The “basement” of yesterday has become today’s “lower
level.”
Homes are expensive purchases, so you want to utilize every
square inch of functional living space available. Lower level
living makes space below the house functional and livable. Unlike
typical “basements,” lower levels are airy, light,
finished spaces that are a joy to use every day.
A cost-effective alternative, a lower level offers all the advantages
of an upstairs at a fraction of the cost. It doubles the square
footage of a single-story house, and adds fifty percent to the
floor space of a two-story home. A few minor changes at the time
of construction can turn an ordinary cast-in-place foundation
into lower level space that can be used for bedrooms, offices,
living rooms, and even an apartment complete with kitchen and
bath.
Cast-in-place concrete foundation walls are fast to erect which
saves you money. They can be formed, cast, and stripped in as
little as two working days. The house already needs a footing;
it probably needs a crawl space for utilities; and, it only costs
a little more to excavate another four or five feet and cast
full-height concrete walls from the footing. Plus, lower level
living enhances the appraisal and resale value of a home in the
process.
More importantly, a lower level living space is safe and durable.
It can be a haven from such natural disasters as tornados, hurricanes,
and windstorms because basements simply don’t blow away
and water does not permeate a properly treated wall. With today’s
proven waterproofing and insulation treatments, lower level living
space is dry and comfortable. It will resist cave-ins from heavy
rains and flooding. Weather is so unpredictable; it’s nice
to know you, and your family, have a warm, dry lower level living
space to go to, rather than a dark, bare basement.
Finally, everything is taken care by the contractor. A complete
ready-to-build-on foundation includes excavating, concrete work,
and complete waterproofing; routinely a guaranteed package price.
A buyer is also protected from such delays as poor weather or
unanticipated labor cost. Even insulated lower level windows
with window wells are included. Ask your contractor for more
details.
Lower level living space offers so many perks. It increases
the square-footage of available functional living space and provides
a safe place during natural disasters, all at a reasonable price.
You can’t help but say, “What’s a ‘basement?’ I
want a ‘lower level.’”
For more information about cast-in-place foundations and lower
level living space, contact the Concrete Foundations Association
at 866-CFA-WALL (866-232-9255).
The Concrete Foundations Association of North America was established
in 1974 for the purpose of improving the quality and acceptance
of cast-in-place concrete foundations. The CFA provides promotional
materials, educational seminars, and represents the interests,
nationwide, of its foundation contractor members on several code
and regulatory bodies. In addition, they have a variety of resources
to facilitate quality construction, including the CFA Standard,
a self-governed minimum performance standard for poured concrete
foundation walls, and the CFA Cold Weather Research Report. The
CFA office is located at 113 First St. W, Mount Vernon, IA 52314
(www.cfawalls.org).
