Liv Smartly Basement Homes are livable, intentional, and valuable, based on research by Boman Kemp.
For nearly 60 years, Boman Kemp Manufacturing has been supplying innovative basement products. We are passionate about basements and their future. Our goal is not to tell experienced builders how to build, but to share ideas that inspire new thinking and add value to what you’re already doing.
This guide and video show how to design basements for comfortable, high-quality living so the lower level appraises equally with the main level. At Liv Smartly, we build with purpose and precision, never as an afterthought. Our vision is simple: create intentional two-story slab-on-grade homes where one level is placed below ground to capitalize on the Earth’s naturally stable temperatures.
In West Texas, for example, when it’s 40° outside, the ground is 58°. When it’s 100°, the ground is 72°. In the desert southwest, where there are no legacy habits about basements, this creates a chance to build smarter from the start. Every decision—from foundation to finish—is made with livability, efficiency, and long-term value in mind.
KEY INNOVATIONS
Footing And Floor Pour Together
Pour thickened footings and floor slab at the same time over gravel. This can save \$3,000–\$4,000 per foundation, cut inspections, and boost productivity.
Waterproofing
Plan waterproofing up front, not later. A water-wicking membrane with proper drainage and foundation detailing keeps the lower level dry and livable.
Natural Light And Safety
Boman Kemp window systems provide egress safety while adding sunlight and fresh air. Compliance doesn’t have to mean bulky openings.
Integrated HVAC
Design HVAC first, then walls and rooms. Pull cool air from the basement floor and warm air from the upper ceiling. With floor trusses, this often requires just one AC unit for uniform comfort.
Floor Trusses
Eliminate dropped ceilings and cluttered ductwork. Clear-span trusses create chase zones for pipes, wiring, and ducting without lowering ceiling height.
Insulation
Use high-performance, moisture-resistant insulation that meets or exceeds Energy Star values. A well-insulated basement feels just like the rest of the home.
Ceiling Height And Open Stairways
An 8-foot ceiling changes perceptions. It adds comfort, natural light, and resale value. Open stairways enhance airflow and the open concept feel.
Bonus Features
Use structural spaces for built-in value. A 5x5x8 concrete safe under the front porch is perfect for valuables and documents. A 10x10x8 room under the patio can serve as storage or a storm shelter, eliminating the need for off-site units.
By incorporating these features into two-level slab-on-grade homes, builders offer buyers livable, secure, forward-thinking homes. From foundation pours to integrated air systems, this approach creates smarter design in the desert southwest, where basements aren’t a necessity but a thoughtful choice.
THE RESULT
Homes built with intention from day one are cooler, more efficient, and designed to last. Basement living is elevated to the same value as the main level. Choosing to build this way reflects intent, which adds to appraisal value and homeowner satisfaction.
When done right, lower-level living provides undeniable benefits: comfort, safety, energy savings, and livability equal to any main-floor space. With consistent top-to-bottom airflow, families enjoy a comfortable, dry, well-insulated extension of the home—not a compromise.