Standard Dark Basem*nts Are Out—Why Daylight Basem*nts Are the Way to Go (2024)

Basem*nts can be dark, damp, and fully enclosed, making them feel more like an oversized cellar than an extension of the home. Some basem*nts may have small, half-windows near the ceiling that provide a hint of light from outdoors, but to truly brighten up the space, a daylight basem*nt is one of the best options.

What Is a Daylight Basem*nt?

Daylight basem*nts have at least one full size window to increase the amount of light and improve ventilation. While a sloping yard is often preferred for a daylight basem*nt, it isn't necessary, given that the windows can be installed without being fully above ground due to the common use of window wells to accommodate full size windows.

A daylight basem*nt doesn't have a separate entrance to the exterior of the home, and the windows do not need to be fully above ground.

The ground around the basem*nt can be dug out for the installation of a window well, allowing a full-size window to be installed partly above and partly below ground. This method of installation still allows natural light into the basem*nt.

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Daylight Basem*nt vs. Walkout Basem*nt

Daylight basem*nts and walkout basem*nts are essentially the same, but they do have a few key differences:

• Daylight basem*nts should not have a separate entrance to the exterior of the home, and the space must have one or more full-size windows to be considered a daylight basem*nt. This type of basem*nt is suitable even if the yard is flat or only moderately sloped, since window wells can be installed to accommodate full-size windows.
• Walkout basem*nts must have a separate entrance leading to the outside, like a sliding door that open out into the backyard. While this type of basem*nt can and often does have full-size basem*nt windows, some walkout basem*nts may not have any windows. Additionally, the yard needs to slope down far enough to accommodate the installation of a walkout door, which can be problematic if the yard is flat or only have a moderate slope.

Pros and Cons of a Daylight Basem*nt

Pros

Daylight basem*nts are designed to allow more natural light into the space by having one or more full-size windows, which also increase the ventilation and airflow throughout the area. Since the full-size windows can be installed both above and below ground using a window well, the slope or grade of the yard doesn't impact window installation.

Adding a full-size window to the basem*nt creates an emergency exit, which may be required by local building code if a bedroom is located in the basem*nt. A daylight basem*nt can increase the value of the home in some areas, though the exact value varies based on the current real estate market.

Cons

Adding windows to the basem*nt can increase the risk of leaks, while installing a full window well can lead to foundation damage, leaks, or even minor flooding, if the window well doesn't have proper drainage. While a full-size window does allow more natural light into the space, the exact amount of sunlight may be limited depending on the slope of the yard, the direction of the home, and any obstacles outside of the window.

A window can be used as an emergency exit, but it doesn't offer the same convenience as a true separate entrance to the basem*nt. Also, it's important to note that in some areas a finished basem*nt counts toward the total square footage of the property, leading to increased property taxes.

Types of Windows in a Daylight Basem*nt

There are five types of windows that are commonly used for a daylight basem*nt, including bay, casem*nt, double-hung, picture, and sliding windows.

• Bay windows extend out from the home, using multiple window panes to create a rectangular, trapezoidal, angled, or curved shape, depending on the style.
• Casem*nt windows have hinges on one side and swing outward from the other side, making it easy to open the window for improved airflow.
• Double-hung windows have two sashes that slide up or down independently. Sashes are the part of the window that surrounds and holds the glass panes in place in the window frame.
• Picture windows have a large, single pane of glass to maximize the amount of natural light. However, this type of window cannot open, so they don't improve basem*nt ventilation or airflow.
• Sliding windows are designed to slide horizontally along a track, allowing you to open and close the window with ease. Use sliding windows in place of casem*nt windows when there isn't enough room for an outward swing.