Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:A true walk-out basement is one where you can walk out the door directly onto the yard/patio. A basement where you walk out the door and go up stairs is technically not considered a walk-out, but that would still be more desirable to me than a basement without direct access to the outside, which I probably wouldn't consider.

How can you walk out of a basement directly into a yard/patio without walking up steps? I must be missing something, since a basement is by definition underground. I have a basement with a walk out onto our yard (appraised twice as such)and you must walk up four steps. It would not be possible to walk out of our basement directly into the yard unless you are tunneling into dirt.

I think you are confusing a basement with walk up steps such as walking up into the kitchen above, which we also have. Our basement has exits into the yard (four steps) and into the kitchen (entire flight of steps).

True walk out is when there is a slope where part of the basement is fully or mostly underground and you have an exit that is at the same grade as the ground. Generally a true walk out is considered more valuable than a "walk-up", which it sounds like you have.

Anonymous wrote:

How can you walk out of a basement directly into a yard/patio without walking up steps? I must be missing something, since a basement is by definition underground. I have a basement with a walk out onto our yard (appraised twice as such)and you must walk up four steps. It would not be possible to walk out of our basement directly into the yard unless you are tunneling into dirt.

I think you are confusing a basement with walk up steps such as walking up into the kitchen above, which we also have. Our basement has exits into the yard (four steps) and into the kitchen (entire flight of steps).

Our basement is a true walk-out. It has a screened patio door that leads directly to the back yard - no steps. Our lot is not completely flat, and our kitchen patio door leads to our deck, which has stairs going down to the back yard.

Anonymous wrote:A true walk-out basement is one where you can walk out the door directly onto the yard/patio. A basement where you walk out the door and go up stairs is technically not considered a walk-out, but that would still be more desirable to me than a basement without direct access to the outside, which I probably wouldn't consider.

How can you walk out of a basement directly into a yard/patio without walking up steps? I must be missing something, since a basement is by definition underground. I have a basement with a walk out onto our yard (appraised twice as such)and you must walk up four steps. It would not be possible to walk out of our basement directly into the yard unless you are tunneling into dirt.

I think you are confusing a basement with walk up steps such as walking up into the kitchen above, which we also have. Our basement has exits into the yard (four steps) and into the kitchen (entire flight of steps).

Anonymous wrote:A true walk-out basement is one where you can walk out the door directly onto the yard/patio. A basement where you walk out the door and go up stairs is technically not considered a walk-out, but that would still be more desirable to me than a basement without direct access to the outside, which I probably wouldn't consider.

That's what I always thought too...I'm always surprised when I've seen the type with outside stairs up called a "walk--out", as I thought those were called "walk up?"

Are "Walk ups" typically legally inhabitable (as an in-law or rental unit)? We moved here several years ago from a place where no one has a basement (southern California) so we were really impressed when we went house hunting at how nice many finished basements are. Our realtor told us that basement rooms can't legally be considered bedrooms unless they have a full size window (he said doors with stairs going up outside doesn't count), a closet, and a full bath on the same level.

Anonymous wrote:I think a walkout would add safety, as it provides another escape route from your house in case of fire.

+1. Or in case of a zombie apocalypse.

A true walk-out basement is one where you can walk out the door directly onto the yard/patio. A basement where you walk out the door and go up stairs is technically not considered a walk-out, but that would still be more desirable to me than a basement without direct access to the outside, which I probably wouldn't consider.

I think a walkout would add safety, as it provides another escape route from your house in case of fire.

We've had both and greatly prefer a walkout over a non walkout.

A non-walk out basement feels tight, dark, and cramped and "basement like".

With a walk-out, it feels more spacious, brighter, open, etc.

Water issues depend on the slope and grading. Water will find its way regardless of whether it's a walk-out or not.

Safety - again, you can buy a double lock (foot lock and handle lock) sliding door if it's a walk-out. I assume there is a fence in the backyard too?

Walk-out lower level definitely adds value, especially if fully improved. We have a 2 BR lower level in-law suite, which walks out straight onto a patio and garden. When our home was recently appraised they wrote "subject has a lower level in-law suite with kitchen, 2 BR and 2 full baths, which caused significant adjustments to most of the comps." It was also a major factor (positive) for us when we bought the house.

I thin the OP means a Walk out basement s opposed to a non-walk out one. Personally I believe that having a separate entrance adds more value to the house. It can be used as an in-laws suite, nanny quarters, visitors etc. And if you won't consider any of those just to have another way to get out to the back yard is a plus.

Walk out >>> non walk out

OP here. A walk-out basement versus just some high windows in the basement. Interior of the basement will be the same either way.

A walk out basement as opposed to....no basement at all? I'm confused. What safety issues? I think a basement is definitely good for resale if it's usable.

If you could have a walk-out basement (walk outside with a small flight of stairs to the back yard), would you? I'm concerned about safety and water issues, but see the appeal and benefits of having it as well. Do you think that's a factor (good or bad) for resale? Thanks.