Basements are frequently disregarded while attempting to maximize living space in your home. Yet with a basement walkout, you can turn your dim, wet basement into a light, airy room that serves a number of functions.
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Things to Consider
Homeowners have several ways to make the most of their basement space. Some ideas include turning it into an extra bedroom, home office, or game room. One popular way to spruce up your basement is with a walkout basement. However, there are a few things you should take into account before investing in this improvement project.
Exposed Walls
Basement walkouts are a popular addition to homes that provide extra square footage without needing an additional floor. It is an economical way to increase your property’s value and make it more appealing to potential buyers. Furthermore, people often turn their unusable basements into recreational spaces using this method.
Basement walkouts feature a full-sized door that leads to the exterior of the home and leads to either a patio or backyard. This provides natural lighting in the space and makes it easier to access.
Walkout basements are ideal for sloped lots, where one or both sides of the foundation are elevated from the ground. They provide an ideal space to create a game room, gym, or media room with large windows and doors.
However, some homeowners may not be able to afford this feature. If you are interested in creating a walkout basement, consider hiring professional contractors for the project. Building a basement walkout requires excavation to level the land. Concrete footers are then installed to support new foundation walls, while wooden forms are used for cutouts for doors.
Construction then begins, including installing new block walls and a waterproof membrane to keep the basement dry. This can be an intricate and time-consuming job, so it’s best to leave this task to professionals.
Once construction is complete, a tar coat and the first layer of waterproofing are applied to the exterior wall. This prevents moisture from entering the basement and shields your house from rain and snow damage.
In some cases, homeowners may require tie-back anchors to secure the wall to their homes. Doing so helps avoid foundation settlement and potential safety hazards in the event that cracking occurs toward the basement wall.
The primary motivation for homeowners to hire a professional contractor to construct a basement walkout is the increased value it can add to their property. It’s especially popular among those preparing to sell their house and needs an additional 40% of finished space.
Natural Light
Your basement is a unique opportunity to express your creativity and turn it into something truly one-of-a-kind. Some basement renovation contractors, for example, have the expertise and tools needed to turn even a small basement into an extension of the main living area – and without needing you to leave your current residence! With them, you won’t even need to leave!
Accessibility
Basement walkouts provide an exclusive entrance to a basement space, creating privacy, security, and easy access to all areas within. It is essential to have an independent entrance to your basement in case of any emergency, particularly if you have children or senior members in your family. Therefore, never sacrifice accessibility when selecting a basement remodel or addition. It can be an absolute lifesaver in case of emergency and give you and your family peace of mind.
Basement walkouts offer numerous advantages at lower costs than other renovation options for your basement, such as increased value. Not only that, but they’re a great way to transform that dark and damp space into an inviting living area that adds value to your home.
Walkout basements are a popular choice for homeowners who want to maximize their indoor and outdoor areas. They provide easy access to your backyard from the basement, making them great for storage needs or creating an indoor gym or office.
For the ideal walkout basement, choose a home that is situated on an inclined site. Homes such as this typically have their foundation walls partially exposed and can be finished off with stucco or paint for a rustic aesthetic while helping to regulate moisture levels.
Another advantage of a walkout basement is that it provides more natural light than most standard basements. Full-sized windows and doors can help bring life into your basement and make it feel like part of your house instead of just an extension.
Basements can also be utilized as home offices, playrooms, or bedrooms. The extra light will help keep the space from feeling too dim or musty, which in turn helps protect against respiratory illnesses and other health issues.
Consider installing a door or full-sized window in your basement walkout to meet local building codes and provide safe and direct egress. This will also create a private and secure entrance for family members.
Finishing
Walkout basements offer an attractive way to add space and elegance to a home. They can be utilized as entertainment rooms, home offices, gyms, or even rental units. Furthermore, walkout basements provide easy escape routes outdoors in case of fire – an invaluable safety feature for any family.
Most basements feature full-sized windows that let in plenty of natural light and air circulation. This can make the space feel brighter and larger, as well as serve as an entrance to a backyard oasis.
Another advantage of a walkout basement is that it can be finished with various materials. These include brick, stone, wood, or even glass.
Before your basement can be finished with a walkout, there are several factors that must be taken into account. Finding an experienced contractor is key to avoiding costly mistakes and saving both time and money in the long run.
Before anything else, excavate the area that will become your walkout to a depth that allows the installation of a foundation and stairs. Depending on where it is situated, this may necessitate installing retaining walls for support.
In cold climates, installing drains on the floor of a walkout basement can help keep it dry and prevent leaks or drainage issues.
Conclusion
A walkout basement can be an amazing addition to a home and it is an excellent way to increase its value by including features like patios or decks.
If your home is small, a walkout basement can be the ideal solution to creating an extra bedroom. This solution is especially helpful for young families who don’t have enough room in the house.
Furthermore, basements provide excellent storage space for family items. Large doors in the basement enable you to move bulky items easily into and out of your home.
No matter the type of basement finish you select, hiring an experienced basement finishing company is critical for making sure the project runs smoothly. Doing so can help you avoid costly errors and save both time and energy in the long run.
