. 5/18. …
- Paint Your Cinder Block. 6/18. …
- Hang Curtains. 7/18. …
- Create an Art Studio. 8/18.
How can I make my basement not look like a basement?
Bright Colors:
Using splashes of bright colors is a surefire way to remove that bleary-eyed “basement” feeling. These colors can still work into whichever style or color scheme is being chosen. Highlights via pillows, area rugs, hanging wall art and decorations all quickly liven up the scene.
How do you make an unfinished basement cozy?
25 Unfinished Basement Ideas We Love in 2022
- Add a Fresh Coat of Paint. Andy Dean Photography/Shutterstock. …
- Cover Unsightly Walls with Curtains. Image Source: House of Beng Beng. …
- Use Foam Floor Mats. …
- Create a Laundry Room. …
- Create Under-Stair Storage. …
- Create an Industrial Bar. …
- Paint Your Ceiling. …
- Hang String Lights.
Should you heat an unfinished basement in the winter?
In short, you should indeed heat your basement in cool and cold climate areas. Whether or not you use your basement isn’t the question. While heating a space that isn’t often used may seem like a waste, there are important facts to consider.
How can I make my concrete basement walls look better?
If your concrete-block basement walls are dry and free of efflorescence or mold, you can seal them with a masonry sealer or all-purpose water-base primer-sealer and paint with a high-quality latex paint. Paint is an easy way to make the basement feel warmer, brighter, and more welcoming.
What can I use for basement walls instead of drywall?
Drywall Alternatives
- Wood Planks. Wood planks are an age-old drywall alternative that has certainly stood the test of time well. …
- Veneer Plaster. …
- Lath & Plaster. …
- Plywood and Sheet Wood. …
- Texture Wall Panels. …
- Brick & Masonry. …
- Exposed Concrete Block. …
- Cement Board.
How can I cover my basement walls cheaply?
Paneling can be used as an inexpensive way to finish you basement walls or ceiling. Use a strong adhesive to put strips of wood on your concrete basement walls, and then use wood screws that match your paneling to attach the paneling to the wood strips.
Do I need mold resistant drywall in basement?
Nor will it prevent mold in the case of flooding, when water saturates the drywall and the organic wood framing behind it. But in rooms that experience frequent humidity and are often subject to mold and mildew, such as bathrooms or basements, mold-resistant drywall is a good choice.
