What Is It Like to Live in a Basement?

Man caves. Home offices. Game rooms. Storage. There are lots of different uses for basements, but how about actually living in one full-time? We’re talking, of course, about basement apartments, which exist in many cities across Canada, from Toronto to Montreal.

Basement apartments often present a more affordable, accessible alternative to apartments on ground level or higher up. But is it okay to live in a basement? What are the ups and downs? This guide answers those questions to help you see if a basement renovation is right for you.

An Introduction to a Basement Renovation Apartment

First, let’s kick things off with a brief definition. A basement apartment or basement renovation is just what it sounds like—a basement space that has been renovated and kitted out to function as an apartment. A fully enclosed living area, either entirely or partially below ground level.

There are a few different types of apartments that can fall into this category:

• Garden: Garden apartments are half above-ground, half-below, with their own yard or “garden” entrances and a bit of outdoor space to call their own. Handy for those who want to be able to step outside anytime, with more light than a full-on basement dwelling.
• Daylight Basement: A daylight basement renovation is one with at least one whole full-size window or French door at ground level to let in light, even if most of the living space is actually underground.
• Cellar: Comprised of, at a minimum, 50% below-ground living space, but with ground-level windows to let in some light.
• Basement: Similar to a cellar apartment, but with at least half of the living space above ground level and the rest below, with generally bigger windows and extra light.

The Pros

Good things about living in a basement apartment include:

• Price: Price-wise, basement dwellings are notably cheaper than those higher up. Compared to a penthouse, for example, you could get a basement space in the same building for a fraction of the cost.
• Renovations: It’s generally easier to get work done in a basement space. That means that you have more control over how your space looks, carrying out a full-on basement renovation to get the look and layout you want, which might not be possible higher up.
• Spacious: Not always, but a lot of the time, basement spaces are vast. Vaster than those above them, giving you more square footage and space to stretch out and enjoy, ideal for couples or families, for instance.

• Access: In a basement, you’re never too far from the building’s exit. Just go up a single flight of stairs, and you’re out on the street. That’s much easier and faster than having to ride an elevator four, five, or even 10 floors down from a higher place.
• Dark: Naturally, thanks to their positions, basement spaces are darker than average.  While that can be a con (more on that in the next section), it’s also a plus if you like privacy and enjoy darker spaces that help you rest and sleep more.

The Cons

The downsides of basement living are:

• Dark: We just touched on this as a pro, but it’s also a clear con for some people. Living in a dark space makes you more reliant on artificial light, can affect your mood, and may even make people feel a bit claustrophobic.
• Risk: If you live in a flood-prone area, basements are among the most at-risk spaces. They’re the first spots to flood in any building, and that could be disastrous for your property and possessions if a disaster happens.
• Noisy: Given their proximity to the street (or even to subway systems in some cities), basement spaces lack peace and quiet. They can be quite noisy environments, making it harder to sleep, focus, and relax.
• Cold: Not always, but sometimes, basements are colder and harder to warm up in the winter months. That may mean you spend more cash on your heating bills just to get the space up to a comfortable temperature.

Key Considerations Before Picking a Basement Apartment

If you’re not sure about a basement space or thinking about moving into one, here are a few final tips to keep in mind:

• Basement living isn’t for everyone. Think about all it entails and consider if it’s truly the right fit for you. Remember, it’s much easier to back out before agreeing with a sale or rental than after.

• Check for Damp: Since they’re prone to flooding and less airy than upper spaces, basements may get damp, moldy, or musty. When visiting or viewing one, look out for the signs of dampness—black patches in the corners, signs of wetness, and lack of vents.
• Access and Exit: You’ve got to know how you’re getting in and out of your apartment if you intend to live there, and basement spaces sometimes have odd or out-of-the-way access points. Check the doors and stairs to see if it’s safe and convenient or not.

Conclusion

All in all, living in a basement isn’t necessarily bad at all. In fact, it has many unique advantages, like privacy, comfort, size, cost, and convenience. However, there are a few little caveats—like the darkness and potential moisture risks—you’ll have to account for and accept if you decide to invest in a basement renovation.