What Is An English Basement? (Find Out Now!)
Realty terms can be confusing, especially when it comes to terms like partial, raised, walkout, and English basements. Yes, even basements have enough variety that their function, cost, style, and layout dignify unique names. With all of the types of basements that appear on home listings, what is an English basement?
An English basement is a partially below ground basement with exterior doors and windows. Homeowners often rent out English basements as an apartment or use them as a space for guests. Apartment buildings also often rent out English basements as apartments
English basements are comfortable like a walkout basement, but they have a simpler design. Basements add value to a home right away, and each type has its own benefits. Follow along as we explore the ins and outs of English basement and find out exactly what makes them unique.
Do You Need Basement Remodeling Services?
Get free, zero-commitment quotes from pro contractors near you.
English Basement Design
English basements have a unique “high basement” style. Only part of an English basement is below the ground, and the majority is above ground. You can enter an English basement through exterior doors that are at or below ground level.
The layout of an English basement with a separate entry makes it ideal to use additional living space. The term “English basement” is not used universally, and the space is simply called a basement on house and building plans. It is common to see homes or apartments listed that include English basements, but the term is loose.
You can tell that a space is a true English basement if it has separate entry and windows that are above ground level. Building codes require this design, and space without separate entry or exits is not an English basement.
Pros and Cons of English Basements
English basements carry pros and cons just like any other room in a home or building. They can sometimes be less desirable than walkout basements, but English basements are highly sought out. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of English basements.
What Are the Perks of an English Basement?
An English basement stands on its own against walkout and partial basements, but what are the main perks?
- English basements are an investment and allow for additional income. Many homeowners rent out their English basement to help pay the mortgage and utilities.
- There is no back exterior door because it’s generally above ground. English basements are comfortable and feature separate entry doors, but there isn’t often a separate back exterior door like with daylight basements.
- English basement apartments are a great option for renters looking for an apartment. The average English basement apartment has more space than a typical 1-bedroom apartment. You also get more privacy as a renter with an English basement apartment unless it is a building with multiple units.
What Are the Downsides of an English Basement?
English basements may be spacious and comfortable, but they come with pitfalls as well.
- There is no back exterior door because it’s generally above ground. English basements are comfortable and feature separate entry doors, but there isn’t often a separate back exterior door like with daylight basements.
- Mold and mildew are a concern with English basements. Basements are generally darker and colder than the rest of the house, and that can make it easy for mold to grow. You can mitigate the risk of mold and mildew if you put a dehumidifier in your English basement.
- Expensive construction. It is expensive to build a home with a basement of any kind, and the same is true for English basements. You can expect to spend an average of $55 per square foot to build a home with an English basement.
English Basement vs. Walkout Basement
It is easy to confuse an English basement with a walkout basement, and listings advertise both features. English basements differ from walkout basements in their design and entry door placement. The average walkout basement is at ground level, whereas English basements are at least partially below ground.
Walkout basements feature separate entry and exit doors like English basements, but they also feature back exterior doors. Some listings refer to walkout basements as daylight basements due to the typical sliding glass walkout door. Walkout basements add more value to a home than an English basement does because they let you walk out onto a patio.
English basements differ because the door or door is used as a main and exit door, whereas walkout features an entry door and an extra wall and door. Both English basements and walkout basements are considered safe, however, they are both susceptible to mold and mildew.
Related Questions
Do English houses have basements?
The majority of houses built in England since the 1960s do not feature basements. Builder-owners can build a home with a basement in England, but expensive construction costs make them less common than in the United States. It is pricey to build a home with a basement in England because of materials and slab foundation depth.
What is a walkout basement?
A walkout basement is a basement with a wall that has an entry door and windows. Walkout basements are also known as daylight basements because they allow natural light into the space. The average cost to install a new walkout basement addition is $6,250.
Do You Need Basement Remodeling Services?
Get free, zero-commitment quotes from pro contractors near you.
Summing It Up
An English basement is a basement with exterior doors and windows that are mostly above ground. You can enter an English basement separately from the rest of the house, and they’re often used as separate living spaces.
The biggest advantage to English basements is that they provide a lot of space. Homeowners can use the extra space to rent it out as an apartment and help pay the mortgage. Renters can benefit from the added space of an English basement with a roomy apartment and separate entry from the rest of the house.
Related Articles
Nick Durante is a professional writer with a primary focus on home improvement. When he is not writing about home improvement or taking on projects around the house, he likes to read and create art. He is always looking towards the newest trends in home improvement.
More by Nick Durante
