I am considering a root cellar for my Victoria Cottage in Washington, and also maybe an underfloor area to store the computer and personal treasures while we're away. Intend to do a cement block perimeter foundation 3 or 4 feet off the ground. Was thinking about an entrance under the stairs. Any suggestions? (Can't store stuff outside because of bears).
Seems that if you are doing that much of a block footing it wouldn't be that much more to do a partial basement the size you want.
I'm having a site survey done to analyze the soil, but I think I can go at least slightly underground. What would you line it with, EDPM? What can I say, I'm from Florida--no basements, no clue.
Probably depends on the engineer and conditions.
One I am working on, rhe engineer did something similar - 60 mil water guard - but that is very expensive, We told him it was pretty high priced and due to conditions we thought unnecessary so he said he could change it to whatever we were happy with. Sometimes just asphalt emulsion painted on is enough.
There are also barriers that provide drainage and french drains and sumps and pumps and lots of things to consider that may or may not be needed.