The Cost of a Basement vs. a Crawl Space Foundation

Crawl Space Pros

• A crawl space is significantly less expensive to build than a basement because the walls are often only 1 foot tall and it requires no flooring. In areas prone to flooding and water buildup, a crawl space is less likely to cause water damage to the rest of the house. A crawl space also provides access to electrical, cable and air conditioning systems.

Crawl Space Cons

• A crawl space must be properly insulated to ensure that moisture from the ground does not seep into the home, causing mold and resulting in high cleaning and repair costs. Because a crawl space offers less space, it may cost more to diagnose and repair problems with a home's electrical, cable and heating systems. Compared to homes with basements, homes with crawl spaces typically contain significantly less usable storage space, resulting in lower home values.

Basement Pros

• Depending on where you live, having a basement might improve the resale value of your home. In fact, some homeowners will not consider a home without a basement. Basements provide additional storage space and, if finished, additional living space. When repairs need to be made to an air conditioning system, cable distribution and the homes electrical system, a basement offers easier access, leading to fewer labor costs or problems diagnosing the cause of an issue.

Basement Cons

• Basements cost more to build than traditional crawl space foundations. In addition to the initial costs, additional costs can occur if the home is built in a water soluble or low water depth area where leaking is prone to occur. Residents in these areas will have to run sump pumps to keep basements free from water. If a basement becomes damp, homeowners may face additional costs to dry the basement and prevent mold. During heavy storms, basements also have the potential to flood and ruin a finished basement or items stored there.