Do walk-out basements add value? The answer is yes! Walk-out basements are definitely hot in real estate terms. So, you want to make sure and put one on your new house, renovate one on an old one, or consider adding a basement to your home.

In a nutshell, walk-out basements allow you to add more living space to your home that is separate from the main living area. These areas are finished with the same amenities as the rest of your home — including finished walls, windows, doors, and everything else. The only difference is that the basement is not above ground level, like with a slab foundation, so you'll be walking down steps in order to enter the area.

What Is a Walk-Out Basement?

A walk-out basement has an entrance from inside the home that leads directly outside. The purpose of this type of basement is to provide more space for living and entertaining inside your home as well as add value to it if you ever decide to sell it later on down the road. This type of basement may have windows in front or on either side of the house, which provide natural light into the room. These windows can be placed anywhere you see fit in order to give you the most desirable location while still providing good lighting conditions in your new living room or bedroom area. 

House Plans with Finished Basements

If you have a basement that has been finished with drywall, carpet, and paint, then it will add value. If a finished basement is legal in your area, it will add value to your home.

However, if you don't have a finished walk-out basement, then it won't add any value at all. Most people have an unfinished basement due to costs associated with it.  

Finished Walk-Out Basement Ideas

Finishing your walk-out basement involves creating a floor that's level with your home's main floor, installing new walls, and creating a finished look. If you're considering a finished walk-out basement, ask yourself these two questions:

  • How much will it cost? A finished walk-out basement can add $10,000 to $50,000 to your total project cost. But if you're planning on selling soon and want to attract buyers who want a finished lower level, it might be worth spending more for this type of remodel.
  • Are there any structural challenges? You'll need to make sure that your home's foundation can support the additional weight from adding an extra floor and making the changes needed for a finished walk-out basement. If there are structural challenges or issues with water drainage around your foundation, consider hiring an architect or engineer before proceeding with this project.

These are important questions to consider when you are planning a walk-out basement project. 

Benefits of a Walk-Out Basement

A walk-out basement gives you an extra room for entertaining and family activities, as well as an area where you can store all those things that don't fit in the rest of your home. A walk-out basement is especially popular with families because it's easy to convert into a playroom or den if you need more space during the day.

If you're building a new home, adding a walk-out basement should increase its value by 5% to 10%. If you're considering buying a used house with a full or partial basement, adding a walk-out can increase your property value significantly. 

Floor Plans for Walk-Out Basements

Before building a walk-out basement, you need to figure out what size and shape will work best for your home. The first step is to determine where the stairs will go and how much space you'll need around them. You can decide if you want to create a finished room or just make useable storage space in the basement.

Walk-out basements are desirable in real estate and can add a lot of value to your home. A walk-out basement can add tremendous value to your home. Contact Natale Builders to learn more about homes with walk-out basements and decide if it’s an option for you!

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