This Basement Feature Can Double the Usable Square Footage. Is It Included?
The Hidden Asset That Dramatically Increases a Home’s Living Space
When it comes to home value, usable square footage is king. While many homes have basements, they often don’t count towards the official living area. However, a properly finished basement can nearly double a home’s functional space, providing room for a family room, home gym, or extra bedrooms. This transformation from a simple storage area to a fully integrated living space is one of the most significant value-adds a homeowner can make.
Why a Window Is the Key to Unlocking a Basement’s Value
What separates a storage basement from true, valuable living space? In most places, the answer is a single safety feature: an egress window. For a basement room to be legally counted as a bedroom or living area, it must have a direct means of escape in case of an emergency. An egress window provides that escape route and also allows natural light to enter the space, making it brighter and more inviting. Homes with this feature offer legitimate, safe, and highly desirable extra square footage.
Learn to Spot an Egress Window with Today’s Qwiz Clue
A finished basement is a great feature, but one with a proper egress window is in a different league entirely. PropQwiz trains your eye to spot the crucial details from the outside of a home.
Today’s Qwiz Clue: Scan the exterior photos of the home’s foundation. An egress window will have a large, deep window well dug out around it, often with a built-in ladder or steps. This is a clear sign that the basement is designed to be a safe and legal living area. Can you spot this high-value feature in today’s listing?
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