A walkout basement provides homeowners with direct outdoor access, additional living space, increased natural light, and versatility in home design. This type of basement is partially aboveground and typically built on a sloped lot, allowing for at least one full-size door and windows.

In this guide, we’ll explore the ins and outs of walkout basements, from property requirements to design ideas, helping you decide if this feature is right for your home.

---

What Is a Walkout Basement?

Unlike traditional basements that are fully underground, walkout basements offer increased natural light and airflow, easier egress in case of emergencies, and the potential for larger windows and doors. They also provide more layout and design options and often count as additional square footage for home valuations.

Here are some key features of a walkout basement:

• Allows for the possibility of a separate entrance from the main house
• Has full-size windows and a door on at least one wall
• Improves natural light and ventilation
• Provides easy access to outdoor spaces

---

Property Requirements for a Walkout Basement

Not all properties are suitable for walkout basements. You need to have specific site conditions to make this design possible and functional.

Lot Slope and Topography

The most critical factor in building a walkout basement is the slope of your lot. Ideally, your property should have a natural grade that allows for one side of the basement to be at ground level. This typically requires land with a slope of at least seven feet from front to back or side to side.

Your lot will also need enough space for excavation and grading and the right orientation to take advantage of natural light. If your lot doesn’t have a natural slope, you may need to factor in excavation and landscaping, which can increase construction costs.

Soil Composition and Drainage

Before installing a walkout basement, consider if the soil stability will support the foundation, what type of drainage system you’ll need to prevent water accumulation, and how to avoid erosion on sloped areas. Perform a geotechnical survey to assess your soil conditions and determine the best construction approach.

Local Building Codes and Regulations

Before planning a walkout basement, check local building codes and zoning regulations. These may affect your minimum ceiling height requirements, egress window specifications, and setback restrictions from property lines. Local codes may also have waterproofing and insulation standards.

Consult with a builder, architect, or engineer to assess the site’s suitability. The right contractor can guide you through the design and permitting process while ensuring your project complies with all local building codes.

Watch the video below for more information about selecting and working with a contractor. General contractor Tom Silva and other experts discuss factors that affect the project cost and timeline to demystify the process:

---

Benefits of a Walkout Basement

Walkout basements offer a variety of advantages that can enhance your living space and increase your home’s value. Here are some benefits of incorporating this feature into your home design.

Increased Natural Light and Ventilation

One advantage of a walkout basement is the abundance of natural light and fresh air it provides. You can add full-size windows on the exposed walls and glass doors leading to the outside. It also allows for cross-ventilation, which can reduce pollutants and improve natural airflow within a space.

Additional Living Space

Walkout basements expand your home’s usable square footage, allowing you to add a family room, entertainment area, home office, studio, guest suite, or home gym. The direct outdoor access also makes these spaces ideal for indoor-outdoor living, hosting gatherings, or enjoying nature from the comfort of your home.

Separate Entrance

With a separate entrance, you can create a rental unit for additional income, give private access to guests or family members, or have a streamlined entrance for your home-based business. Having a separate entrance also makes moving large items in and out of the space easier and improves your home’s safety with an additional exit point.

---

Potential Drawbacks and Considerations of Walkout Basements

While walkout basements offer many benefits, they also come with certain challenges. Weigh the following factors before deciding if a walkout basement is right for your home.

Construction Costs and Complexity

Building a walkout basement can be more expensive and complex than a traditional basement due to the following factors:

• Additional excavation and grading requirements
• Higher-quality windows and doors
• Increased waterproofing needs
• More extensive foundation work

The average cost to add a walkout basement to an existing home can range from $5,000–$35,000,* depending on the scope of work you need.

*Cost data in this article sourced from contractor estimates used by Angi and HomeAdvisor.

Moisture and Waterproofing Challenges

Walkout basements are more exposed to the elements than traditional basements, which can lead to moisture issues. Consider waterproofing systems for walls and floors, proper grading and drainage around the exposed side, and high-quality windows and doors to prevent water infiltration.

Investing in professional waterproofing and regular maintenance will help protect your walkout basement from water damage and mold growth.

Impact on Property Taxes

Adding a walkout basement can increase your home’s assessed value, leading to higher property taxes. Some factors that could affect your assessment include the finished square footage added to your home, the finish quality in the walkout basement, and your local tax assessment policies.

---

Design Ideas for Walkout Basements

Walkout basements are incredibly versatile because of the natural light and easy outdoor access they provide. Here are some ways to take advantage of this space:

• Apartment: Create an independent apartment with a kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, and separate entrance for long-term rental income.
• Art studio: Use the space and natural light for painting, sculpting, or other artistic endeavors.
• Home office: Carve out a dedicated workspace away from the distractions of your main living areas.
• Home theater: Plan a dedicated media room with a big screen and surround sound for the ultimate movie-watching experience.
• In-law suite: Design a separate living space where extended family members can enjoy privacy and independence while being close.
• Mudroom: Set up a landing area by the walkout door to organize coats, shoes, and outdoor gear before entering the main house.
• Music room: Dedicate your walkout basement to music practice or jam sessions, potentially installing some sound dampening if needed.
• Playroom: Use your walkout basement for kids’ toys and activities.
• Second living room: Create a comfy space for relaxation, movie nights, and entertaining.
• Storage: Even if you don’t fully finish your walkout basement, it can serve as a valuable storage space for seasonal items.
• Vacation rental: List your walkout basement as a short-term rental on Airbnb or VRBO, especially if you live in a desirable tourist area.
• Workshop: If you’re passionate about woodworking, crafts, or do-it-yourself (DIY) projects, set up a spacious and well-organized workshop.

Local building codes and zoning laws may impact how you use your walkout basement, especially regarding rental units. Always consult with the relevant authorities before major renovations.

---

Walkout Basement Construction Process and Timeline

Building a walkout basement involves several stages, each requiring careful planning and execution.

Planning and Permits

The initial phase involves consulting with architects and contractors and then developing detailed plans and blueprints. You’ll also need to obtain the necessary building permits and address any zoning issues. This stage typically takes one to three months, depending on local regulations and the complexity of your project.

Excavation and Foundation Work

After the plan approval, construction begins with site preparation, grading, and the excavation of the basement area. Next up is the pouring of the foundation and footings and waterproofing of the foundation walls.  This phase usually lasts two to four weeks, weather permitting.

Finishing and Interior Design

The final stage involves framing interior walls and installing electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems. You’ll need to add insulation and drywall, then finish the floors, walls, and ceilings. The final steps are painting and installing fixtures and appliances. Depending on the level of finishes, this phase can take one to three months to complete.

---

Alternatives to Walkout Basements

While walkout basements offer unique benefits, they’re not the only option for expanding your living space. Consider these alternatives if a walkout basement isn’t possible for your property.

Traditional/Closed Basement

A closed basement is almost entirely underground and features an interior entrance from the level above. This lower level usually has the same footprint as the main floor and can be either finished or unfinished. This type of basement differs from an underground crawlspace in that you should be able to stand upright with plenty of clearance above your head.

Full basements typically require an egress window as a safety feature, and they’re prone to dampness and flooding, so waterproofing steps may be necessary.

Daylight Basement

Daylight basements work well on flat or low-slop lots. They feature larger windows than traditional basements but lack the full-size door of a walkout. They offer increased natural light compared to standard basements and have the potential for egress windows. They have much lower construction costs than walkout basements.

Walk-Up Basement

Walk-up basements have an exterior staircase leading to a separate entrance. Benefits include separate access without modifying the main floor and the potential for rental units or in-law suites. They’re also easier to add to existing homes. This design is suitable for homes on relatively flat lots.

---

Our Conclusion

Walkout basements offer a unique blend of underground living with direct outdoor access, giving homeowners a versatile additional space and the potential for increased home value. While they require specific site conditions and careful planning, the benefits of natural light, expanded living areas, and improved functionality often outweigh the challenges.

Before deciding on a walkout basement, consider your property’s suitability, local regulations, and long-term maintenance requirements. Consult with a contractor to confirm that installing a walkout basement is feasible and aligns with your home improvement goals.

---

FAQ About Walkout Basements

Is a walkout basement considered an additional story?

A walkout basement is an additional story because it has a separate entrance and basement windows. However, it must be finished and designed as a living space to count as an extra story. A real estate agent or appraiser can help determine whether your walkout basement meets the typical standards.

What is a partial walkout basement?

A partial walkout basement is usually built into a hillside, with one exterior side and one side that’s underground. This design often features a door and windows.

Does a basement count as a living space?

A finished basement counts as a living space when it includes walls and floors, has heating installed in some way, and has a door to access the outside. These details influence whether the basement counts as square footage. The total square footage of your house impacts your home’s value and potential sale price if you want to get home equity financing or sell the property.

Can a walkout basement be built in any soil?

No, you can’t build a walkout basement in any soil, especially if you live in an area with a high water table near a wetland, swamp, or coastline. Clay soil can cause foundation problems as it expands and contracts, while shallow soil with bedrock makes excavation difficult and expensive.

To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.