Should you add a basement or a crawl space to your home? Find out the pros and cons of each and better decide which option is best for your space. A basement or crawl space provides additional living space but choosing the best option for your Alabama home is sometimes tricky, especially if you’re unsure about the differences between the two. Several differences between basements and crawl spaces can affect your happiness with them. Read on to learn about those differences to decide better which option is best for your needs.  

What are Basements?

Basements are rooms found in the lowest part of a house. They often are used as storage rooms, utility rooms, and sometimes, as in-law quarters. Most basement walls are constructed from concrete or stone.  

Pros:

• Multiple uses
• Separated from the rest of the home for added peace and quiet
• Better insulation than a crawlspace
• Can add features such as a bathroom when needed
• Easier to cool

 

Cons:

• Prone to moisture
• Prone to mold and mildew
• May not allow in sunlight
• Poor air circulations

 

What are Crawl Spaces?

Crawl spaces are spaces underneath a house at ground level. They are covered with soil and insulation if finished. You can have a crawl space with or without a basement but probably will not have a basement without a crawlspace.

Pros:

• Use as excess storage for items you dont need at the current time, i.e. winter items
• No worries about flooding
• Better insulation than a basement

Cons:

• Less usable space than a basement offers
• Can be difficult to access the crawl space
• Poor drainage systems may cause plumbing issues

 

Which Option is Best for Your Needs?

Here at Southern Crawl Space, we often recommend crawl spaces to homeowners deciding between the two. However, each family is unique and has different needs. We’d be happy to discuss your family's specific needs with you to help decide which option is best for your home. We recommend crawl spaces for reasons including:

• Basements are more expensive
• More potential damages
• More expensive repairs
• Maximizes your home space
• Allows you to get rid of moisture problems in the home
• Safe space for kids/pets

Southern Crawl Space offers moisture control services, including basement and crawlspace waterproofing, drainage system installation, and vapor barrier installation. SCS guarantees to fix your moisture issues permanently. Our trained team of technicians utilizes only the best solutions for your basement or crawlspace. We are proud to offer LumberKote™ and MaxxBarrier™ waterproofing sealers by WatsonSeal. We are Alabama’s ONLY Watson Seal Authorized Dealer. If you have a service request, give us a call. We will happily provide a free inspection and service estimate.