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Create more space for living, entertainment, exercising, recreation, guests, a workshop, and storage under your log siding cabin by building a basement. They work in any climate when constructed and sealed properly from the elements. When professionally installed, whether poured concrete or blocks, they make welcome additions to any size or style cabin, especially smaller ones.
Basements can be built 100% below ground level, or partially below ground depending on your preference. Cabin owners have several options in their construction, including:
- Number, styles, and sizes of windows
- Number, styles, and sizes of doors
- Running pipes through walls for a wood stove
- An HVAC system or utility room
- Full or partial basement
- Height of ceilings
Let’s look at six common reasons homeowners build basements under their log siding cabins.
Provides an Emergency Shelter
Shelter during emergencies is first on the list because of the frequency of tornadoes and hurricanes in many states. Basements serve as safe rooms, and those completely underground provide the most protection during the disaster. This provides peace of mind if you have no other place to go.
Emergency supplies can be stored in this space that can see you through temporary problems.
- Store food and water
- House a generator and some gasoline
- Pack extra clothes and boots
- Store flashlights, blankets, and tools
You can learn more about storing emergency items and supplies from this easy-to-read article.
Adds More Living Space
Basements can be finished as nicely as the upstairs and also sealed from the elements to prevent water intrusion. Many cabin owners need this area as their family grows in number such as having more children or an elderly parent moving in. The parent may live on the ground floor and a child may move to the basement. A kitchen, den bathroom, bedrooms, and utility room can be added depending on the available space.
Basements also provide space for occasional guests and possibly the family pet. In some cases, a basement with an outside entrance can be rented out temporarily for extra income. Gain some valuable insight for using basements as living spaces from the Family Handyman.
| “Basements work in any climate when constructed and sealed properly from the elements.” |
Entertainment and Recreation in a Cooler Area
One of the cool things about a basement is that it’s a flexible area for many purposes. It’s a great place for activities you may otherwise have to pass up for lack of space, including:
- Hobbies
- Workshops
- TV Rooms
- Exercise Areas
- Game Rooms
It may also serve as an office for personal work or a part-time or full-time business. You can use it for a man cave or a woman cave to have a little hideaway for privacy. Basements are a bit cooler than the cabin above it and that makes this area somewhat refreshing.
More Storage Space for Food and Other Essentials
When there is no garage or a small garage with limited storage space, use the basement. Items are safer in this area than in a garage and are stored in a more favorable temperature range. Higher humidity levels can be controlled by running a dehumidifier when needed.
Most of us never have enough storage space, and a basement provides a place to help reduce clutter in the living area above it. This area is wonderful for anyone who cans fruits, vegetables, or meat. You don’t have to be a prepper to store items ahead for a rainy day.
Many Types of Cabin Repairs Are Made Easier
Basements provide easier access to pipes, ductwork, wiring, and cables than crawl spaces or cabins built close to the ground. You will find out how convenient this space is when an issue occurs that you handle yourself.
This extra space may also save money when you call a repair person. Since it’s easier to maneuver around, the work can be accomplished faster.
Basements Add Market Value to Log Siding Homes
Basements both finished and unfinished add market value to log siding cabins. Since they add more square footage, potential buyers see them as more desirable for all the reasons we have covered. Give some thought to adding a basement in your log siding cabin building plans and enjoy its extra space as long as you live there.
These basement ideas are workable for any size and style cabin you build. Great quality log home building materials are available online from the WoodWorkers Shoppe.
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