Having a basement built with your new custom home offers several important benefits, but it does come with some drawbacks as well.
When building a custom home, one of the options available to you is whether or not you would like to have a basement. While basements are great in many ways, there are a few reasons why some people might choose to go without one. Carefully consider the pros and cons of adding a basement to your custom home.
Pros
There are plenty of great reasons to choose to add a basement to your custom home.
More Livable Space
The most obvious benefit of a finished basement is the added living space. These spaces can be used as entertainment areas with bars, billiard tables, and even a dining area. They can also be a great place to add a second family room, a workout area, a home office, a workspace, or other extra areas some homeowners need. Another option is to use it as a space for guests, adding a bathroom, maybe a kitchenette, and an extra bedroom or two for when you’re hosting multiple guests overnight. An area like this is also amazing for giving older children and teenagers their own space in the home. A basement has so many possibilities, the extra living space is undeniably one of the most important advantages of adding one to your build.
Extra Storage
Basements are often used for extra home storage, and they’re great for this purpose. You can save space in your garage and shed by storing items in the basement. This is especially useful for tools and gadgets that need to be stored inside where they won’t be exposed to extreme temperatures. It’s also great for storing things that need to be accessed regularly. If it’s inside your home, it will be easier to locate and use.
Space for Home Necessities
Basements are great for saving space on your main level by providing an area where your home’s mechanical elements can go, such as the hot water heater and furnace. These are critical elements of any home, but they are considered unsightly, so many people prefer to have them tucked away in a basement where they are easily hidden.
Cons
Basements do have some downsides that should be considered before you commit to one.
Investment
Adding a basement to your custom home is a bigger investment. However, that investment can be put on hold by having an unfinished basement at the start and choosing to finish it later if you want the basement but need to save costs. Many factors will affect how much a basement will ultimately cost, so it’s good to discuss the potential costs with your builder based on your needs.
Flood Risk
Basements aren’t always the right answer, especially if your home is close to the water or in an area that experiences heavy rainfall. While basements are almost always an option, it’s important to consider your location and the potential for floods to occur before you commit to having a basement built. If you’re determined, you’ll need to consider how you’ll offset the flood risk to maintain a dry and mold-free basement.
Stairs
For many people, stairs aren’t that big of a deal, and they don’t see why they would forego a basement simply because they would need stairs to access it. However, if you plan to stay in your custom home until you’re older, you’ll eventually start to understand the risk of stairs. These can be a fall hazard for older adults, and those who remain in the home until they reach old age will find it harder to access the basement with each passing year.
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