What Is A Partially Finished Basement & When Is It Considered Finished?

Basements & Other Rooms, Blog, Construction

A basement is a part of the building that is wholly or partly below ground level. There are said to be three basements finishing. They are finished, unfinished, and partially finished basements. But what exactly is a partially finished basement?

A partially finished basement is otherwise known as a half-finished basement. It is a basement with flooring, walls, and ceiling installed but does not have a home’s complete comfort or design.

Want to know more about partially finished basements and when one is considered finished? Then, read this article to get your answers.

What is a partially finished basement?

To understand better what a partially finished basement is, you must first understand the type of basement finishing. They are;

1. Finished basements

Finished basements are like any other room in the house. In other words, if you walk from your living room to your finished basement, you should notice no or little differences.

A finished basement carries the same features and comfort as your living room. It can be used as a rec (game) room, an office, or a gym. Most have comfortable flooring, heating, cooling, and lighting features. All these features make the basement feel more like another room and not a basement.

2. Unfinished basements

Unfinished basements are the most common type of basements you will come across. They are mostly empty with exposed plumbing, no ceiling, and probably concrete floors.

Some people also use the unfinished basement for storage and workshops but may find it inconducive. This is because the temperature in an unfinished basement cannot be controlled.

3. Partially finished basements

These are basements that have been worked on to improve their comfort. They may be used for game rooms, offices, or gyms, but they do not carry as much comfort as finished basements. These basements may even have all plumbing and floors done. This is in order to make sure the place is more functional.

Can you live in a partially finished basement?

Yes, you can. Although it has no luxury of a finished basement, one can still live in one. However, there are certain things you must consider first. This includes the following;

  • Is there proper egress (exit) in case of fire?
  • Is there adequate ventilation and lighting?

Can you complete a partially finished basement?

Absolutely. You can complete it to match your specifications. This may include adding walls or partitions, insulation, or even plumbing or electrical work.

You can do this yourself or seek a professional to assist with this project. This professional will help you with accurate estimates to help deliver the most cost-effective, complete, and innovative solution.

When is a basement considered finished?

For a basement to be considered finished, certain requirements must be met. Some of these requirements are;

  • The flooring is completely done
  • There is adequate lighting 
  • There is proper ventilation
  • A functioning heat and cooling system
  • There is a functional bathroom
  • The basement has sufficient electrical outlets and wiring
  • The basement is free of pests

FAQs

What is the purpose of a partially finished basement?

A partially finished basement can be used for many activities, such as gaming, working, storage, and a gym room.

What is the difference between a partially finished and a finished basement?

A finished basement is more like another floor in your home; it is completely habitable. A partially finished basement, although still habitable, lacks complete comfort as it is not finished.

Conclusion

A partially finished basement can be handy in most homes with space. It can be used for several activities, ranging from a workroom to a playroom for the family or the kids.

Do you have a plan for your basement? You can have it worked on. Whether finished or partially finished, you can consult an expert to help you meet your specifications.

Thanks for reading. Visit Samkinsconstructions today for more interesting content.

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