If you’re looking to finish your basem*nt in New Jersey, you may be wondering what the difference is between a walk up basem*nt and a walk-in or walk-out basem*nt. When deciding between a closed basem*nt and a walk-in basem*nt, you’ll need to have a complete understanding of the difference between the two.
There is a significant difference between the two types of basem*nts. Closed basem*nts are more common than walk-in basem*nts but each style has features that aren’t available in the other.
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It won’t be difficult to make a decision about what kind of basem*nt to finish your home with once you review the options, and determine which one is right for you. This article will compare closed basem*nts and walk-in basem*nts so that you can make an informed decision about which type of basem*nt you want in your home.
What is a Walk-Up or A Closed basem*nt?
A closed basem*nt is more common than a walk-in or walk-out basem*nt. It’s a basem*nt that is set almost entirely underground. This basem*nt will have a staircase providing access to the main floor of the house, inside the home. A closed basem*nt has no doors leading outside while a walk up basem*nt has a staircase going up and directly outside the home.
If a closed basem*nt or walk-up basem*nt has part of the walls above ground and features small windows that let in natural light, this can also be referred to as a daylight basem*nt. These basem*nt styles have several features that you won’t find in a walk-in basem*nt.
Easier to finish
Unfinished daylight basem*nts with only concrete walls and floors are a common feature in US homes. In order to turn the unfinished basem*nt into a high-quality living space, contractors must: install lighting and outlets, frame and finish the walls with drywall, paint the walls, and install a finished floor and possibly even French doors. When all this is complete, an unfinished daylight basem*nt can be turned into a gorgeous living area.
Waterproofing
It’s crucial to keep your basem*nt dry so make sure there is no water in your basem*nt from the beginning of the build. If you are buying an existing home, look for water damage or evidence of water staining on the walls or around the basem*nt window casings.
Prior to starting your basem*nt improvements, take care of any water damage you find. Check for dampness or condensation around the walls and floors. Dampness indicates that your foundation is not sealed properly, a dehumidifier might be necessary.
Two straightforward fixes would be to grade the soil to slope away from the foundation and installing or fixing gutters and downspouts can resolve the majority of water problems. Consider installing a French drain (or perimeter drain) if these remedies don’t solve your water problems or if you discover more serious ones. This perforated pipe draws groundwater away from your foundation by sitting in a bed of gravel.
Additionally, it’s a good idea to check that any plants are at least a foot away from your walls and that your gutter downspouts discharge water at least 4-5 feet away from your house.
Temperature Control
Closed basem*nts are better at controlling temperature than walk-in basem*nts. This is because more of the walls are insulated beneath the earth which helps to stabilize the temperature. A walk-out basem*nt has a wall that is exposed to the outside elements as well as windows and doors leading outside. This creates areas that are vulnerable to temperature changes.
What is a Walk-In or Walk-Out Basem*nt?
Basem*nts with walkouts are basem*nts from which you can exit. Typically, a walkout basem*nt home is constructed into a slope. Sometimes a developer would construct an artificial hill surrounding a lake or pond to place the foundations into; other times, this is a natural condition. For purchasers, walkout basem*nts are valuable. Walk-in basem*nts are another name for walkout basem*nts.
Following are a few advantages of a walk-out basem*nt vs a closed basem*nt:
Daylight
Walk-in basem*nts offer natural light, which is a major advantage over closed basem*nts. This is because the windows are at ground level, so you’ll get plenty of sunlight during the day.
Easier Access
Walk-in basem*nts are easier to access than closed basem*nts. This is because there is no need to go through another level of your home in order to get to the basem*nt. This type of basem*nt will have an exit to the outside directly from the basem*nt.
Ventilation
Walk-in basem*nts have better ventilation than closed basem*nts. This is because there are more opportunities for air to circulate in a walk-in basem*nt. The downslope wall of the walkout basem*nt usually contains windows as well as a door. These can be opened freely to let fresh air in and ventilate the area. Since fewer basem*nt walls are completely surrounded by earth, as in a closed basem*nt, you are less likely to experience a musty basem*nt smell.
Can any house have a walkout basem*nt?
Unfortunately, not all houses can have a walkout basem*nt. In order to have a walkout basem*nt, your house must have enough slope for the exit to be viable. The slope requirement for a walkout basem*nt varies depending on your location, but it is generally 1:12 or less. If your house does not meet this slope requirement, you will be finishing a closed basem*nt instead.
The Requirements for Walkout or Walk Up Basem*nts
There are a few requirements that your house must meet in order to have a walk-up basem*nt. These requirements include:
Sufficient Slope
As we mentioned before, your house must have enough slope for the exit to be viable. The slope requirement for a walkout basem*nt varies depending on your location, but it is generally 1:12 or less.
Sturdy Foundation
Your house must have a sturdy foundation in order to support the weight of a walkout basem*nt.
Good Drainage
Walkout basem*nts require good drainage in order to prevent water damage. This means that your house must be located in an area with good drainage or drainage solutions must be considered prior to and installed during construction of the basem*nt.
How to Determine if Your House Has the Slope for a Walkout Basem*nt
If you’re not sure if your house has the slope for a walkout basem*nt, there are a few ways to find out.
Look at Your Property from Above
One of the easiest ways to determine if your property has the right slope for a walkout basem*nt is to look at it from above. If you have an aerial view of your property, you can look for any areas that seem to be sloping downwards.
Check Your Local Building Codes
Another way to determine if your house has the right slope for a walkout basem*nt is to check your local building codes. In most cases, there will be a section on basem*nts that outlines the requirements for a walkout basem*nt.
Hire a Professional
If you’re still not sure if your house has the right slope for a walkout basem*nt, you can always hire a professional custom home builder to take a look. A professional will be able to tell you if your property has the right slope for a walkout basem*nt. They may also be able to help you with the rest of the process, such as obtaining the necessary permits.
What is a daylight basem*nt?
A daylight basem*nt is a type of basem*nt that has windows that allow natural light to enter the space. As previously mentioned, daylight basem*nts can be walk-up basem*nts or closed basem*nts that do not have a separate entrance to the outside. There are several benefits to having a daylight basem*nt. These benefits include:
Increased Natural Light
One of the biggest benefits of a daylight basem*nt is that it allows for increased natural light. This is because the windows allow sunlight to enter the space.
Improved Ventilation
Another benefit of a daylight basem*nt is that it offers improved ventilation. This is because the windows allow fresh air to enter the space, which can help to improve the air quality.
Lower Energy Costs
Another benefit of a daylight basem*nt is that it can help to lower your energy costs. This is because the increased natural light can help to reduce your reliance on artificial lighting.
If you’re thinking about finishing your basem*nt, a daylight basem*nt is a great option to consider. Not only does it offer increased natural light, but it also offers improved ventilation and lower energy costs.
Closed basem*nts and walk-in basem*nts are two different types of basem*nts
Closed basem*nts are more common and have several benefits over walk-in basem*nts, while walk-in basem*nts are less common but offer several advantages over closed basem*nts.
There are a few requirements that your house must meet in order to have a walkout basem*nt. In order to have a walkout basem*nt, your house must have enough slope for the exit to be viable. The slope requirement for a walkout basem*nt varies depending on your location, but it is generally 1:12 or less.
A daylight basem*nt is a type of basem*nt that has windows that allow natural light to enter the space but don’t have ground level access to the outside of the home. There are several benefits to having a daylight basem*nt, including increased natural light, improved ventilation, and lower energy costs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does a basem*nt’s square footage count as living space?
No, a basem*nt’s square footage does not count as living space. This is because a basem*nt is typically below ground level.
What is a finished full basem*nt?
A finished full basem*nt is a basem*nt that is completely finished and has walls, a ceiling, and a floor. A full basem*nt typically adds value to a home because it increases the total finished space.
Does an unfinished basem*nt ad more value to a home than a crawl space?
Yes, an unfinished basem*nt typically adds more value to a home than a crawl space. This is because an unfinished basem*nt can be finished in the future and provides potential storage, even as an unfinished space.
What type of material is best for a traditional basem*nt?
The best type of material for a traditional basem*nt is concrete. Concrete is durable and has a long lifespan. It is also resistant to mold and mildew.
Will my property taxes go up if I finish my basem*nt?
In most cases, yes. This is because finishing your basem*nt typically increases the value of your home, which will increase your property taxes.
What is a walk-up basem*nt cover?
A walk-up basem*nt cover is a type of structure that is used to cover a walk-up basem*nt. It is typically made out of concrete or steel, and it is used to protect the basem*nt from weathering and flooding.
What is a walk out egress window?
Walk-out egress windows are windows that can be opened to provide an emergency exit. It usually has a window sill and ladder or other means of escape from the window opening.
Additional ResourceS
- This is a great post about 10 Cool Things To Include When Building A House.
- Should You Buy Waterfront Property in New Jersey?
- This article provides insight about Who are the best custom home builders at the Jersey Shore.
- Here is a great article if you’re looking for more information about Where To Buy Land To Build A House In New Jersey.
- Don’t Make These Mistakes When Building Your Finished Basem*nt
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Michelle Garofalo
Michelle Garofalo is the guiding force behind MSC Enterprises, LLC, a prominent custom home builder and real estate developer in Monmouth County and Ocean County, New Jersey. With over 25 years in real estate development, her expertise extends from a successful career in the solar industry, where she managed over 75MW of projects. Co-founding Infiniti Energy, Michelle now oversees day-to-day operations and leads business development, ensuring a seamless journey for clients. Her meticulous approach and commitment to excellence are reflected in MSC's residential and commercial properties, known for their quality, durability, and energy efficiency.
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