Michigan Basements-always wondered but never asked...

[Tom Fryer]

Have you ever wondered what is the definition of a Michigan Basement?

The term Michigan Basement is a term that I have found used to describe a basement that usually is constructed from a crawl space. The Michigan Basement walls are set back from the existing exterior crawl space foundation walls, usually 2-4 feet. The setback is required so that the excavation of the lower basement walls do not interfere with the existing crawl space exterior foundation walls. The Michigan Basement therefore ends up with a full-depth 7-8 foot basement within surrounded by a 2-4 foot wide shelf surrounding the Basement. This type of construction is usually found in older pre 1930 homes.

Also you can go to the State of Michigan glossary under MI Basements.

http://www.michigan.gov/documents/Vol1-31Glossary_120805_7.pdf

 

[Mary Tiernan]

Hmmmmm

That is very interesting, thank you.

Around here (West Central Michigan rural areas) Michigan Basement has been utilized as a broad term for anything less than a basement, greater than a crawlspace.

I had figured it was those basements where you can't quite stand up, some of them even have plaster and lathe ceilings, mostly in houses older than 1930's, though.

I usually use the term "cellar" for anything less than a basement, i.e., an area utilized just for heater and hot water heater, no more room for anything else.

 

[Lee McClish]

I usually use the term "cellar" for anything less than a basement, i.e., an area utilized just for heater and hot water heater, no more room for anything else.

"cellar" good term! I always just use part basement and explain, but "cellar"..... that kinda sums it up.