Construction Resources and Support

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A basement is a building with a single story or several stories that are either completely or partially below the ground floor. Not all buildings have basements. For buildings with basements, the furnace, water heater, car park and air-conditioning system of a house or building are typically located in the basement, as are amenities such as the electrical distribution system and cable television distribution point. The basement walls typically form the foundation, a part of the house structure. In warmer climates, houses sometimes do not have basements because they are not necessary (although many still prefer them). However, in colder climates, the foundation must be below the frost line.

A "walk-out" basement, a modern architectural form, is one in which the house is situated on a slope with part of the basement above-ground. The "look-out" basement has basement walls that extend sufficiently above ground level, with some of the basement windows above ground level. Any basement that has an exterior entrance via a stairwell is a "walk-up" basement. Some designs cover the stairwell with angled basement doors so that rain water does not accumulate in the stairwell. Finishing a basement is a major renovation project, which can add significant floor space to a house.

An unfinished design might contain a water heater, various pipes running along the ceiling and downwards to the floor, and sometimes a workbench, freezer, refrigerator, or washer/dryer set. The next type of basement, which might be called "half-finished," is likely used by teenagers and children and can include a workout area that may be utilized by the entire family. It is also common to have a secondary (or primary) home office in a partially finished basement.