Is it worth living in a basement?

Is it worth living in a basement?

Pros and Cons of Basement Living They are often cheaper than most other types of apartments. It can be easier to approve certain renovations that might otherwise be rejected if you lived in an above-ground unit. They are darker during sleeping hours, which can be great for those who need it to be pitch black to rest. The basement has a variety of purposes, including the obvious: storage space and more living space. For homes with a small footprint that cannot expand out and around the property, a basement offers the flexibility of building down – to maximize the square footage of the main living areas. Health problems Living in a basement apartment may cause several diseases, owing to molds and radon. Mold is a type of fungi that grows very easily in damp places. Radon, an odourless and colourless gas that causes lung cancer, is commonly found in basement apartments and is harmful to human health. Building basements ‘just because’ invites unnecessary costs, potential humidity problems, and greater environmental consequences. The production of one ton of Portland cement releases one ton of greenhouse gases, and the average home foundation wall uses between 75 and 100 tons.

Is it OK to have a bedroom in the basement?

In short, yes. You can use your basement as a bedroom, but you have to ensure that it complies with the proper building codes. Basement living spaces require an emergency exit and rescue openings, also known as an egress code. Adding a basement or finishing one is great for a low-cost, extra bedroom, family room, or workout room. Adding a basement also creates peace of mind for homeowners as it adds a safe space for you and your family in the event of inclement weather. A basement is naturally insulated by the earth that surrounds it—keeping it cool in summer and relatively warm in winter. But this natural insulation isn’t enough to make basements truly comfortable from late fall through the start of summer, especially in northern climates. Accessibility of Major Systems: Typically, basement homes give you easier access to to pipes, wires and ducts than homes on slabs or crawl spaces. Basements are an ideal location for water heaters, water pressure tanks, water softeners and furnaces as well.