Foundation / Below-grade story
Basement
Definition
A story of a building that is partly or fully below ground, enclosed by foundation walls.
Fig. 260 — Basement: schematic studyNOT TO SCALE
Illustrative study — Basement · AI-generatedSAMPLE IMAGE
Structural & construction notes
Finished basements need egress windows for bedrooms, waterproofing, drainage, and often a sump pump. Walkout basements open to grade on a sloping lot.
Frequently Asked Questions
An educational reference. Project-specific design requires professional guidance.