What Is a Walkout Basement?

If you have browsed online listings for new homes lately, chances are you’ve encountered the term “walkout basement” at some point. You may be wondering: What is a walkout basement, and is this a highly desirable feature in Toronto real estate today?

A “walkout” simply means that the basement has at least one entrance on ground level. Accessibility and a generous amount of natural light can make walkouts very valuable for anyone who is buying or selling a home. In this post, we’ll talk about everything you ever wanted to know about walkouts.

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Benefits of a Walkout Basement

The word “basement” often conjures images of a damp, dark, cramped space under the house, likely filled with spiders and other creepy undesirables. Not exactly a homeowner’s dream!

A walkout changes the game completely. Instead of darkness, you’ve got a flood of daylight. In place of rickety, perilous stairs, you’ve got easy access. Where before you found low ceilings, the ceilings are high and spacious. Now you no longer have to worry about crouching down to avoid a concussion or a trip to the hospital if you stand taller than 5’3”.

No wonder walkouts are so popular in today’s market, especially among real estate investors. Even if you don’t plan to take in a tenant, the possibilities with an above ground basement and potential for rental income can add monetary value when it comes time to sell your home.

Luxury real estate isn’t always about how much you spend. Often, it’s more about the lifestyle you can enjoy. Learn more about your options in Toronto in the post below:

Alternatives to Walkout Basements

Homes perched on a slope or a hill are ideal contenders for a walkout basement due to the ease of construction. Unfortunately, not every house fits the bill for a ground level basement.

The good news is that there are other alternatives, such as a “walk-up basement” or a “daylight basement.” What are the differences?

A daylight basement features very large windows that allow more light in than you normally see in a lower level.
A walk-up basement is similar to a walkout, except there are stairs to get to the outside.

Either option still provides better lighting and more fresh air than a regular basement. However, neither is quite as luxurious or as elegant as a full walkout. High-end homes with true walkouts often lead to fully landscaped backyards, complete with swimming pools, gazebos, or other desirable outdoor features.

Lookout Basement Vs Walkout Basement

A lookout basement has foundation walls that are partially above grade. This means the windows are higher on the wall than in a traditional home, which, once again, allows for greater access and more lighting. These are often found when the lot features a gentle slope, rather than a more dramatic step down. Adding a lookout basement can be less expensive to build than a complete walkout.

The defining feature of a true walkout basement comes down to stairs—or rather, the lack thereof. You step out and you’re at ground level, in the backyard or the side yard, ready for a day of relaxing and lounging.

Whether or not a home has a walkout is only one consideration when it’s time to buy. The posts below can help you make your move a success:

Should You Build a Walkout Basement?

Building a walkout into an existing home in Toronto that doesn’t already have one can be an expensive proposition. It will take some number crunching, as well as some serious soul-searching to determine whether or not it is worth the investment.

If your property is situated on level ground, an excavation could be quite invasive and expensive. In some cases, you may be better off selling your home and searching for a new one which already has the walkout that you want.

If you are on a ravine lot or backing onto a slope, adding a ground-level walkout becomes far more feasible. There will still be an investment involved, but it’s more likely to pay off when you see the reward for yourself.

The real question for many homeowners is, will it add value when you decide to sell the home? This depends on the market at the time that you list and the type of buyer who is searching in your area. Someone buying for investment potential might be willing to spend more than an entry-level buyer who is budgeting for their first home.

It doesn’t always come down to money, mind you. If you’ve got the budget and want the joy of just stepping outside with no stairs in the way, or if you want your basement to feel more like a ground-level apartment, it may be worth any amount of money.

Who can put a price on it when it’s for your own personal enjoyment of your home? Walkouts aren’t just convenient and functional; they add an extra level of beauty and luxuriousness to your space. Whatever your reasons may be, a local real estate agent can help you decide if this upgrade makes sense for your home and your lifestyle.

Do you have a new home in mind? Our Toronto luxury real estate agents can help you achieve it. Reach out to ana@asantos.ca or call us at 416.575.7317 to take the next steps.