A basement is an area below the first floor with a minimum height of 6 feet 8 inches.  Basements may be unfinished and used to store personal belongings and to house the mechanical systems such as the HVAC system, electrical panel, and main plumbing controls.  Other basements may have portions that are finished and used as a living area. 

But finished or unfinished, it is estimated that 90 to 95 percent of all basements will experience a water penetration problem.

Generally, water penetration in a basement causes more damage to personal belongings and the mechanical systems in the basement than actual damage to structure.  However, excessive moisture in the basement can lead to health concerns such as mold and mildew.