A walkout basement can be a great feature for your home. It allows natural light and fresh air to enter the lower level and provides easy access to the outdoors.
However, there are also some disadvantages to consider before you decide if a walkout basement is right for you. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at the pros and cons of having a walkout basement in your home.
1. How Is A Walkout Basement Different From A Traditional One?
A traditional basement is situated below ground level and has a window or other opening to allow light and fresh air to enter. It does not have an area that opens out into the backyard.
A walkout basement contains the same features as a traditional one but also offers easy access to the outdoor space via French doors, walkout patio doors, or large windows at ground level. This means that you’ll have the option to walk out into the backyard via an exterior door.
2. Pros and Cons of Walkout Basements
- Walkout basements provide easy access to the outdoors, which is great for enjoying nature or spending time with pets.
- They allow more light and fresh air to flow through the entire basement, making it more comfortable and cheerful.
- A walkout basement area can be turned into a fully-finished area, providing more living space for a family room, bedroom, or home office.
- The lower level of a home with a walkout basement is likely to be less damp and moist than one without this feature.
- The exterior walls of a walkout basement are not as susceptible to weather damage as those of a traditional basement.
- It's easy to install large windows or French doors in a walkout basement — something which is often impossible to do in a traditional one.
Cons:
- Exterior spaces linked to a walkout basement lack the protection of other exterior features, such as shutters and roof overhangs. This can make them vulnerable to wind and water damage during extreme weather events.
- Buyers may not consider a home with a walkout basement to be as desirable if it doesn't have fully-finished walls.
- Walkout basements require extra excavation and grading, which can increase the cost of construction and reduce the amount of usable space in your yard.
- You may also run into problems during the grading process if the land on one side of the home has a steep incline. In this case, water may run toward your basement after heavy rainfall.
- It's also possible for animals to enter through exterior doors or windows in a walkout basement, which can cause problems for homeowners who have pets and children.
3. The Construction Process Of A Walkout Basement
Building a walkout basement is a more complicated process than building a traditional basement. and you’ll also need to check if you need a construction permit.
Firstly, the area that will become the walkout basement must be excavated to a depth that allows for the installation of a foundation and stairs. The excavation process may also require the installation of retaining walls to hold back the soil.
After the foundation is in place, the framing for the walls and roof can be installed. At this stage, it’s important to make sure that the roof will be able to support the weight of snow during the winter months.
Once the framing is complete, the interior and exterior finishes can be installed. This usually includes installing a floor, drywall, insulation, and electrical wiring. It’s also necessary to install a window and exterior door and plumbing for the bathroom.
4. Average Cost Of A Walkout Basement
5. How To Make The Most Out Of Your New Walkout Basement Space
Another option is to use the space as a home office where you can get away from distractions in your home and focus on your work.
Finally, you may want to consider using the space as a guest bedroom. This can be great for accommodating out-of-town family and friends who visit frequently. You can also add a small bathroom if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can add a sliding door to your walkout basement. This is a great option if you want to be able to open the door and enjoy the fresh air and outdoor views.
Carefully consider the location of this type of the door before adding it. This will help ensure that it doesn’t detract from your interior layout.