If you have considered creating a walkout basement to your home, this is not only a great feature to have while you are in your home, but it can actually add value if you ever decide to sell. Here in The Bay Area, especially San Francisco, many of the homes are older, with basements that were never meant to be used as living space, but a walkout basement can create another floor of living space without all the red tape of adding an extension to the home.
If you have a traditional basement and would like to create a full height basement, you’ll have to hire an experienced home addition contractor that specializes in what’s known as “Underpinning”, more commonly known as basement lowering. You can also search online to find a contractor with good Google reviews. Underpinning is a popular option in The Bay Area, specifically the older parts of the area as land is limited and it’s a great way to create extra living space without extending the house and losing more backyard.
Not only can you enjoy another level of living space, but a walkout basement can add value to your home if you ever decide to sell.
Take a look at five great ways to use your walkout basement
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Create a living space for parents or adult children
A basement that remodeled and with a privatized entrance is the perfect place to allow your college-aged child live, or even your aging parent. The fact that it is somewhat separated from the remainder of the home offers the same privacy that they would have in an apartment.
Create the ultimate, privatized home office
If you operate a home-based business in which you need to have clients come to your office, you might not want to welcome strangers into your living space. By allowing clients to enter through the designated entrance it can help to separate your professional and personal life. Not to mention, you don’t have to worry about the condition of your home when welcoming clients.
Create an inviting family space
For some homeowners, the basement is best utilized by creating a comfortable living space for your family to spend quality time in. Because of the increase in natural light offered by the door, you don’t have to feel like you are tucked away in a confined box when you are together, and in the summer you can open up the door and let fresh air in.
Create a kids’ space
What parent doesn’t want to have a playroom for their little ones to house their many toys? The problem with traditional finished basements and playrooms is that it can seem like you are shoving your children in a dark corner to play. But, that’s the beauty of a walkout basement, the entry allows for natural light to enter, and it creates a great entry point to the yard and pool.
Create a guest suite
What better place to have your relatives come stay than in their own private suite in your basement? Many homeowners who may not have an extra guest room will convert their walkout basement into a bedroom space for friends and family to stay. The exit gives them a sense of privacy for coming and going, and the fact that they aren’t sleeping on a pull-out couch or in your child’s room means less crowding on the main floors.