Regular, Daylight & Walkout Basements

Question: We went looking at new construction models and were given several basement options. We are used to just one kind of basement. What’s the difference?

Answer: Remember when a basement was a basement?  Where creepy crawlers, high humidity and low light were common. The place where all unwanted things were stored because we didn’t want to dump them. Where shadows appeared ominous and the light bulbs were always burned out. The place where we always worried would seep water during a rain storm. These types are called standard basements. That's all changed with the new basement designs.

Even if a basement is not finished at the time of the build, an additional lower level gives a homeowner options of expanding their living space in the future. This expanded living space can really bring a home to life.

Walkout basements have lots that are heavily sloped, but allow a home's lower level to feel very similar to the other levels in the home.  With full windows that brighten up the lower level and full access to the backyard, many home owners enjoy a home built on a walkout lot.  Almost any type of home can be built on a walkout lot, but considering the importance of the lower level in a ranch home, many home buyers prefer walkout lots when specifically building a ranch. One disadvantage to a home built on a walkout lot is that although you can access the backyard from the basement, the main level's backyard access is raised into the air and requires stairs to access the yard.

Daylight basements provide a balance between walkout and standard basements.  Homes that feature a daylight design can be built on a variety of land elevations.  With full windows in the basement, home owners can use a lower level with a bit more creativity.  Although the added light increases the visibility from a lower level basement, if your home is built on a daylight lot, the deck and backyard access from the main level will require stairs and railings to get from an elevated deck down into the yard.  Many home owners say the added light in the lower level and the way daylight windows can make a lower level feel more like other levels in the home, is worth the increased cost and having a raised deck.  With somewhat of the best of both worlds, daylight lots are great for almost any type of home.