CD's,
We are considering buying a house. The height of the unfinished basement is really low. Its measuring 7 ft everywhere except at sections with air duct - its 6.5 ft there. I dont have any immediate need or plans to finish the basement. The house is 13 years old. Wife is saying that we could leave it unfinished when we sell it which could be in another 7-8 years. What do you guys/gals think? How much height will we lose if we finish the basement? It doesnt look obvious of the low height as its unfinished now. I fear that it will be obvious if we ever finish the basement which would affect the resale of the house. I have plans to buy a treadmill and use it in the basement.

We are not getting any discounts because of this as most properties now has multiple offers. Your feedback is appreciated. Thanks

When my office designed a house, we always gave 8'-6" from the basement floor to the top of the ground floor floor. Assuming 11" or 12 " beams you will have 7'-6" clear below the wood. Below this there will be 10" steel beams in certain areas which can bring the height down in certain areas to 6'-10" or even to 6'-8".

There are laws in the "ontario building code - residential" where the minimum height for a basement to be considered a habitable space is mentioned. Check that. The above is for approved buildings.

If you finish the basement, you will lose min 2"-3". In your case the house will become 6'-9" which is rather low for me (as I live now in India and be have big heights here). My height 5'-7".

My only concern is that, you should fulfill the building by laws. You can call the by law office (in the area that you are buying) and ask to speak to the ' Building standard's officer'. He will give you a correct answer.

Murali

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I am a Gents and not a Ladies.

I have checked the height of my basement after reading your post. It is 7'-9" from the bottom of the wooden plank to floor. If I install the ceiling, will loose another 2". It is 6-8" less where I have air duct.

You should check the building codes if there is any minimum height specified.

Has the seller disclosed the lower height of basement in listing?

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A Delhite in Toronto

Unfortunately good things come at a premium . You may not need basement today but requirement changes in little time . There is a reason builder charges 40 - 50 K for 10ft of ceilings and people pay happily . It makes a huge difference to have high walls in home and in basement . 8 ft is practical to make the basement turn into study , guest or recreational room . If you can get a house with higher ceilings than its worth paying little extra due to its resale value and the time you will enjoy while being there . 20 K - 30 K will make a very little difference in your mortgage payments .
If you have friends who have 9 or 10 ft ceilings than visit them and see if you feel differently . House is perceived bigger with high ceilings .
Good luck with your search .

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Growing Old Is Mandatory ..Growing UP is Optional

Thanks all. I noticed the difference as this was second house that we visited and the first house looked normal for an unfinished basement. We have decided to skip this house even though we liked everything else. Also, I am seeing more houses in the market now and we are not in a rush.

Delhite, the listing doesn't touch on the basement height, so its a buyer beware kind of item. My realtor also mentioned that the height is rather low.

AshwaniG and others, one more question - Since more houses now have multiple offers, my realtor suggested to think of putting in offer without inspection conditional clause for newer houses - less than 12 years old. I do have an idea of how much its going to cost of I have to replace major items like furnace, roof, etc. Do I have to inspect anything else personally when I am at the house?

NY Desi its time to change your realtor if he is suggesting you to present an "unconditional offer" .
NEVER EVER put an offer without inspection clause. You don't know what is happening behind the walls and what may catch you with big shock .
Even though I know that most inspectors dont do a very good job but its not impossible to find a good one either ( again comes at a higher price ) who can walk you thorough all short comings in the house . That way you take a informed decision before you get into your biggest purchase of life here .
Don't be shy to look around and take your time to visit 100"s of house till you find what suits your requirement . Be ready to extend your budget little bit in case you like something very much .
May be it was my case but I never liked the houses that were in my my budget .

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Growing Old Is Mandatory ..Growing UP is Optional

Quote:

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Originally posted by northyork_desi

Do I have to inspect anything else personally when I am at the house?

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i..........rock........!!!!!