basement apartments

thoughts on renting an apartment in a house that is a basement apartment. Didn't feel like you were in a basement though.

Would like some feedback though.

Thanks.

Re: basement apartments

Well I'm not sure I'm the right person to answer this, but I will since I have lived in a private house in a basement.
Some of the pluses are that it can be cooler in the summer. Minus - colder in the winter. However, I would ask if light/gas/heat are included. I found with my experience, the owners can be cheap w/the heat. Also depending on the insulation in the house, you may hear alot of noise. If you don't mind then go for it.

I didn't at first, but then one day the man (who was a cop) was beating his wife and I had to listen to that. My son was very little and I ended up calling the cops. Turns out he had a gun in the house as well. It was SO scary!! I ended up being "asked to leave" nicely.

I doubt you will have as bad of an experience as I did.

Re: basement apartments

I rented a basement apt. It didn't feel like a basement either - the ceilings were raised up higher than normal and the windows were a little bigger than your typical basement windows, though still not regular size. It does stay cool in the summer. Winter I felt fine. I heard the oil burner/hot water heater kick on, but I got used to that noise. The only thing I didn't like was that I really couldn't open my windows like normal - even though they were a decent size they were still on the ground level so it wasn't private and I felt like dirt was getting in. And I wished I had a little more sunlight. But overall, not bad.

Re: basement apartments

My Dh had a basement apartment before we were married. It was nice... but there were 2 little kids in the house above and it was noisy. This might sound crazy but the only thing that ever bothered me about it was the only way out of the apartment was the door and god forbid there was ever a fire or something the only way out was the door the windows were too small for people to fit out.

Re: basement apartments

I would never do it, I have many reasons why. I am not a fan of living in anyone's house, and I'll leave it at that.

Re: basement apartments

Don't do it if you have allergies. Even if it does not seem moldy or smelly, the air flow is different. Even if it were partially or almost fully above ground, I'd probably avoid it.

Re: basement apartments

Living in someones house is fine, its just that with ours, it gets no light in, and thats really annoying. Plus too many bugs. But, we enjoy ourselves here.

Re: basement apartments

I have seen some beautiful basement apartments that are well lit with recessed lighting and done very well. The main issues are lighting, cold in the winter, and noise from above you. If kids are in the house above you, I don't recommend it.

Re: basement apartments

We lived in a basement apartment for 2 1/2 years (up until one week ago!). For the most part it was great, but there were some definite downsides. Most of them have already been mentioned--lack of natural light, noise from above, mold and mildew, etc. I think my biggest complaint was not having complete privacy. Our bedroom was right below our landlady's and...well...let's just say, if I could hear her talking on the phone sometimes, she could probably hear us...

We had a big problem with spiders and crickets in the summer time.

That being said, our rent was amazingly low and we had a good run there. Toward the end, it started feeling extremely cramped and we needed to move on.