Basement vs. Garage
People have stuff and need a place to put that stuff. For most, a basement or a garage is the ideal storage spot.
But what is better to have in a home -- a basement or a garage? It depends on the individual. Each options has its share of advantages and disadvantages.
Garage Advantages
* Garages are easily accessible from the main level of the property, which can make them particularly attractive for storage.
* Homeowners who can tame their clutter may find that the garage can be used for its original intended purpose: to house an automobile. Individuals with two-car garages can use one side for the car and the other for storage.
* Because garages are directly attached to the house, some homeowners borrow garage space to add onto interior living space. This is best achieved if the garage butts up to a room in the house and is not obstructed by a hallway or other feature.
* Insulated garages can stay warm during the winter and cool during the summer. Such garages will often match the temperature of the main house because they are on the same level.
Garage Disadvantages
* A garage that is not insulated may result in more energy usage by the home because a cold or hot wall abuts the home.
* Garages seem less like living spaces than finished basements. Also, should a homeowner decide to turn the garage into a liveable area, he or she may be faced with property tax adjustments.
* Some homes feature detached garages that do not offer direct access to the home. This can mean moving items to and from the house a decent distance.
* Garages that do offer direct access to the home may be a safety issue. Potential thieves can hide in the garage and attempt to open a connecting door to the house unseen.
Basement Advantages
* A finished basement can add more liveable area to a home, substantially increasing the home's liveable square footage.
* In general, basements are easily accessible from the interior of the house, meaning residents won't have to brave the weather to access stored items.
* Basements are often built from cinder block walls, making them relatively sound-proof. This can make a basement an ideal media room or home theater.
* It's easy to sub-divide basement space into different areas for use, such as laundry facilities, a playroom and a den.
Basement Disadvantages
* Because they are located underground, basements are at risk for water infiltration, particularly if the house is built in a flood zone or where there is a high water table.
* Smaller windows and the subterranean location can make basements dark spaces. Adequate lighting will be necessary to combat this problem.
* Cool, damp and dark basements are the ideal breeding grounds for mold, mildew and insect life.
* A homeowner cannot house a car in the basement. Also, unless there is direct access to a yard by way of Bilco doors, keeping lawn equipment and the like in a basement can be cumbersome.
* Basements are generally cooler than the other areas of the house. For those who live in cold climates, a basement will need to be heated in order to serve as a living space or a bedroom.
Of course, homeowners lucky enough to have both a basement and a garage will have ample storage space and can use the areas in many ways. HI108715