Below grade level
From Floor Coverings
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What is Below Grade Level?
Below Grade Level applies to anything, structural or otherwise that is either partially or completely below ground level or below the surrounding terrain. Some examples of below grade level structures may include basements, underground storm cellars or storage rooms. Some businesses may even have several floors below grade level on the property.
Is below grade level part of the GLA?
According to guidelines set up by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), the square footage in below grade level rooms are not generally considered habitable space and so are not included in the gross living area (GLA). However, if certain conditions are met, below level grade rooms can contribute to the GLA. Proper lighting and ventilation must exist in the room. The room’s ventilation, usually a window, needs to be at ground level. The windowsill should not be higher than 44 inches from the floor of the room and its opening should be clear and at least 24 inches by 36 inches. But even if your below grade level room does not meet the requirements that make it count towards your GLA footage, that does not mean that the room does not contribute to the overall value of your property.
What rooms are below grade level?
Below grade level rooms can be anything from an unfinished basement to a luxurious bedroom. Some homeowners have transformed their below grade level rooms into trendy recreational rooms or cozy dens for a quiet retreat. Basements naturally lend themselves perfectly to this type of environment because they are already cool and quiet. A few things must be considered first before deciding whether or not, your below grade level space can become something more than just a basement.
How is air quality below grade level?
Safety should be your first consideration. Air quality should be tested for the presence of radon. Floors should be tested for water seepage and air leaks should be sealed to prevent humidity. Is the foundation for any future flooring solid and firm enough to support whatever heavy objects might find their way down there? Insulation and heat ducts may need to be added so that heating and cooling the space will be efficient.
Is the humidity different below grade level?
Because of the presence of higher humidity in below grade level rooms, certain types of flooring will need special preparations with regard to installation. For example, hardwood flooring needs to be installed onto a surface that will remain as dry as possible. When hardwood flooring is installed over concrete in a below grade level room, a 15 pound asphalt felt paper should be installed between the wood and concrete. This will resist the buildup of humidity and moisture that would cause damage to the hardwood flooring. In addition, solid hardwood flooring should not be used in below grade level rooms. Only engineered and floating hardwood flooring are appropriate for these levels.
