If you are ready to buy a single-family home and want to start shopping for one, there is a decision you will need to make. Do you want a basement in the home or not? If you are not sure if you do or not, here are some pros and cons of having a basement that you can review to make the right decision for your needs.
The Primary Benefits of Having a Basement
When you buy a home that has a basement, you instantly inherit a lot of extra space. A basement is usually equal in size to the first floor of the house it's under. Having extra space is useful for many purposes. First, you can create bedrooms in this space or have a den, playroom, or TV room. Second, you can use this space for storage. The extra space a basement offers is one of the primary reasons people want basements.
A second benefit of having a basement is the access it offers to the systems in your home. From the basement ceiling, you can access plumbing pipes, electrical wires, and ductwork from the HVAC system. This access makes it easier to make repairs when needed.
A basement also provides shelter to you if a storm sweeps through your city. You can hide in this area for safety whenever you need to.
The Downsides to Having a Basement
Having a basement offers a lot of excellent benefits, but there is one disadvantage to this space. Basements are prone to water leaks and damage. A basement is underground, which makes it a target for water. If water leaks into this area, it can destroy the building materials of your home. Mold and mildew can also form in this space. You might also smell musty odors in this area because basements tend to have ventilation issues.
You can prevent all these problems, though, by making sure you choose a home that is waterproof. There are services available that will waterproof a basement so it cannot leak, and you should always make sure you choose a home like this if you buy one that has a basement.
After reading this information, do you know whether you want a basement or not? You can talk to a real estate agent to learn more about the pros and cons of basements. Your agent can also help you locate homes you might be interested in buying.
