Sustainable Spaces: The Basement

Sustainable Spaces: The Basement

REALTOR® Magazine, article by Leandra Beabout | October 22, 2024

Today's buyers are more interested than ever in green housing, especially since eco-friendly features tend to reduce energy costs. And while solar panels and tankless toilets offer immediate appeal, real estate pros can highlight other green home features to help close the deal.

Some of those features are in basements, though they are uncommon in some parts of the country. Only 21% of new homes had full or partial basements in 2022, compared to 45% of new homes in 1974, according to Business Insider. Still, when a house does have one, pointing out its eco-friendly, energy-efficient features can show your expertise and boost a property’s appeal.

The Value of Eco-Friendly Basements

Sustainable homes use less energy to maintain comfortable lighting, temperature and airflow. When it comes to the basement—a space prone to mildew and mold—eco-friendly features can benefit homeowners with asthma and allergies. Simply put: Green basements are better—they're easier on homeowners’ budgets and bodies and are friendlier to the planet.

5 Sustainable Basement Design Features to Know

Sustainable basement features can help future-proof new builds against moisture, which can lead to mildew and decay. They're also helpful to point out to prospective homebuyers as several recent reports show eco-friendly homes sell faster. Our 2022 survey of real estate professionals found that 63% of agents say mentioning energy efficiency in listings has been either "very" or "somewhat" valuable.

Foam block insulation

According to Green Building Advisor, properly insulated basements minimize energy loss and protect against water infiltration.

“Concrete is not ideal for energy efficiency and [is] a magnet for mold,” says Ashley Yeates, an ethically minded interior and furniture designer in the Monterey Peninsula of California. “Foam blocks replace wood framing to form concrete walls while simultaneously insulating the structure. The foam blocks are pre-cut and easy to install, which solves efficiency and reduces labor expenses-a win, win.”

Permanent dehumidifiers

Installing dehumidifiers is one of the easiest, most efficient ways to keep humidity in check. By preventing mold and mildew, homeowners can rest assured their investment in quality, eco-friendly flooring, wall treatments and furnishings will last longer. Dehumidifiers may also improve indoor air quality, according to the Allergy and Asthma Foundation.

Homeowners who want to increase their homes' eco-friendliness should look for an Energy Star–rated dehumidifier.

Heat pump HVACs

“Instead of burning fossil fuels to generate heat anew, air source heat pumps move existing heat from the air outside of the home to inside and vice versa to heat and cool,” says DR Richardson, co-founder of Elephant Energy. “You'll get three times the efficiency of a fossil-fueled system, and an option that is much more climate-friendly, and healthier to boot.”

Richardson also points out that homes with heat pump HVAC have been shown to sell for 4-7% more than those with conventional fossil fuel-powered appliances, possibly because homeowners with heat pumps can slash energy costs by more than $1,000 annually.

Hopper windows

Hopper windows are windows that open inward from the top. They're common in basements because they can be placed near the ceiling to bring light and ventilation into the underground room. Hopper windows help regulate temperature, light and airflow without electricity from overhead lights, HVAC systems or ceiling fans.

Eco-friendly flooring

Basement flooring should be water-resistant. Water-resistant, antimicrobial flooring will last longer in this moisture- and mildew-prone space. Fortunately, there are flooring options that fit the eco-friendly bill, especially when a water membrane or product has been applied underneath.

“Cork, bamboo [and] wool carpet are great choices along with natural linoleum products that are bio-based, highly durable, antimicrobial and easy to maintain,” says Yeates.