What Is a Bi-Level Basement?

Positioning

• A bi-level basement is primarily positioned underneath the first floor of a house. The first floor usually houses the living and dining rooms as well as a kitchen. The kitchen is often in the back of the house and sectioned off from the other two rooms. One of the rooms, such as the kitchen, may lead downstairs and connect to the garage, and people can access the basement through the garage. The basement is said to be bi-level because it is below the level of the garage. However, some bi-level basements may actually have one section higher than the other. It all depends on how low the room directly above the basement lies.

Characteristics

• The windows in a bi-level basement tend to be small and rectangular because the basement sits five or six feet underground with just the top part extending above ground level. Ceilings may be relatively low in bi-level basements. Some may lead to small storage areas under the front porch, which may also contain a small window. The steps leading to the garage are often made of cement or concrete, or the same materials used in making the garage floor.

Advantages

• One advantage of a bi-level basement is that it makes efficient use of space. The steps usually flow in a concentric pattern in the middle of the house, providing easy access to the basement. The downside is that bi-level basements tend to be relatively dark because of its deep recession. Homeowners need to install ample lighting in different areas of this type of basement. Another disadvantage is the lack of space. Most bi-level basements provide room for washers, dryers and furnaces, with little room for recreational activities. Hence, it is best to keep the bi-level basement clutter-free, maximizing free space for specific purposes.

Considerations

• A bi-level basement can easily be finished and decorated as another small room. Some may use it as an extra bedroom. Homeowners can section the room off from the laundry and furnace areas by erecting walls around the posts. Horizontal designs may give the extra room the appearance of being wider or longer, according to experts at Basementremodeler.com.