Walk out basements are a great way to get some extra living space, but as with everything in life, they come with their own set of advantages and disadvantages. Interior designers and home evaluators will often tell you that a walkout basement can add significant value to your home, but there are some potential drawbacks you should be aware of before deciding to build one. If you already have a walkout basement, you probably are aware of most of these, but it is always good to have a refresher.
The first thing to consider is the cost. Building a walkout basement can be significantly more expensive than simply finishing an existing basement or working on basement renovation in Toronto from scratch. The reason for this is that you need to excavate part of the hillside your home is built on and then build a foundation and strong walls to support the weight of the house above. This can add up to a lot of money, so be sure to factor it into your budget before you start construction. That said, modern homes are often built with a walkout basement, but if you’re considering buying an older home or building one from scratch, it’s of utmost importance to understand the pros and cons of a walkout basement. Whether you already have a basement walkout or not, let’s start with the basics.
What is a Walkout Basement?
Wondering about the exact “walkout basement meaning”? A walkout basement is simply a basement that includes one or more exterior doors, typically leading to a backyard. Just like any other basement, it can be finished or unfinished, used for storage, a home office, playroom, gym, or anything else you can dream up.
That means that instead of your basement feeling like a dark and dingy dungeon, it can be filled with natural light and fresh air. It sometimes resembles a fully independent unit which can be used as a separate living area, home office, or even a rental unit.
There are several benefits to having a walkout basement, including improved ventilation and easier access to your backyard. However, walkout basements also come with a few potential drawbacks, including higher construction costs and the possibility of water infiltration. Now that we’ve answered the question “what is a walkout basement,” let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons of this type of basement.
Difference Between a Walkout Basement and a Traditional Basement
The debate between walkout basements vs traditional is an age-old one, but it really comes down to personal preference. A traditional basement is your standard below-grade living space that includes everything from a family room to a bedroom to a home office. It’s typically accessed via an interior staircase and doesn’t include any exterior doors or windows.
A walkout basement, on the other hand, includes one or more exterior doors that lead to your backyard. Using the main level of your home as a starting point, a walkout basement is built at a lower grade than the first floor. That means that the base of your walkout basement will be even with the ground outside, making it easy to access your backyard. Your main entrance will likely be located on the side or back of your home, near where the walkout basement doors are located. Along with that, walkout basements often include more oversized windows than traditional basements, letting in natural light and fresh air.
Difference Between a Walkout Basement and a Daylight Basement
When most people think of a basement, they picture a dark space that’s only used for storage. However, there are actually two different types of basements: walkout and daylight. So, what’s the difference between a walkout basement and a daylight basement? Daylight vs walkout basements both include windows and/or doors that let in natural light, but there’s one key difference.
A daylight basement is built at ground level on all sides, while a walkout basement is built partially into a hillside. That means that the floor of a daylight basement will be even with the first floor of your home, while the floor of a walkout basement will be lower than the first floor. As a result, walkout basements typically have more headroom than daylight basements. A daylight basement vs walkout basement can and will prove useful in different ways, so it’s important to understand the pros and cons of each before making a decision.
Difference Between a Walkout Basement and a Walk-Up Basement
Another common question is, “what is the difference between walk-out vs walk-up basements?” A walk-up basement is simply a basement that includes an exterior door and stairs leading up to ground level. So, if you have a home with a traditional basement, you could add an exterior door and some stairs to create a walk-up basement.
A walkout basement is a type of basement that has one or more walls that are entirely above ground level. This allows homeowners to add a basement door to their foundation wall, allowing them direct access to the area and making it easy to walk out into your backyard. In most cases, a walkout basement will include larger windows than a walk-up basement, letting in natural light and fresh air. When the property’s slope allows it, a walk-up basement can be turned into a walkout basement by excavating the area around the stairs to create a path to the backyard. However, this is typically only possible if you have a very shallow slope.
Advantages of Walkout Basement
Increases Natural Light
One of the most significant advantages of a walkout basement is that it allows for increased natural light. If your home is built on a slope, you can add windows to the walls that are above ground level, letting in plenty of sunlight. This is a great way to brighten up your basement and make it feel more like a part of your home. A brighter space can do wonders for your mood and can make your basement feel more inviting. Unlike a traditional basement, a walkout basement can also be used as a living space since it will have plenty of natural light. Adding a glass door apart from your traditional steel or wood door can also let in natural light.
Increases Privacy
In addition to the dramatic views, a walkout basement can also offer you seclusion from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Privacy is one of the reasons why people choose to build their homes on sloped land in the first place. By having a walkout basement, you can have your own private entrance that leads directly to your backyard. If your home is built on a hill, the walkout basement will be lower than the rest of your home, making it less visible from the street. This can be a great way to increase your privacy and make your home feel more secluded.
Adds Value to Your Home
Does walkout basement add value? The answer is yes! A walkout basement is a great way to enhance the value of your home. Wondering how much value does a walkout basement add? In general, any type of basement will add value to your home. However, a walkout basement can actually add more value than a traditional basement. This is because a walkout basement is more functional and can be used as living space, while a traditional basement is typically used for storage or laundry. If you’re thinking of selling your home in the future, a walkout basement can be a great selling point so it makes sense to invest in one now.
Extra Space You Can Turn Into Whatever You Want
The freedom to design your basement however you want is one of the best advantages of having a walkout basement. With an extra room that is entirely below ground level, you can turn it into whatever you want. If you need more storage space, a home gym, or a playroom for the kids, a walkout basement is the perfect solution. You can even turn it into an extra bedroom or a rental unit to generate some extra income. The possibilities are endless! Imagine being able to walk out into your own private oasis right in your backyard. With a walkout basement, you can make this a reality.
Extra Emergency Exits
In the event of an emergency, it’s always good to have more than one way to exit your home. With a walkout basement, you can have an emergency exit that leads directly to the outdoors. Independent entry and exit points can and will prove to be very useful in the event of a fire or another type of emergency. With a walkout basement, you will even have an extra set of stairs that can be used as an emergency exit. This can give you and your family peace of mind knowing that there is more than one way to get out of the house in an emergency.
Disadvantages of Walkout Basement
Requires Extra Investment
One of the main disadvantages of a walkout basement is that it requires extra investment. In order to add a walkout basement to your home, you will need to excavate the land around your home and build a foundation for the basement. It also may require alterations to your septic system and other utilities. This extra investment can add up, making a walkout basement one of the more costly basement options. This can be a costly project, but it will be worth it in the end. If you’re thinking of adding a walkout basement to your home, be sure to consult with a professional to get an estimate of the cost.
Leaks
One of the most challenging walkout basement problems is leaks. Because a walkout basement is lower than the rest of your home, it is more susceptible to moisture and water damage. Water can seep in through cracks in the foundation or walls and cause serious damage to your basement. Mold and mildew can also grow in damp basements, which can be dangerous for your health. It’s essential to have a waterproof basement to prevent any damage from occurring. Be sure to consult with a professional to find the best way to waterproof your basement. Our team at Reno Duck can help you waterproof your basement so you can enjoy all the advantages of a walkout basement without any of the disadvantages.
Increase in Property Taxes
Who doesn’t love a tax break? Virtually everyone does, which is why the government offers a variety of deductions and exemptions that can save you money come tax time. One potential disadvantage of a walkout basement is that it can increase your property taxes. When you add a walkout basement to your home, you are essentially increasing the square footage of your home. This means that your home will be reassessed, and your property taxes may go up. However, this is not always the case, and it really depends on your municipality. Be sure to check with your local municipality to see if a walkout basement will increase your property taxes.
Walkout Basements – FAQs
Can Any House Have a Walkout Basement?
No, not every house is suited for a walkout basement. The land around your home must be sloped in order for a walkout basement to be possible. If you have been thinking about adding a walkout basement to your home and are not sure if it’s possible, be sure to consult with a professional like Reno Duck. Generally speaking, a walkout basement is only possible if your home is built on a hill. That said, even if your home is not built on a hill, it may still be possible to add a walkout basement. This will require some extra excavation and construction, but it may be possible to make your dream of a walkout basement a reality.
Do Walkout Basements Need a Sump Pump?
No, walkout basements do not always need a sump pump. However, we recommend installing a sump-pump to be on the safe side. Sump pumps are used to pump water out of your basement in the event of a flood or another type of water damage. While walkout basements are less susceptible to water damage than other types of basements, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. If you’re thinking of adding a sump-pump to your walkout basement, be sure to consult with a professional to ensure it is installed properly.
Is a Walkout Basement Safe?
Yes, walkout basements are safe. In fact, they are often considered to be safer than other types of basements because they are less susceptible to water damage and mold growth. However, as with any basement, it’s important to take precautions to prevent any accidents or injuries from occurring. Be sure to keep your basement clean and free of clutter. Also, be sure to inspect your basement regularly for any signs of water damage or mold growth. If you take these precautions, you will be able to enjoy all the advantages of a walkout basement without any of the disadvantages.
How Much Does a Walkout Basement Cost?
The cost of a walkout basement varies depending on a number of factors, such as the size of your home and the type of foundation you have. Generally speaking, a walkout basement will cost more than a traditional basement. However, the extra cost is often worth it because of all the advantages a walkout basement has to offer. If you’re thinking of adding a walkout basement to your home, be sure to consult with a professional to get an accurate estimate of the cost. Here at Reno Duck, we have a team of experts who can help you add a walkout basement to your home. We will work with you to come up with a plan that fits your budget and your needs. Contact us today to learn more about the advantages and disadvantages of a walkout basement or to get started on your project.
Final Thoughts on Walkout Basements – Is it Worth It?
When deciding whether or not to add a walkout basement to your home, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons. While there are some disadvantages to a walkout basement, such as the increased cost and property taxes, the advantages often outweigh the disadvantages. Walkout basements are safer than other types of basements, they add value to your home, and they provide you with extra living space. If you’re thinking of adding a walkout basement to your home, be sure to consult with a professional to get started.
Here at Reno Duck, we have a team of experts who can help you add a walkout basement to your home. We will work with you to come up with a plan that fits your budget and your needs. Contact us today to learn more about the advantages and disadvantages of a walkout basement or to get started on your project.