If you’re in the process of building a new home, you might be wondering whether or not you should include a finished basement in your new build. Having a finished basement might be a dream of yours. After all, finished basements offer additional square footage for you to entertain friends and family! However, it’s no secret that finished basements come at a price. Depending on the scope of work, finished basements can tack on a substantial chunk of change to your monthly mortgage payment. In this blog post, we’ll be exploring whether or not you should include a finished basement in your new build.
If you’re stumbling across our blog for the first time, welcome to Hearthside Homes of Kansas City! We are one of the premier home builders in the Kanas City Northland. Hearthside Homes is a semi-custom home builder based in Liberty, Missouri. Since 1987, we’ve built nearly 2,000 long-lasting homes. We currently build in the Kansas City, Parkville, Kearney, and Liberty areas. Our homes range in price from $350k-$700k. You can check out our available listings here. You can also click here to learn more about the communities we build in. Don’t forget to view our gallery! We hope this blog post helps you decide whether or not you should include a finished basement in your new build!
Why You Should NOT Finish The Basement (Yet)
Before we dive into the long list of reasons why you should include a finished basement in your new build, let’s discuss the reasons why you may not want to. It all comes down to what you can afford and what your family’s needs are. Only you know the answer to the financial aspect. Will the extra monthly expense prevent you from experiencing other adventures?
Even if money isn’t an issue, your family dynamic should play a role in whether or not you include a finished basement in your new build. Do you have little kids or are you planning on expanding your family? Having an unfinished basement is a great space to let kids express their creativity without fear of diabolical messes. Unfinished basements make great playrooms! Let your kids color, paint, or rollerblade freely without worrying about damage. All you have to do is close the door to the basement and the chaos will be hidden from visitors!
Another factor to consider is storage. If you need storage space for treasures or dusty exercise equipment you can’t seem to part with, having an unfinished basement is great! Keep in mind, your needs will probably change over the years. It’s okay to finish the basement down the road. A good builder will be able to help you plan for the future by installing the right plumbing and electrical components.
Why You SHOULD Finish The Basement!
Now for the fun stuff! There are numerous reasons why you may want to include a finished basement in your new build. From having an additional living space to adding a guest bedroom, home office, movie theater, and even a full-size kitchen, there are so many possibilities. Let’s face it, the additional square footage can make a massive difference in the overall functionality of your household! Below you’ll find a plethora of great reasons to go ahead and invest in a finished basement.
Need A Work Space?
Most folks these days need a designated space to get to work. If your floor plan doesn’t have a home office, adding one in the basement could be an ideal option! Adding a home office to the basement offers a secluded, quiet, space for you to focus and be more productive. If you have a full house, you’ll love having a peaceful space to tackle your to-do list!
Take Entertaining To The Next Level
Do you love to entertain? If so, a finished basement is a game changer! After hosting dinner, take the party downstairs for a change in scenery. You can add a pool table, dart board, and other games. If you love to host on game day, consider adding a large comfy sectional and a flat-screen to the space!
Add A Kitchen Or Bar
You’ve probably already considered the advantages of having a kitchen in the basement. Having an extra kitchen with an oven and a dishwasher is convenient if you host holiday get-togethers. If a full-size kitchen isn’t for you, a bar area in the basement can make your home more fun and inviting. Friends and visitors will love socializing while sipping on the beverage of their choice!
Take The Fun Outdoors
If your new build has a walkout lot, you can extend the basement entertaining space to the outdoors! Bring the fun into the backyard patio, surrounded by string lights and the sound of good music. Play cards or catch up on the hot gossip! Your guests will never want to leave!
Speaking of guests, do you like to host visitors overnight? If so, a finished basement can offer additional bedrooms for guests. Whether your in-laws visit often or you like to host your out-of-town friends, your guests will appreciate having their own space with a private bedroom, bathroom, and closet to unpack.
Watch Your Favorite Movies
Who doesn’t love movie night? Finished basements offer the perfect space for you to watch your favorite films or shows. Turn on your flat screen and cuddle up in a cozy sectional for the ultimate movie night. Munch on some buttery popcorn as you relax!
Let’s Get Physical
Do you struggle to make it to the gym? Between working, taking care of your family, and tackling household chores it can be difficult to prioritize fitness. Having an at-home gym in your basement is the ultimate convenience! Add a mirrored wall, treadmill, weights, and your workout excuses are gone!
A Great Investment
Not only will your family love the benefits of having a finished basement, but it will also increase your property’s value. Even if you plan on living in the home for the foreseeable future, a finished basement is a great long-term investment. Although finishing your basement is a big investment, it will be worth the initial cost in the long run. After all, having a finished basement attracts potential homebuyers!
Choose The Right Home Builder!
We hope you enjoyed reading this blog post about whether or not you should include a finished basement in your new build. If you’re looking for a home builder in the Kansas City northland, we invite you to check out our available listings! At Hearthside Homes, our homes are inspected by third-party experts. This means we hire impartial third-party industry leaders to review each of our new construction homes! This comprehensive assessment involves a:
- Cosmetic inspection
- Third-party HVAC duct cleaning
- Third-party sewer line inspection
- Third-party home inspection
Why do we offer extensive inspections? The answer is simple! We want our buyers to have confidence in their purchase! That’s why we hire impartial pros to review our work. Not to mention, we proudly offer a 12-month warranty on all of our homes. We even have a Warranty Manager on our team to make sure you have a go-to contact to reach out to if needed. Have peace of mind when you buy with Hearthside Homes!
If you have questions, don’t hesitate to give us a call at (816) 781-0234. You can also schedule an appointment at our Design Center located at 1915 Industrial Drive (#300), Liberty, MO 64068. Be sure to follow all the behind-the-scenes fun on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest! Happy home buying!
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