Buying a House With a Crawl Space Versus a Basement

Buying a home is one of the most important decisions that any adult makes in their life. Home is where some of your most fond memories are made, where you spend most of your time and expect to be safe, and where you store your most prized possessions. When making this decision, there are dozens of things to consider. One thing that is often overlooked is the basement or crawl space. Many write this part of the home off because they don’t expect to spend much of their time there but it is a huge factor in the home’s overall environment. This area affects the indoor air quality for the entire home, affects the home’s heating and cooling system, can be used for storage, and more. So which option is better—crawl space or basement? 

What is a crawl space?

A crawl space is a low-clearance area beneath a home’s floor that is largely responsible for keeping the house off the ground and controlling moisture levels within. Crawl spaces, as an unheated space in your home, rely on natural, non-mechanical methods of circulating circulation, such as crawl space vents, to keep excess moisture at bay. A well ventilated crawl space is crucial for maintaining moisture levels in your home, especially in wetter climates like the Jersey Shore. Too much moisture in your crawl space, which leads to mold and mildew growth, jeopardizes not just the structural integrity of your home, but also the health and well-being of its residents.

Crawl spaces are also used to conceal a home’s fundamental services, such as heating ducts, electrical lines, water pipes, and other ductwork. Many of these goods may also be found in a cellar, therefore they serve a similar purpose. 

The Differences Between Crawl Spaces and Basements

Crawl spaces are a non-livable, unheated area of the house that need both insulation and ventilation to keep moisture levels under control. They are less expensive to build than basements, albeit they require about the same amount of time.

Basements are part of the livable, heated component of the house, and you’ll want to maintain the temperature regulated for the comfort of those inside it, just like your living room and bedrooms. You can do this by properly insulating the space and effectively closing it off from the outside. On the flip side, they can be extremely difficult to maintain dry because they are unventilated underground constructions.

The clearance is another significant difference between crawl spaces and basements. Crawl spaces are no more than 6 feet high, whereas basements begin at 8 feet. This is likely the most obvious variation between the two places, with crawl spaces varying from 18 in–6 ft (the majority being about 3 feet tall) and basements ranging from 8–10 ft.

Crawl spaces are not the same as unfinished basements, despite the fact that they may look to be comparable. Even the deepest crawl space is too shallow to be inhabited, while basements can give living space if finished. As a result, heaters/furnaces, water heaters, laundry facilities, and storage are frequently found in both finished and unfinished basements.

Crawl Spaces vs. Basements—Which is Better?

Deciding whether a house with a crawl space or basement is better depends on your needs and unique situation. If you are looking for more living space, then a house with a basement is the obvious choice. If you are solely interested in having extra storage space in your home, either a basement or crawl space can work. What matters most is the conditions of the space. An unfinished basement may not be the best place for storage because of irregularities in temperature, moisture control, and more. Meanwhile, a sealed off crawl space can provide that extra storage space and keep your personal belongings safe because it’s closed off from the outdoor conditions.

While finishing a basement and encapsulating a crawl space both have their costs, finishing a basement to your liking can quickly add up in costs. A professional crawl space company can work within your timeframe and budget to ensure that your crawl space is sealed off, dry, and protected.

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Crawl Space & Basement Services by Jersey Shore Crawlspace Enhancement

We offer the highest quality of defense against damp crawl spaces and basements, energy inefficiency, and problems common in homes with crawl spaces and basements. For over 20 years, we have helped our friends and neighbors achieve a healthier home environment, protecting families and their homes with our crawl space and basement services.

Each home is as unique as those who live in it. We offer a 22-point comprehensive evaluation service, complete with moisture readings and analysis, photographs, and a complete inspection report. Our highly-trained technicians then take the time to sit with you to tailor our drainage systems and waterproofing solutions to suit your goals and budget. Our systems are designed to increase home value, lower energy spending, and create a healthier home environment, affordably. To work within any budget, we offer various payment plans and financing.

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