May 5, 2008
Life in the Underground: Brookline Basement Apartments
Would you ever live in a basement apartment?
I wouldn’t. Light is far too important to me, and I don’t like the possibility of a flooded home. However, plenty of people willing to overlook a little darkness and sometimes a little dampness can find a bargain in a great location.
What would it take to get me to buy a basement apartment?
- A rock-bottom price: I mean really low: half as much as a comparable apartment above ground. Many sellers don’t realize what a turnoff a basement can be. I respect a seller who can acknowledge the limitations of the space and price accordingly.
- A complete renovation: If I’m going for basement living, I expect some bells and whistles to dress things up: granite counters, stainless appliances, recessed lights, and hardwood floors. On the other hand, I viewed some over-the-top basement renovations that didn’t work. Does it really make sense to put marble on a cold basement floor?
- Access to outdoor space: If I’m going to live like a mole, I need to get outside every now and then. The apartment would need to open onto a terrace or patio, increasing the feeling of light and space.
- The perfect location: I ‘d live in a basement if it’s in the heart of things: steps away from shopping, public transportation, etc…
9 Park Vale, #9, $389K
BEDS: 2/BATHS: 2
SQ FT: 1015
Good updates-not over the top. Great location.
23 StrathmoreRoad, #1B, $499K
BEDS: 3/BATHS:2
SQ. FT: 999
Half a million for a basement is way too much.
1857 Beacon Street, #G, $449K
BEDS: 2/BATHS:2
SQ. FT: 1,192
Marble floors throughout? Puh-leeze!
54-A Stearns, A-2, $239,900
BEDS: 1/BATHS:1
SQ. FT: 700
Good location and more light than your average basement, but I’m not convinced.
Josh said:
Would radon gas be an issue in a basement apartment?
May 5, 2008 3:48 PM
Pam said:
Josh, I’ve always understood radon gas to be an issue irrespective of whether a home is in a basement or not. But one thing for sure: if I were to buy a basement apartment, I would get every inspection check possible, including radon gas. There is always the risk that in a basement conversion, a contractor may have cut corners, which only a professional would see.
May 6, 2008 2:19 AM