Daylight Basement Ideas

• Put your daylight basement to work as a home office. Matthias Tunger/Digital Vision/Getty Images

  A daylight basement is a feature many people who are building or buying a home want to have. A daylight basement opens to the outdoors, usually at the back of the home. Usually, the home is built on the side of a hill, with the front door at the top of the hill, and the basement access toward the bottom. Vacation homes overlooking scenic areas often have these basements.

Guest Bedroom

• If your home is in a scenic area, a walkout basement can be a relaxing and welcoming space for guests. A wall of windows can afford a beautiful view, and your guests will have their own private area, away from the rest of the bedrooms but still close to the family. If possible, have a bathroom in the basement, too, to give your guests maximum privacy.

Family Theater Room

• A walkout basement, even with large windows, can still be used as a family theater room. Try to keep the room at the darker front of the basement, rather than the rear, and hang heavy curtains over the windows. If you have extra space, put in a small kitchen for snacking during the movies.

Studio Apartment

• If you have an adult family member who is living with you, or you need help with your mortgage, a daylight basement can make an ideal studio apartment. Because it has its own entry and windows, it probably complies with building-code regulations. If you are converting your basement to such an apartment, put in a soundproof ceiling. Also, check with your city to make sure your area is zoned for two-unit residences and you are in compliance with all building regulations.

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Home Office

• This space can also be used as your home office. Because it is relatively secluded, it can afford the privacy you need to work. But because it has a wall of windows, you won't feel hemmed in. Soundproofing the ceiling is a good idea, as it will muffle the sounds of children playing upstairs. Also, you may want to wire for additional lighting.

Storage

• Even if you dedicate the rear of the basement for use as a guest room, theater, work space or apartment, keep room in the darker front of the basement for storage. Pick up a dehumidifier if necessary to keep anything you store dry and mold-free.