What a Walkout Basement Means
By ‘walkout basement’, we specifically refer to a space with a separate exit, which can be used for a variety of personal needs or rented out for additional income. The basement entrance might range from a simple side door to a grand traditional walkout style.
A separate entrance for the basement introduces many possibilities, especially if a house is situated on a slope. In this case, the entrance is from the backyard and directly at the basement level, offering even more opportunities for exciting outdoor activities to suit all tastes, from a patio with a fire pit to a nearby pool.
Separate Entrance is Essential for a Suite
A separate entrance is a must-have for basements intended for rent. The door to the walk out basement can be located either on the side of the house or in the backyard. There are various ways to implement separate basement doors, and it mostly depends on the house’s layout.
A walk out basement can become a private space, available for renting to generate extra profit. Moreover, it’s essential to realize that the overall estimated value of a house with a separate basement entrance is typically higher upon resale than one without such a feature. Hence, equipping a walk out basement can be viewed as an investment.
BASEMENT RENOVATION USUALLY TAKES 2–3 WEEKS
The interior designers of the Finished Basement company will meticulously plan every detail of the walkout basement. Our experienced professionals will then bring those plans to life, delivering quality work. Thanks to an efficient approach, a basement remodel typically takes no more than 2–3 weeks.
Essential Walkout Basements Options
Implementing a separate entrance for a walkout basement can be achieved in numerous ways. However, the most commonly adopted approach is the straightforward and accessible side basement entrance with an internal staircase, allowing descent into the space.
Nevertheless, more innovative implementations are certainly feasible.
Many mistakenly believe that a walkout basement is only feasible if the house is situated on a slope. While this offers extensive opportunities for crafting various entertainment spaces adjacent to the walkout, it’s not a strict requirement.
Side Basement Entrance
The simplest method of creating a separate entrance when designing a walk out basement is placing the door on the side of a house. Often, an internal staircase is used in the L-shape or U-shape format, allowing comfortable access to this underutilized space in one’s house.
While exploring various walk out basement ideas, it’s essential to consider what will greet the tenants or visitors at the entrance. The array of basement door options is extensive. In selecting them, it’s crucial not just to consider aesthetics but also functionality.
Finished Basement will save you 2 or even 3 days of your time. Just 45 minutes spent in the company's 3000 sq ft showroom will help finalize every detail of your upcoming basement remodel, including the materials, type, aesthetics, and functionality of the walkout basement.
Indoor Ideas for Walkout Basement
Walkout Basement as an Apartment
Since a walkout basement is often utilized as an apartment or a guest room for short stays, it's worthwhile to design its interior for maximum comfort. Accordingly, it's essential to segment the basement space into the most demanded functional areas.
Planning renovations in the basement largely depends on its size and other specifics. If space is limited, the entire room might serve as additional living space, formatted as a studio with a fold-out sofa as the sleeping area. If there's more available space, it makes sense to create a separate bedroom.
Open Concept Walkout Basement
An open concept layout implies a flexible arrangement of furniture and other items in a walk out basement. Nevertheless, the basement space is often still segmented into distinct functional zones, including a family space with a sofa, TV, and entertainment, a small kitchenette in the style of a home bar, home gym, and so on.
However, it's crucial to understand that an open concept layout still incorporates separate rooms. This naturally applies to bathrooms and possibly one or more bedrooms if space allows. In such cases, the walk out basement serving as additional living space can genuinely be regarded as an apartment.
Indoor Stairs for Walkout Basement
An integral component of the walkout basement is the internal staircase. Its design and functionality should be considered in the context of basement ideas. When designing the staircase, consider its aesthetics and the use of various materials for the treads, risers, handrails, balusters, and other components.
An intriguing functional idea is to utilize the space beneath the staircase. It can serve as convenient storage, be transformed into a Harry Potter-style kids' playroom, used for a home office, wine cellar, bar, or even a library.
Basement Entertainment Space
A distinct area within the walk out basement is often designated for entertainment. On one hand, it makes the space more appealing if intended for personal use. On the other, it can potentially increase its monthly rental value if you're considering leasing it out.
In the entertainment area, pool table are frequently found. However, you can also install a ping pong table, foosball, or any other recreational activities to suit varied tastes. Moreover, establishing even a basic home theater zone with a large TV or projector, complemented by a sound system, would be advantageous.
Walkout Basement Home Office
Among walkout basement ideas, it's logical to consider creating at least a small home office, which might even fit partially under the staircase. It could be as simple as a desk space for a full-sized computer or laptop with adequate natural lighting.
A basement home office can sometimes also be set up in a separate bedroom. If you're planning to establish a fully functional apartment for rental, this allows a secluded workspace or study area, separate from the daily hustle and bustle of other family members residing in the space.
Home Spa in Walkout Basement
If you plan to use the walkout basement yourself and there's available space, it might be a good idea to incorporate a home spa. This could be realized with just a traditional or infrared sauna, or by creating a steam room based on a shower cabin.
In this context, it would make sense to ponder the practicality of the basement floors throughout the space. On one hand, the area would be intensively used by all family members and guests. On the other hand, having a home spa in the basement is inevitably associated with increased humidity, which is essential to consider.
Classic Walkout Basement
Designing a classic walkout basement involves a large entrance either on the side of the house or facing the inner yard. This often includes not just the installation of large basement doors, but also the beautification of the adjacent area, which might include a patio that can accommodate guests and more.
Of course, the most intriguing options can be achieved if the private house is situated on a slope. Then, the entrance to its walkout basement can be on the same level as the space itself, eliminating the need to plan how to descend into it. Moreover, this situation presents opportunities to think creatively about how to enhance the adjacent area.
Entrust your basement remodel to a team of professionals who value their reputation and consistently rank at the top of verified ratings. They will assist in determining room layouts, selecting materials, and offer optimal solutions for the walkout basement.
Completed Modern Finished Basement Projects
Basement Finishing Kitchener
Finished Basement Company offers comprehensive solutions for basements renovations not only in the Kitchener Waterloo Area but also in the Greater Toronto Area and other regions of Ontario. Before initiating the basement renovation process, you can avail of a free consultation and a free quote to help make all the necessary decisions.
Basement Finishing Richmond Hill
Our company offers worry-free basement renovations to homeowners in various areas of the Greater Toronto Area, and beyond. Each of our projects is absolutely unique, and the absolutely new basement that the homeowners in Richmond Hill acquired is a vivid confirmation of this.
Basement Finishing Milton
Like any other, this project within the scope of Milton basement renovations is absolutely unique. It’s a quality basement project, which 100% reflects all the needs of the private homeowners — they remained completely satisfied with their new basements, filled with a plethora of interesting discoveries, comprehensive solutions, and maximally functional spaces.
Basement Finishing Barrie
All basement renovation projects carried out by our company are unique and distinct from one another. However, they all share common features, including a preliminary free consultation, a complimentary estimate before commencing work, and the utmost professionalism of our specialists who will transform any abstract ideas into a dream basement.
Basement Finishing Brantford
The process of each basement renovation is entirely unique. Firstly, it’s related to the shape and size of the basement, which can vary significantly from one project to another. Secondly, homeowners can have a variety of needs and desires for their private homes.
Basement Finishing Aurora
Our company specializes in basement renovations throughout the Greater Toronto Area and beyond, covering a significant part of Ontario. Our experts, with years of experience, have successfully completed numerous projects, including basement finishing in Aurora and many other cities and regions.
Outdoor Walkout Basement Ideas
Simple Walkout Basement Patio
If there's available space and a desire, the area adjacent to the walkout basement entrance can be enhanced, transforming it into a dynamic and creative space to spend as much time in the fresh air as possible. This entails creating a concrete patio with seating areas and numerous potential outdoor activities.
A patio adjoining the walkout basement entrance is suitable whether the space is meant for personal use or as a separate apartment for rent. Moreover, it can be separated from the rest of the inner yard so that homeowners don't cross paths with renters.
Roof for Walkout Basement Patio
One project associated with the walkout basement could be creating a roof for the outdoor patio. Of course, potentially this might reduce the amount of natural light reaching the patio, but it provides protection from unpredictable weather conditions that can arise at any moment in Ontario.
With a roofed patio, you can enjoy the fresh air in any weather, meeting with family and friends. If the house is situated on a slope, such a construction could easily be an extension of the wide variety of entertainments inside the walkout basement. Furthermore, descending into it won't be a problem.
Modern Patio With Cedar Trellis
To make the structure more cost-effective while still providing sun protection for the walkout basement patio, one can use a cedar trellis. This particular roofing option allows more fresh air to circulate and is financially appealing. It can be implemented later and doesn't necessarily have to coincide with a full walkout basement remodel.
A modern patio with a cedar trellis not only looks great but also functions very well. Furthermore, it's a generally versatile, practical, and contemporary approach to designing the space adjacent to the walkout basement, which certainly deserves close attention.
Outdoor Patio With Grill Station
Of course, the area adjoining the walkout basement wouldn't be complete without a grill station for outdoor cooking. This becomes another significant advantage, both for personal use of the space and for future rental purposes.
In Canada, the most commonly used grills are gas grills like Weber, Napoleon, Broil King, charcoal ones like Weber, Kamado Joe, Big Green Egg, and electric models such as Weber and George Foreman. Some also prefer pellet grills, which can also be used for smoking a variety of foods at the owner's discretion.
Fire Pit for Walkout Basement Patio
The fire pit is essentially an outdoor fireplace, which makes a great addition to the space near the walkout basement. Due to the relatively cool weather in Ontario, even on summer evenings, it is actively used to gather all family members as well as relatives, friends, and other guests.
The fire pit serves not only as an aesthetic focal point of the patio or a means to warm up during outdoor gatherings. It's also a great way to ward off insects and an interesting tool for cooking food - from marshmallows and skewered sausages to dishes in cast-iron pans and other deep cookware.
Walkout Basement Patio With Hot Tub
Ultimately, an excellent addition to the walkout basement patio can also be a multifunctional hot tub, usable not just during the summer but also in winter. In most cases, such installations are chosen for personal use only.
Not only will all family members appreciate the hot tub, but also relatives, friends, and other guests. It's essentially a large outdoor bath with hot water and hydro massage. It can be used not only as a means of relaxation, but also for alleviating muscle and joint pains and improving circulation.
Finished Basement guarantees that all work performed complies with the Ontario Building Code (OBC). This reflects the company’s commitment to quality and adherence to industry standards. We ensure that the basement remodel meets legislative and safety requirements.
If any installation defects in the walkout basement are found during the 5-year warranty period, we pledge to rectify them. Any defective work will be redone at no additional charge. This warranty underscores our unwavering commitment to customer needs.
Additional Walkout Basement Ideas
Walkout Basement Door
The basement door is a special type of entrance that allows one to enter the basement directly from outside, bypassing the main spaces of the house. For a classic walkout basement, more functional double doors are often used for easy ingress and egress.
In homes built on a slope, french doors with a lot of glass panels are frequently used for the walkout basement, ensuring maximum access to natural light. Their appealing appearance will certainly be highly valued by potential tenants of the space.
Outdoor Stairs for Walkout Basement
When designing outdoor stairs for a walkout basement, if they're indeed needed, it's essential to consider a variety of aspects. Primarily, the staircase should be an aesthetic highlight, offering a delightful architectural complement not just to the house, but also to the surrounding landscape.
The materials chosen for the outdoor stairs must be highly resistant to adverse weather conditions, including temperature fluctuations. Coupled with an appealing appearance, this can significantly enhance the valuation of a private residence while also boosting its functionality.
Landscaping Around Walkout Basement
Landscape design surrounding walkout basements plays a pivotal role in the overall impression of the house. As walkout basements typically open to the backyard or garden, strategic landscaping can facilitate a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces.
Landscaping can encompass the creation of terraces, flower beds, stone or paved paths, and the installation of decorative features. It's crucial to ensure efficient drainage and select plants that are well-suited to the overall microclimate, preventing any landscaping challenges.
Fountain Close to Walkout Basement
Among different walkout basement ideas, one can consider installing a fountain nearby, transforming a mundane space into a secluded oasis. Positioned right at the exit of the basement, a fountain can serve as the focal point for relaxation, meditation, and socializing.
The sound of flowing water has a calming effect, fostering an ambiance of tranquility and relaxation. Moreover, fountains often become a talking point for visitors, adding extra aesthetic value to the property. However, it's vital to ensure proper water drainage and splash protection to avoid potential basement damage.
Pool Adjacent to Walkout Basement
A swimming pool situated next to a walkout basement provides access to aquatic leisure, making the area a transitional space between the indoors and outdoors. This combination makes summer days particularly enjoyable, allowing family and guests to swim, sunbathe, and relax without the need to use the main floors of the house.
When incorporating a pool into walkout basement ideas, it's essential to factor in certain safety and design considerations. It's vital to ensure that pool water and chlorine don't seep into the basement and to ensure proper drainage around the pool. The pool's design should harmonize with the house's architecture and landscape.
Pond Near Walkout Basement Patio
One exceptional idea for a basement is the inclusion of a pond, which can serve as a standout feature of landscape design. It can become a picturesque focal point for family gatherings, morning coffee, or evening meditations. The reflection of the sky in the water, the chirping of birds, and the rustling of leaves will evoke a feeling of a secluded natural nook.
When setting up the pond, it's crucial to pay attention to the selection of plants and fish that will inhabit it. Planning a balanced and environmentally-friendly habitat is essential. Regular care and maintenance ensure that this feature of landscape design will continue to delight the eye and retain its original design.
