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16 Friday, August 27, 2010CITIZEN’S NEWS

People have stuff and need a place to put that stuff. For most, a basement or a garage is the ideal storage spot.

But what is better to have in a home – abasement or a garage? It depends on theindividual. Each options has its share ofadvantages and disadvantages.

Garage AdvantagesGarages are easily accessible from the

main level of the property, which can make them particularly attractive for storage.

Homeowners who can tame their cluttermay find that the garage can be used for its original intended purpose: to house anautomobile. Individuals with two-cargarages can use one side for the car and the other for storage.

Because garages are directly attached tothe house, some homeowners borrowgarage space to add onto interior livingspace. This is best achieved if the garagebutts up to a room in the house and is notobstructed by a hallway or other feature.

Insulated garages can stay warm duringthe winter and cool during the summer.Such garages will often match the tempera-ture of the main house because they are on the same level.

Garage DisadvantagesA garage that is not insulated may result

in more energy usage by the home because a cold or hot wall abuts the home.

Garages seem less like living spaces than finished basements. Also, should a home-owner decide to turn the garage into a live-able area, he or she may be faced withproperty tax adjustments.

Some homes feature detached garagesthat do not offer direct access to the home.This can mean moving items to and fromthe house a decent distance.

Garages that do offer direct access to thehome may be a safety issue. Potentialthieves can hide in the garage and attemptto open a connecting door to the houseunseen.

Basement AdvantagesA finished basement can add more live-

able area to a home, substantially increas-ing the home’s liveable square footage.

In general, basements are easily acces-sible from the interior of the house, mean-ing residents won’t have to brave theweather to access stored items.

Basements are often built from cinderblock walls, making them relatively sound-proof. This can make a basement an idealmedia room or home theater.

It’s easy to sub-divide basement spaceinto different areas for use, such as laundry facilities, a playroom and a den.

Basement DisadvantagesBecause they are located underground,

basements are at risk for water infiltration,particularly if the house is built in a floodzone or where there is a high water table.

Smaller windows and the subterraneanlocation can make basements dark spaces.Adequate lighting will be necessary tocombat this problem.

Cool, damp and dark basements are theideal breeding grounds for mold, mildewand insect life.

A homeowner cannot house a car in thebasement. Also, unless there is directaccess to a yard by way of Bilco doors,

Basement vs. Garagekeeping lawn equipment and the like in abasement can be cumbersome.

Basements are generally cooler than theother areas of the house. For those who live in cold climates, a basement will need to be heated in order to serve as a living space or a bedroom.

Of course, homeowners lucky enough tohave both a basement and a garage willhave ample storage space and can use theareas in many ways.

A home should be a sanctuary, a retreat,a safe place for the family. But too oftenthere are dangers lurking inside that canput individuals at risk.

The Environmental Protection Agencyreports that the chemicals in many per-sonal care and cleaning items used in thehome are three times more likely to causecancer than outside contaminants. Thehome environment may be responsible for90 percent of cancers reported. That’sbecause a number of homes in the UnitedStates test 70 percent higher for toxicchemicals than outside the home, accord-ing to research.

So what are these hidden offenders andnot-so-surprising causes of indoor pollution?

PFCs: Perfluorinated chemicals are spe-cific chemicals used to create the nonstickcoatings on many pans. When left to heaton the stovetop with nothing in the pan, the PFCs can melt and be distributed into theair. PFCs can affect fertility in women anddisrupt hormones in the body. They’re alsohighly toxic to pet birds.

Radon: A colorless and odorless gas,radon is a natural substance that is foundin soil and water. What many may notknow is that those highly prized granitecountertops may also emit radon. A home-owner should test whether their home hasan unusually high level of radon and if thegranite is the cause.

Cleaning supplies: If the cleaning product contains an extensive warning label or theobvious skull and crossbones symbol forpoison, it is likely chock-full of noxiouschemicals. Using all-natural products oreven common kitchen staples, such as vine-gar and baking soda, to clean is healthier.

VOCs: That “new car smell” or the smellof carpeting or paint when one enters ahome may signal newness and cleanliness.However, that distinct smell is actually theresult of a number of building products off-gassing in the home. Even vinyl showercurtains can give off toxic fumes. Open thewindows and bring in plenty of greenplants to improve the indoor air.

Furniture and imported goods: Somecountries do not have the same safety stan-dards as those in North America. Thatmeans items shipped from overseas may be sprayed with preservatives or other chemi-cals to improve their shelf life. Even fur-niture from some warmer-climate countries is coated in fungicides to inhibit growth ofmolds and fungus. Chemicals banned here might be legal in foreign countries. Be cau-tious or they may end up in one’s home.

Know the Hidden

Home Toxins Lurking