Residential architecture has developed immensely over the years, with unique features helping homes stand out among the rest. Depending on your lifestyle and individual living habits, some features are more important than others. Walkout basements have grown in popularity due to their dual functionality of extra storage and space, offering renters a separate living space to use for whatever their heart desires.
When considering a rental property with this amenity, it's important to understand what all it entails; how a walkout basement can enrich your life and some potential drawbacks associated with basement living.
What is a walkout basement?
Source: Housing Design Matters
A walkout basement is defined as a lower level of a home with a ground-level exit to the outdoor space. A walkout basement is unique in the sense that it features windows and doors along its wall, whereas other basement types aren't nearly as open. Walkout basements are traditionally found on homes built on a slope or hill, due to the natural development of levels.
Understanding types of basements: What makes a walkout basement different?
Basements are typically defined in four categories; crawl space, cellar, daylight basement and walkout basement. As you move down the list, the amount of light and liveability in the basement increases, meaning a crawlspace has little to no light and liveable space and the walkout basement has the most.
Crawl spaces small underground spaces with exposed HVAC equipment or sewage piping, typically not used for anything but storage. Cellars are similar, with less functional use for the home itself and a little more liveable space. Cellars are mostly used for storage or small, single entertaining spaces. Both lack natural light and heating capabilities, making them more practical and useful spaces as opposed to being extra living-enhancing spaces.
Moving more into the light, daylight basements are not fully underground meaning more natural light and more liveable space. These basements are becoming more and more popular as the amount of usable space feels like an extra floor. Walkout basements have one major distinction from a daylight basement, an exit or an entrance from the home. Walkout basement house plans are only made with the ability to build arises due to the home location. Both of these basements provide great additional living space, making them a unique amenity and feature to consider when looking for your next home or making house plans.
Positives of a walkout basement
A finished basement, like a walkout basement, can considerably enhance your living space. Learn more about the possibilities of basement living.
Natural light and ventilation
Natural light and ventilation are huge benefits of a walkout basement. This creates a bright and open space that is versatile and open to multiple uses. With such light and openness, you can maximize your outdoor space as this basement serves as a continuation outside to your backyard.
Versatile living space
The options for a furnished basement are truly endless. Aside from storage potential, a furnished basement can serve as a versatile guest suite, complete with a bedroom, bathroom and sitting area, providing a comfortable retreat for visitors. For those who enjoy working from home, the basement can be converted into a spacious home office or a creative studio. The ability to create a space that caters to specific needs is a massive plus.
Outdoor access
For pet lovers, families and outdoor enthusiasts, the walkout basement just serves as an extension of your outdoor area. The basement offers a convenient entry point for pets to roam freely, families to enjoy outdoor activities and enthusiasts to take advantage of the simple transition from indoor comfort to the open air, whenever they please.
Drawbacks of a walkout basement
With so many opportunities, it's difficult to see any downsides to a walkout basement. There are a few potential downsides depending on your personal preferences and living situation.
Less privacy
Due to the connection of the outdoor space to the basement, there's a potential for decreased privacy. While this can easily be fixed for homeowners, renters won't have the same luxury of making permanent changes that would offer more privacy like a fenced-in yard.
Increased security concerns
Another entrance and exit to the home can pose a security risk. It's important to remember to lock walkout basement doors and windows like you would on the first floor. Renters can go as far as to install renter-friendly security systems when necessary as well.
Maintenance challenges
For those who enjoy low-maintenance living, walkout basements require some level of outdoor area upkeep. Since the outdoor area is exposed from the basement, this creates another place to decorate, clean and maintain. This could dually serve as a perk for entertainment lovers and landscape enthusiasts, though.
Unlocking the appeal of low-level living
Source: Sebring Design Build
A walkout basement is a luxury amenity, that pays for itself. The beautiful natural light and the endless room opportunities that come with a walkout basement have the ability to not only enhance your social life but your overall living experience.
The harmonious blend of indoor comfort and outdoor allure could be just the feature you need in your next home. Search our available apartments to find your walkout basement spot.
Featured Image Source: Maryland Egress Specialists
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