There are lots of tough decisions that go into building a new house or looking to purchase a new one. For example, choosing the type of basement for your new house. It is crucial to have a good grasp of the different types of basements to help you choose the best one for your present and long-term needs. 

If you are in the part of your life where you are looking for the best basement type for your home, you should read this blog article. 

Four Main Types of Basements

If you know only a little or do not know anything about basement types at all, you can start by understanding the four main types of basements and their differences. Full basements, partial basements, walkout basements, and storm shelters are common in many homes. Knowing about them will give you an idea of what basement type suits your house. 

Full Basement

A full basement is characterized by a ceiling as high as eight feet, under which an average-height individual can stand up straight without hitting the ceiling. This basement type is designed for comfort and utility, and you can turn it into a finished space with less hassle. 

Many homeowners use their full basement as a recreation room, laundry room, home gym, or separate living quarters. The foundation of this type of basement must be the same size as the home’s main floor. You can construct a full basement in several ways. Its benefits are cost-effectiveness, efficiency, and durability. 

Partial Basement

A partial basement has square footage smaller than the main floor’s square footage (usually about half the size of the main floor of the house). This basement type does not extend to the entire footprint of the home. Typically, a partial basement only comes as an afterthought or a home addition. 

This home addition can be constructed on a slab or underneath the original part of your home. If you need a separate living room or storage space, a partial basement is a good idea. 

Walkout Basement

A walkout basement is partially underground (usually its front part) with a door leading to the backyard. Typically, this basement type is suitable for houses built on a hill, and you can add a deck to the concrete pad outside the door for function and aesthetics. 

Storm Shelter

In locations that are often hit by storms, building a storm shelter to protect yourself against such calamities is important. If you are constructing a new home, you can consider having this basement type. 

You can also build a storm shelter under a garage slab if you already have an existing house. This option is more cost-effective than creating an entire basement under an existing home. Building it will also be easier and faster, and you can use your home shelter when the storm season comes. 

Common Materials Used for Home Basements

It is crucial to consider the materials you will use in building your home basement. The materials matter if you want your basement to be sturdy and durable. 

Poured Concrete Wall

If you want a quality build for your basement, you can go with this material. You can pour or form it at the building site, accommodating various sizes and configurations of a home’s main floor. Once the walls are poured and cured, it is crucial to waterproof them to prevent water from penetrating your basement. 

Masonry Block Wall

Another option is a masonry block wall, which is built by stacking blocks and sealing them with mortar. The downside with this material is that it can be vulnerable to dampness and leak. It may not be a good option if you live in an area with a high water table. 

However, if you are willing to spend more money, you can use a significant amount of fill and rebar to prevent leaking. Make sure you meet the building standards in your city to ensure your basement is well-built. 

Precast Panel

Precast panels are poured concrete used in building home basements. However, unlike poured concrete walls, they are precast, and the panels are put into place using a crane. If you are creating a basement under an existing home or trying to convert a crawlspace into a basement, a precast panel material may not be a good option. 

A precast panel only works well with new home construction. In terms of sturdiness, this material is not as strong as a concrete wall poured on the building site. 

Final Thoughts

Now you know the four main types of basements and the different materials used in building them. If you want to construct a new home or buy a new house, consider the type of basement you want. Also, look for an experienced builder to help you choose the best basement type for your new home.