The 3 Most Wanted Basement Features That Boost Your Home's Value
When you're ready to move and start thinking about things you can do to boost your home's value, the basement may not be the first room that comes to mind. Although you may find yourself debating which flowers to plant for maximum curb appeal or whether it's really worth renovating your outdated kitchen, according to Ben Kruse, South Jersey realtor and the founder of Choose Kruse, the state of your basement can drastically impact the amount buyers are willing to pay for your home. Along with being bone dry and structurally sound, nicely finished basements with plenty of lighting are likely to boost your home's value.
"A dry, clean, and structurally sound basement gives buyers confidence that the home has been well cared for," Kruse told House Digest during an exclusive interview. "Any signs of dampness, cracks in the walls, or musty smells tend to immediately raise red flags." The real estate expert cautioned that even if the rest of your home is in pristine condition, finding a serious issue in the basement often leaves buyers wondering what hidden problems they're likely to find if they move ahead with purchasing it. If you're in a hurry to sell your home, turning your basement into a livable space may be a smart investment. "A properly finished basement can increase market appeal and help a home sell faster," Kruse said. Although appraisers are likely to value basements at a lower rate per square foot than above-grade space, he added that taking time to brighten up your basement and keep it well-maintained is likely to inspire greater buyer confidence.
Buyers want dry and finished basements with natural lighting
According to Ben Kruse, nothing matters more than your basement being dry. "Waterproofing and moisture control are the most important features, especially in areas where seasonal rain and humidity are common," he explained during his exclusive interview with House Digest. "Having professional waterproofing or a drainage system demonstrates that the homeowner has protected the property." It can cost thousands of dollars to waterproof a basement, but Kruse said it's generally worthwhile. "Returns will vary by project and market, but we know that addressing water issues can preserve or even improve a home's resale value because it removes that major buyer concern."
After you've addressed moisture issues, you may want to consider other upgrades. "A finished space with good lighting, quality flooring, and neutral paint can make a basement feel like a usable living space rather than just storage," Kruse said. "Buyers will see real value in a finished basement because it could serve as a games room, gym, or office." He added that finishing a basement before selling your home is one investment where you're likely to recoup most of the cost of the work.
The third most-wanted basement feature is plenty of natural light. According to Kruse, "Basements with large windows or a walkout door feel much safer and are far more inviting." If you plan to DIY, he cautioned that proper egress and compliance with local building codes are extremely important, especially if you plan to market the space as an additional bedroom. "These features are what make the basement feel more like an extra room, rather than a cold, dark dungeon."
Avoid specific or luxury renovations that won't appeal to every buyer
During his exclusive interview with House Digest, Ben Kruse strongly emphasized that if you're on a budget and can only make one improvement to your home before listing it, you should prioritize waterproofing. "No amount of cosmetic improvement will outweigh a damp or musty smell, and buyers will often reduce their offer or walk away if they see signs of water intrusion," he warned. "Fixing those issues first protects the entire home's value and provides a solid base for any finishing work."
According to the real estate expert, spending a fortune on finishing a basement isn't always worth it. "Overdoing renovations in a mid-priced neighborhood rarely pays off in the end," he explained, adding that luxury improvements like a theater room or wine cellar probably won't yield a 100% return on investment. "You'll also want to avoid installing any materials that don't perform well below grade," Kruse said before suggesting that moisture-resistant options like vinyl plank or tile are better than hardwood floors.
As you prepare to list your home, Kruse highly recommended hanging on to receipts and warranties for waterproofing or structural work performed. "Mention those upgrades to your agent so they can highlight them in the listing," he advised. "Buyers appreciate knowing that maintenance items are already handled!" Even if you can only afford to clear out the clutter, add brighter lighting, and seal the walls, updates don't need to be fancy in order to boost your home's value. "It just needs to feel clean, solid, and functional. If it's versatile, that's even better."