basement Yes / No ???

[Herman F. Guzman]

I have a client who owns several homes and has asked me a question which I was not sure of the answer and I would like some help on this matter. The house in question is a two (2) level above ground California style Deck house. Only less than one quarter (1/4) of one (1) side of the (4) sides of this house is COVERED by soil, which that room still has two (2) side by side windows that are not covered by soil. I was lead to believe that any house that IS COVERED three (3) sides or more by soil is considered a basement. Could some one call me to discuss this matter or Post me back. My office # is 240-566-5988 if I am not there it will automaticlly foward to my cell.

[Greg Keene, CPI]

My son and I built his house - 3bd ranch, active solar, 3 sides buried. It is not a basement to me (or him).

[James H. Bushart]

For official definitions, in place of any local sources that may exist, I turn to the International Building Code which defines a "basement" as being "that part of a building that is partly or completely below grade".

When the basement is considered, by definition, to be a "story above grade", it is still a basement.

[jguillen]

iIt seams to me that that is considered a cellar only a partial small section i would not call it a basement sincerely from Jose A. Guillen manufacturer building and home inspector.