A Guide to House Plans With Basements

A Guide to House Plans With Basements

As you begin the process of planning to build your home, there are many features and factors to consider. Families often opt for a basement foundation as an easy way to increase the space inside their home. Besides extra space, basements provide a safe place to go during dangerous weather. The temperature in underground areas is also usually lower than the rest of the home.

If you live in a hot climate area, a basement can be a great area in your home to go and cool off. You can choose from a variety of floor plans with a basement. Use this guide to explore house plans with a basement foundation.

3 Keys to a Modern Walkout Basement

Keys to a Modern Walkout Basement

Basements are at least 6 feet, 8 inches high. Basements can be more spacious than 6 feet to allow more room for activities. A modern finished basement will complement the look of the rest of your home.

A modern walkout basement makes the most out of the living space you have. With a walkout basement, you can make the lower level as functional as the rest of the home. Here are the three keys to a modern walkout basement:

1. Build on a Sloped Lot

Walkout basements work well on a sloped lot. Part of the basement is at grade with the main level of the property. If your property has a sloped lot, you can build a walkout basement to get the most out of your living space. You can build up from your property when you can’t build farther into your backyard.

2. Take in Natural Daylight

Unfinished basements can be dark and scary. Instead, revive your basement with natural light. Natural light can help enhance your mood and lower your energy costs each month. Here are some ways to use natural daylight in your home:

  • Build your basement near the sunlight: Construct your home based on where the sun hits your home. Put the outdoor entrance of the basement where you’ll get the most natural daylight.
  • Add plenty of windows: Take advantage of this space with large windows and sliding glass doors. Large windows installed where you’ll get the most sun will naturally brighten up a room. Sliding glass doors offer a smooth transition from the basement to the backyard.
  • Use artificial lights when necessary: If there are parts of your basement with limited sunlight, add artificial lights. Light fixtures can revitalize underground living areas that don’t have windows.
  • Install egress windows for emergencies: If there isn’t a door that lets you outside, you should also invest in egress windows. Egress windows let in natural light, but they also open wide enough so you can escape in an emergency. You cannot rent out your basement unless you have egress windows or a door for your tenant to exit.

3. Make Use of Your Indoor Space

Make Use of Your Indoor Space

In the past, homeowners used their unfinished basements as extra storage space. These days, homeowners want to make the most of their square footage. You can save money and time by finishing your basement instead of moving to a new place.

Walkout basement house plans with one story provide your living space with an additional floor. Here are some ways to get more living space in your home:

  • Insulate the walls: A finished basement allows you to have more insulation in your home. More insulation will save you money on energy bills. You will also have a more comfortable living environment. Add insulation and drywall to your walls, including ways to prevent moisture damage. A fresh coat of paint will allow your basement to complement the rest of your home.
  • Install new flooring: Most basements have concrete floors. To design your basement with modern decor, upgrade to a more appealing material. Keep in mind that a basement is prone to moisture damage. The flooring in your basement should be resistant to moisture. Vinyl tiles enhance the appearance of your basement. This waterproof material also protects your floors from moisture damage.
  • Plan for electricity and plumbing: If you want a bathroom or entertainment center in your basement, you need to have the right equipment. Discuss your plumbing and electrical needs with your builder before you begin construction.
  • Create a theme: In a modern walkout basement, you can put anything in your extra space. You could have a separate living space for out-of-state visitors. Construct a fully furnished apartment downstairs to rent out. A walkout basement could also be an additional entertainment space to impress your guests.
  • Balance appearance with functionality: Your choice of walkout basement design should balance elegant style with a practical purpose. Use the right furniture and equipment to help you carry out your daily goals. Make sure the layout of your basement is both calming and functional. Design your basement with modern decor and by contrasting light and dark colors.

House Plans With Basement FAQ

After finding out all this information, you may still have reservations. Here are some answers to the questions you may have:

1. What Is a Daylight Basement?

A daylight basement is a basement in a house built on a slope. This design allows part of the floor to be above ground so that you can transition from the basement to the backyard. With this type of basement, you can add natural lighting with large windows or a sliding glass door.

A daylight basement can benefit your home in the following ways:

  • With a daylight basement, you can make guest bedrooms downstairs. This layout will save you space and give you extra privacy.
  • A daylight basement gives you a more flexible space for an entertainment room or an office.
  • You have space to store the miscellaneous equipment in your home.
  • A daylight basement provides a place for you to go in an emergency.

2. What Is a Walkout Basement?

What Is a Walkout Basement

A walkout basement is a basement with at least one wall at ground level. You can walk out of the lower level into the backyard or side yard. With a walkout basement, your home will have a unique, modern appearance.

Consider some of these benefits of a walkout basement plan before you invest in one:

  • House plans with a walkout basement have a higher resale value. Potential homebuyers look for flexible living space and bonus rooms. A walkout basement gives you more for your square footage.
  • Your basement will have natural light. Sunlight will boost your mood and regulate your home’s temperature.
  • A basement level with the ground gives you a separate entrance to your home. You can rent the basement out or create a space for extended family.

3. How Does a Basement Impact the Structure of a Home?

The foundation of a home with a basement is the concrete walls of the basement. The foundation carries the weight of the house, so it can stand firm in any climate.

Flooding can impact the structure of your basement by corroding its concrete walls. To keep the structure of your home safe, make sure you have a drainage system that removes floodwater.

4. Does a Basement Impact the Drainage System?

Yes. Often the basement connects to the sewage system. Too much water can ruin your foundation walls and damage your home. You must waterproof your basement with drains to make sure that this space doesn’t overflow.

Here are some standard drainage systems to decide how to control the water in your basement:

  • Floor drain: You can include a floor drain in your walkout basement floor plans. The cement floors slope downward to collect water and bring it out of the basement.
  • Interior French drain: Builders install French drains in homes in flood zones. Rather than preventing water from entering, French drains use pipes that carry water away from the basement. French drains are more efficient to install in existing homes than the other drainage systems.
  • Exterior drain tiles: Drain tiles are helpful in climates that can experience heavy rain or snow. Around the perimeter of the home’s foundation, drain tiles prevent water from entering the basement.

5. What Are the Types of Basement Finishing?

You can either have a finished, partially finished or unfinished basement. A finished basement has the same level of decorations and upgrades as the rest of the home. An unfinished basement involves concrete walls and floors. A partially finished basement is somewhere in between.

Here are the benefits of finishing your basement or leaving it unfinished:

  • Finished basement: An entirely constructed basement allows you to have extra living space. You can finish your basement, depending on your needs and your budget. You need a new floor, insulation and a few pieces of furniture to complete your basement. Ranch house plans with a walkout basement can give you more space if you finish the basement. Complement the style of the rest of your house with your walkout basement design.
  • Partially finished basement: A partially finished basement is more affordable than a fully finished basement. While the walls and flooring can stay concrete, you can place furniture and decor to make a playroom downstairs. You could use a partially finished basement like a gym or a place for storage.
  • Unfinished basement: You can leave your basement unfinished if you only want to use it to store equipment. You can also use it as a woodworking or metalworking workshop. You won’t have to worry about cleaning up any shavings on your concrete floors. You need to maintain unfinished basements to prevent moisture damage over time.

Search Basement Floor Plans for Your Home

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