Basements - Necessity or Liability?

[@Jim0i0]

Untaxed. Basements are untaxed space where I live. That's a gift that keeps giving beyond initial construction cost.

[@Whippets]

Wouldn't the same be said for attics?

[@lancechamblis6194]

Tornado prone areas need and require a basements for safety.

[@30by40]

I mention this in the description, but you're right +Lane Chamblis, tornado prone areas have to address this problem a little differently. Building a storm shelter (in or above ground) - although not always possible - is preferable to a basement for safety. For many, an existing home with a basement may be the best possible shelter of the available options, but for new construction it certainly isn't the preferred (or safest) option when you have a choice. And, in places with high water tables or floodplains they simply aren't feasible.

[@psyolytesaille]

Monolithic dome homes for those in places it's not possible.

[@30by40]

@Sou T - thanks for watching, great question. Basements are often a necessity in space constrained urban environments for sure. But very often they don't meet building code (for egress, daylight, etc.) - bears special consideration indeed.

[@thecatspyjamas1309]

I have always wanted a basement! We don't have them in Ireland, as a child watching movies and characters having their own hangout spot in the basement! I always liked them, but it's not something I would bother with as it's not the done thing here. You're objections will reign me in if I ever get ahead of myself when building my mansion haha

[@bangsmatter4394]

Reminds me of That 70's show

[@elidyson256]

Yup I have basement, LOVE IT! It's like Cavemen space.

[@CycleCruza]

I've owned a slab home for many years with no basement and love it, ZERO ISSUES. I have all the storage area I want in the attic of the garage. I'm currently looking for a rural property with a house with no basement and it is difficult to find. I personally dislike basements. I used to work in the tech dept for Glidden headquarters back in the day and we got calls ALL DAY long about basements with water intrusion problems along with mold problems. Nearly every house I've looked out in the country had a basement with noticeable signs of water intrusion and mold. Also, you forgot to mention that basements usually have higher levels of radon gas, very dangerous to your health. I might have to build my own slab house out in the country!

[@kurtlowe7691]

Another interesting and informative video Eric. I particularly like how your content is never bias and points out the pros and cons.

[@30by40]

+Kurt Lowe Thanks Kurt, appreciate the kind words...!

[@cameronhansen5945]

In the midwest basements are just more living space like for a 2nd living room, or a spare bedroom, and furnace

[@mildridj3423]

A basement (and not a walk-out) is a necessity if you are someplace that has frequent tornadoes. If you only have one in your lifetime the basement is worth its weight in gold if its one of those that is two miles wide and spend its entire life on the ground. They are lifesavers. Or some type of underground shelter.

[@30by40]

I mention this in the description, but you're right +Mildrid J, tornado prone areas have to address this problem a little differently. Building a storm shelter (in or above ground) - although not always possible - is preferable to a basement for safety. For many, an existing home with a basement may be the best possible shelter of the available options, but for new construction it certainly isn't the preferred (or safest) option when you have a choice. And, in places with high water tables or floodplains they simply aren't feasible.

[@benhubbard2003]

The majority of buildings here in Australia are basement free - usually a simple reinforced slab direct on the ground. unlike the northern climes a basement in Australia can make a lot of sense when combined with a well designed heating and ventilation system the basement can act as a cold well in winter and a cold source in summer. Damp / frost rarely an issue. .

[@ajs3407]

How about a semi-basements? You dig less, you get the standard place for house systems, you get light as well, and it's nice detached place from your home where you can build a nice study/storage/gym/office etc.

[@AllenManor]

I live in the Southwestern United States and I have always wondered why we don't have basements here. With our dry environment and intense summer heat it seems like dampness would not be a problem, plus it would be a cool place to be in the summer. Having said all that, every basement I have ever been in in the Eastern United States has not made me envious -- they are all musty old places.

[@elmerkilred159]

I live near Kansas City. We have five seasons. Summer, Fall, Winter, Spring, and Tornado.

[@CycleCruza]

You forgot to mention that a basement will usually have higher levels of radon gas, which is very dangerous to your health. Often times people with a basement will install a radon mitigator as a means to extract radon from the basement.

[@samysamy566]

I eat radon for breakfast so no worries Yes i eat gas

[@squeekhobby4571]

Good point

[@Dudemieser]

As a native Floridian, I relocated to East Tn in 2004. Of course, the home I purchased came with a full basement including a 750 sq ft 2 bedroom, full kitchen "mother in law suite" The remainder being a 2 car garage. Given the opportunity I would joyfully backfill the entire thing with concrete,

[@VishalRaoOnYouTube]

Why would you "joyfully backfill the entire thing with concrete,"?

[@MaZEEZaM]

I found this video particularly interesting as 99% of houses in Australia don't have a basement. I thought a basement would have been used not for junk and utilities but more as a large pantry for storing pickled foods, or the possibility of hanging preserved meats, even growing your own mushrooms and hence an easier alternative would to have a dedicated stone surround centralised room off the kitchen within the same foundation level of the house. I also found the information regarding frost being an issue interesting as though we do get frost where I am it only really creates crunchy grass and can kill delicate veggies/plants.

[@30by40]

root cellars were traditionally used the way you described, but humidity levels promote mold growth and create an unfit environment for even the most basic storage needs. we treat them as conditioned space if they're included at all.

[@lazyidiotofthemonth]

In the midwest a basement is almost required, among other things its your best shot of surviving a direct hit from a tornado.

[@michaellohre1470]

I wonder if you see basements for working farmers as a good choice? We need lots of space for canning but I guess you could also build a small structure for storing canned items and seperate root cellar. If you are going to dig and use the ground, traditionally I beliieve it was done for food storage, ice storage before electricity, root cellars, cisterns, etc. Does that not make sense just because of electricity or is it possible we should prepare for a world in 50 years that does not run on coal and oil and thus cheap electricity as well? I"m not sure of the answer myself but I would like your take if you ever get time!

[@JacobTJ1]

Don't worry basement.. I still love you.

[@lazyidiotofthemonth]

In the long run its better to have a basement, where i live tornados are a very real problem, and we took the oportunity to build a strengthened corner of the basement, which doubles as a celler, and an aleternate fire escape from the basement, we also have actually cold weather, considerably more so than Maine, and the frost line is often as deep as six feet.

[@AJ-ox8xy]

Basements that are made at a grade are valuable. In my case I have a small farm I manage and use my basement to process and store everything I grow. By having a Basement at grade, one side is accessible with my truck and looks like a garage. The other side can be used like a cellar because it is surrounded by dirt on at least one side and covered by the rest of the house.

[@alvindueck8227]

after living in homes that have always had basements, I'd like to build a home without one. I do like the fact that it's nice and cool in summer, a great place to chill after you've been out doing yard chores all afternoon. but it doesn't seem that practical of a place to really bother with. sure, we always had all the home's functionals down there (hot water tank, breaker panel and furnace) but that means you have to constantly run down there to maintain and replace damaged/outdated equipment. I'd just as soon build the garage larger to accommodate all those essentials in there.

[@Matasky2010]

I grew up in a house with a basement, but rarely did anyone want to spend time down there when it was bright and sunny outside..got more use during winter and the wood stove used to heat the house above..

[@scottengh1175]

Like the idea. Am open to it. My wife requires a basement. A little windy, dark clouds, she is gone. My current builder charges about $4 k for crawl space and 7 for 8 foot basement.

[@finieclimber]

Interesting perspective, it is a matter of ground coupling and some places like cold/hot climates the challenges out weigh the benefits. It is my speculation that most basements are not constructed correctly, water proofing, thermal breaking/insulating, and proper drainage. There is little thought to if the air can support a basement, like having a finished basement in a flood plane. I prefer the ground coupling even though we have high performance building materials and practices many owners and builders will just meet code and a basement will prove to be the higher comfort area. Many apartments in MI are borderline basements and are more comfortable with lower utility bills, that the apartment above. Then there are houses completely underground.

[@trophywolfe]

Cold room for jarring and wine storage also a place that's below everything and solid ground. Perfect for a home gym or any sort of work as long as its ventilated.

[@sergiosevero9551]

You're brave, I don't know a house at your country that doesn't have a basement. Very interesting perspective.

[@jcd7583]

I want to fill in my old 1800's house basement, due to water & mold issues. My situation is that the house has been added onto over the years, and they only used "crawl spaces" for all the new additions. The crawl spaces are big enough for pipes and that's it. Its a constant struggle trying to fix water and or electrical issues when they occur. It's not going to be cheap or easy.

[@neilaleksandrov2655]

What about considering the basements role as a place of shelter during a high wind event? Tornado protection? Also if we’re living on a planet that’s heating up doesn’t it make sense to have a space that has more cooling power naturally?

[@mujkocka]

costed me 35k to dig and seal the basement walls after it was built 30years ago. it's cool though. i can say with the heat waves recently in quebec, i can pull the cold air from the basement up and use it as air conditioning.

[@jay_321]

I would like to have learned more about how slab-on-grade can be protected from frost heaving. I'm having trouble picturing the insulation solution you describe.

[@BrickFilmsCinema]

It's basically continuous rigid insulation board on the exterior of the slab edge and footing.

[@MsBridgesSocial]

If you want a big family, basements are a must. ;). Especially on a rainy day and when guests are over. We had a slab on grade home before and needed to do plumbing repairs. I prefer AT LEAST having a crawl space to make access to piping easier. If the budget allowed, I'd add a concrete slurry with a French drain. sliding around under a house with one of those automotive creepers could be a lot of fun! Insulation and waterproofing could be tucked in between the floor joists. That would be my preference.

[@30by40]

Or, you build one of these: kzbin.info/aero/PLuJj3iQpiK3v7tqYStltImkMxe2iu-l_L I have a basement in my home and we use the studio far more often for extra sleeping space, play space, music and work.

[@MsBridgesSocial]

I like your studio, by the way. Thanks for the series. I had never heard of weather resistant slab on grade before. Featuring new materials and techniques is the beat thing about this channel.

[@juki1x]

100%, I work in the renovation and basement are money pits and with changing climate we encounter more and more issues with flooding, salt water damaging the foundation walls. Basement are dark, mold seems to be always a battle. Lower cost of building a house with no basement can rival condos, which are a win win for the developer and the home owner ends up with the crappy end of the deal. Why not transfer the savings in a no basement dwelling a get a better deal than a condo.

[@tarawiselove]

Addition of each 1 linear horizontal foot of insulation board around exterior perimeter = reduction of each 1 linear vertical foot in depth of footings == Construction gold.

[@ElrondBurrell]

Nice start with the Skidmore Passivhaus! (Followed by many more.) And good advice too. Basements are pretty rare in the UK now, except where real estate values mean basements off the largest expansion potential.

[@30by40]

+Elrond Burrell many thanks... Attitudes in much of the US are quite different unfortunately. I posted this article on Houzz and the response I received was condemnation. Many in tornado alley in the midwest shelter in their basements, which isn't a safe practice but an economical necessity. Sometimes they're a necessity as you point out in urban areas, but where I practice in rural locations, they're unnecessary.

[@johnnulf624]

You could just build a small storm shelter for tornados that doesn't take up the whole floor area of your house.

[@fritz4345]

No basement house are common in the US. I would think that most houses in Europe have basements. And a lot of them are really useful. If nothing else the footprint of the house can shrink quite a bit if you have a good basement. All utilities can go in there including washer and dryer and some storage space. Yes it is more expensive but the house probably is also a lot better build and last longer.

[@oleandra3759]

Ok, fine but where do I hide the bodies?

[@joserosa5342]

Nice video as always Eric.

[@stormintheshell5130]

Good video, tho i do prefer a house w basements. Basements are fun

[@sugarandspice2136]

Basements are great when you live in tornado alley, Oklahoma, Nebraska, Kansas, etc.

[@melissamybubbles6139]

So would you want a third floor above ground?

[@cdgonepotatoes4219]

It's more expensive than a second floor, doesn't have natural sunlight, requires ventilation and perhaps a dehumidifier as well, but I always liked the idea of having much more going on in your house whan the exterior lets off. Small house, big basement, the size you really don't expect almost the footprint of the entire property. I was wondering what's the opinion on using steel for basement walls? Instead of deep foundations you just make a hole in the slab and draw out a stairwell to connect the steel box below. I believe it's galvanised steel, the completely weather-proof type, it should help with that "dew point" issue and heat loss can be solved with insulation, not the type to become a damp sponge hopefully.

[@deejnutz2068]

Where do you live that a basement is more expensive than a second floor? In ever state I've run the numbers in, a basement is usually half the cost per square foot of finished living space compared to above ground floors.

[@30by40]

If you have to blast bedrock to create a basement (like every parcel here in Maine) it's definitely more expensive...

[@egoy34]

I have question. what if its built in a 2 weather condition?

[@clevelandkb]

I wouldn't by a house without a basement, it's a necessity for people who like to entertain. I have my man cave bar full bath and game room in the basement. (fully finished basement) only a small area is used for the stuff u mentioned in this video. Most people i know that have basement use them as a recreational area. That is the main use for basement in the US

[@allenwinston9225]

I have lived with and without a basement. When I lived in Vegas they had accommodations with those spaces above garages, pool cabana/ Casita/ guest house.

[@budisutanto5987]

I'm just started learning green building. And find out, that you need basement for HVAC system, that treated the air from outside, into your building.

[@Matasky2010]

In regards to basements used as living spaces- another consideration is that during the nice summer months the basement may rarely be used.

[@DamianLewd]

During hot summer moths basements are usually coolest place in the house

[@logicalamerican]

Not having storage space is the best way to be sure you don't have extra shit you need to store. Build storage space, and the junk will come.

[@Dudemieser]

That pretty much sums it up.

[@sout4653]

Thank you so much for this informative and useful information! The question is how about people who use the basement as an extra source of income.

[@jmecklenborg]

This guy acts like creating a usable basement space is some sort of cosmic technological feat...the suburbs of Ohio's cities (where I live) are filled with thousands upon thousands of well-used, odor and mold-free finished basements. They figured out how to do it back in 1950 or thereabouts and pretty much nobody has trouble with postwar basements. My house is from 1914 and the basement concrete (a big improvement over earlier stone basements) has no issues. I don't have a sump pump and the space is dry. We've got a few thousand dollars worth of musical gear down there. I have practiced with bands in older basements that have dirt floors. You just set up the drums and amps on sheets of plywood.

[@Jojo_Bee]

Did he really say they figured it out right in the 1950s? I doubt him.

[@michellemarie1197]

The only thing nice about basements is that they are nice in tornado prone areas and also in the summertime they keep cool but they are a hassle and I dont like them, if i had the choice I'd just have a separate small tornado shelter than have a full basement, i want a house with everything on one floor.

[@leoss67]

I agree 100%

[@dennisharris144]

GREAT Channel. I am really enjoying your videos. I never understood full basements. We all know up here in Maine of Camps on posts. They are not perfect but last surprisingly well. Do you have any advice about using helical piles for a residential foundation? Seems to have a low cost and low impact on the site.

[@SamDiscovers]

Eric, this is a great video and one that I have watched a few times as I work out designs for me own home (of which will be started this coming spring here in northern Michigan). We have a similar climate to you in Maine and since I have visited your area for an extended part of time years back, I am familiar with the similarities and differences that our two climates share. Lake MI brings much of the same factors that the Atlantic does, minus a lot of the rock conditions you experience out there. I wanted to ask a simple question and would appreciate some insight into your design process revolving around it; you make some strong arguments for not having a basement but I do know that in your longhouse design (specifically your own home in your portfolio) you do have a basement. Was this a function/lifestyle decision or possibly a re-sale factor that drove that consideration? Just thoughtfully curious and thank you for your time should you get back to me on this. You have inspired my design style since I started school and now working professionally!

[@anthonyballard9051]

Well... Livable attics got their issues too as well as basements and there's a non practical original purpose of those structurally, and the space between the roof gables and the ceiling of the upper common floor is a fringe benefit in one way or another, and I love them both!... 😏

[@vishaldubey6843]

I've home with 2000 square feet basement that i used as gym🙂

[@tehoice1498]

I'm living in a tropical climate but I've always liked having an car park basement below the house, is it really that energy inefficient?

[@Matasky2010]

A garage does the same job without having to dig a giant hole in the ground..?..

[@ajs3407]

@@Matasky2010 But it also takes more space off your plot.

[@John-Adams-Can]

"Nothing good ever came from a basement."

[@30by40]

^you win. best comment.

[@John-Adams-Can]

Credit to Frank Lloyd Wright!

[@Matasky2010]

I have many good memories as a teenager in the basement LOL

[@stormintheshell5130]

Can u do a video on architectural terms

[@sdhruve1069]

i would like you to cover street parking, mechanised parking

[@rollandelliott]

I have a walk out basement in South Carolina, Not damp and I finished it and rent It out as a one bedroom unit for $900 a month. Heating and cooling bills for it are much less. Sorry basements you use as living space might use more concrete but in the long run much MUCH more environtmentally efficient/friendly. YOur video basically states the obvious, its' expesive to dig a big hole in the ground and put a giant rectangular concrete box there.

[@bobbymcgee723]

I'm noticing that your content isn't getting a large number of likes. We can see that this isn't due to a lack of appreciation from your viewers, because your subscriber base is so large (and has been growing quickly). Might I suggest adding a little reminder at the end of your vids? "If you've enjoyed this content or learned something from the video you've just watched, please consider liking the video or subscribing."

[@canonicaltom]

Planning to build a house that's entirely underground.

[@joserosa5342]

One fact here as a student of architecture. U will never never have a 100% sustainable building. U will only do is to minimize the use of material that increase carbon foot print. Others things as using trucks, how much u disturb and change the topography when building's foundation, when using energy, water.

[@ginofoogle6944]

A basement would be good if you have very little space to build on and if you are expecting bombs or tornadoes..

[@eddytrochez]

Basements are more common than ever. Houses are now being built with full finished basements. What a weird video.

[@jet1708]

If your basement has water intrusion it’s initial construction is not adequate. Chances are you couldn’t afford to do it correctly.

[@dhairavchheda2568]

you should check out Ar. Chitra and Sharat from BIOM. They are a firm from Bangalore, India. They work a lot in mud construction and actually dig up basements and use the same earth to construct the entire structure. They also harness different techniques to alter the water table of the site as per requirements to eliminate the dampness and prevent flooding of basements.

[@30by40]

i will, thanks...

[@Thomas..Anderson]

How come this guys videos have so little likes?

[@30by40]

right?

[@martymaloney1032]

Because people with basements don’t want to believe they are a bad idea. After watching a friend put $60,000 into having his basement waterproofed I decided I’d never have a house with a basement and the actual living space was all of 12X12...not worth it.

[@supersasquatch]

Good luck surviving a nuclear war without a basement you guys

[@roggie77777]

Basements are needed because it is free space that is not criminally taxed. In northern climates where are you spending majority inside you need extra space so you and your children don't go stir crazy

[@30by40]

basements are definitely taxed real estate here in Maine...

[@michaelshuck5097]

30X40 Design Workshop No tax on basements in Kansas unless fully finished for living.

[@FrancoisEdmondOfficial]

ICF basement = less problems

[@genli5603]

Basements require the least energy to condition. You should know this. A leaky, wet modern basement is the result of a bad architect--just like leaky roofs. Following simple exterior insulation practices and good drainage results in a dry basement.

[@30by40]

you should do some fact checking on green building advisor...

[@DamianLewd]

Sounds like poor trades ...but I don’t know 🤷🏽‍♂️

[@craigtalbot607]

The moisture concerns mentioned here are far more worrisome in the east!! It's rarely a big deal in the west where we have extremely low humidity! I live on a slopes lot and I have cursed the builder for the 18 years we've lived here for wasting half the property!! You bring up some great things to consider, but your "suggestions" don't seem very balanced.

[@DamianLewd]

How so

[@yangdaoy]

I really hate my basement, it is high maintenance for little value

[@manuelsalinas364]

Traduccion en Español !

[@MsBridgesSocial]

Just found out my county no longer recognizes basement bedrooms in valuation of a home. That cut $100k off one man's house. He decided to add a 3rd above grade, master bedroom to recoup some of his home's value. And people think big government is good? How exactly?

[@christinearmington]

CG Patriot Depends on whether you’re selling, buying, or paying taxes.

[@houssamlabiod]

Another interesting subject ... I only have a problem with you talking that fast LOL ... Thank You though 😋

[@MultiTravellingman]

Cool video, semi kills my idea of building a reverse vertical design where 1 level is above ground and multiple levels are below ground. Giving the illusion of a small home, when it's actually guite large.

[@Matasky2010]

$$$$$

[@joserosa5342]

Puerto Rico houses does not have basement. That will cost a lot of money, plus we don't need them at all.

[@DamianLewd]

Not even in a hurricane?

[@edmund6392]

Basements are a huge tax benefit!

[@bangsmatter4394]

Change your title : A basement is a liability. Never heard a single thing from you that favors its necessity. We don't need slacker builders.

[@BrickFilmsCinema]

There is a benefit... BATCAVE

[@dolobrolic6066]

Just a space for clutter and crap you don’t need. 😁

[@rollandelliott]

You know where all the mechanicals are put in souththern homes built on slab? 99% of the time in the freaking attick where they loose 20% cooling efficiency, now that is a huge environmental waste! sorry slab buildt homes are typically inefficient, you got it backwards.

[@archicadtutorials]

It depends how much storsge space U need. I have some sq under the roof, in office building and above stable so i dont need basement. Most of my homes dont have basement, couse you need more heat and energy, is it worth? Dont think so 👍 come and visit my profile

[@philipdillard1581]

no offense the rebuttal to plumbing and electrical connections in a slab vs basement by instructing your viewer to while they are a grocery store to ask if they have a basement isn't exactly ideal. Your talking about two different structure types with vastly different engineering requirements. Not to mention vastly different budgets/time frames when it comes to renovations. Rarely do grocery stores "renovate" plumbing locations such as bathrooms or relocate sinks. New home owners purchasing older slab homes do this on a regular basis and when they find out the cost involved in slab cutting they tend to opt to leave everything where its at. However, if a business needs to put in or move a bathroom/cafeteria the cost isn't as bad due to more capital that is available to them. Also the response you gave about "mobilizing multiple trades to dig a space large enough to stand and store things" True but not really being that there are far more trades needed for Above ground structures than below ground. In all honesty only 4 at most are needed for below ground which are, Truckers, Laborers, Operators, and Masons. When building an above ground structure again just for storage purposes you have Truckers, Laborers, Operators, and masons with the added Framers, and Roofers. If you want to Finish the basement or the above ground or below ground structure you are looking at adding Electricians, Plumbers, Tinners (HVAC for those not in the construction trades), Rockers (Dry wallers for those not in the construction trades), and Painters. For the below ground because you didn't have to frame any walls interior or exterior being that it was done by the masons you would have to included Framers on that list. When describing the process of construction of a basement you make it sound like there is "So much more work".....no really, the only extra work that has to be done is more excavation of dirt which is later used as backfill almost all of it by the way very little of it has to be trucked off site and if it is its trucked a short distance due to lot size. There are mutliple types of basements also not just for foundation purposes. There are walk out basements, garage basements, etc. it really depends on the climate, area, lot size, and size of purposed home. Granted more and more homes are being built on slabs being that for the contractor its cheaper when it comes to labor costs, as well as time to completion. However just because it is cheaper for the contractor doesn't mean its cheaper for the home buyer, or is it good for what the home buyer wants or needs. The lot that the home is built on may not allow for an external structure, or there may be an HOA that prevents such structure. Current foundation design along with structure design may not allow for upward construction. If this is a new home construction you may have to consider taxes, HOA, ordinances, and what the future home owner wants and needs are......

[@jamespong6588]

Like... Literally. Zero fuc&s about the environment