Browse Forums Building A New House 1 Apr 25, 2014 10:42 pm Hi We are working on designs for our first build and one design presented to us is a split level house on a downward sloping plot (1 level at front, 2 at rear). Part of the design will see a "crawl space" which from what we have seen is just bare earth under the upper level and against the lower level, sealed in by brickwork either side. Friends who have built a design like this in the past have said they had 'moisture' problems which led to smells etc. The builder says they have never heard of any problems with crawl spaces. What is worrying us is though the space is sealed from the outside by being bricked at the side, the only thing between the lower level of the house and the crawl space is the frame. With access to this space through a door off the rumpus room, should we be expecting problems? water problems? heat/cold? creepy crawlies? Appreciate any views, any questions we should be asking or anyone willing to explain what best practice should be. Cheers Craig Re: Do we want a crawl Space under a Split Level House? 2Apr 25, 2014 11:04 pm Our 60s house is on limestone footings with wooden floor, as is my mums house built in the 20s... No issues with moisture. If it is ventilated you won't have an issue. I think best practice these days is to insulate the floor. Recently moved to a 60's home in need of some improvement! http://s797.photobucket.com/user/leenii ... ch%20House Old house: http://s797.photobucket.com/albums/yy25 ... loo/House/ Re: Do we want a crawl Space under a Split Level House? 3Apr 26, 2014 8:47 am Underneath was good for wooden floors - when creaks started. Might also give some space for airing. I guess it might depend on the size of the split - is it just a step down or a metre ? Re: Do we want a crawl Space under a Split Level House? 4Apr 26, 2014 10:35 am As the others have said as long as there is sufficient sub-floor ventilation then you shouldn't have a problem. I'd also make sure there is good site drainage away from the house especially where the front level is. Stewie Re: Do we want a crawl Space under a Split Level House? 5Apr 26, 2014 10:59 pm Thank you for the advice. We checked with the builders today and they have confirmed it will have decent drainage, ventilation and insultation. It was just a surprise to hear it was just bare earth and not bricked in/filled in. Appreciate the help Re: Do we want a crawl Space under a Split Level House? 6Apr 27, 2014 10:42 am If you wanted a good storage area you could always get the builder to pour a concrete floor in the crawl space. You can never have too much storage. Stewie Move your linen into laundry and access laundry from your present linen space 1 8007 isn't a garage level with the rest of the house a given? pretty sure they 'came around' long time ago. if you have a flat block, the garage is usually level with the rest… 1 17518 I would be wary. Is you site demilished but nothing else done? Sounds like liquidity problems to me. Our builder did the same. Got hundreds of thousands of dollars of… 2 15391 |