Top 5 Basement Features Homebuyers Regret Buying According to This Surprising Report.

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I Bought My Home Just for This Feature and Now I Totally Regret It

When my husband and I purchased our home in Staten Island, New York a few years back, one of the main things that sold us on the property was the presence of a finished basement. After years of cramped apartment living, we were thrilled to have the extra storage space and a casual hangout area. Little did we know, our love affair with having a basement would be short-lived, and we would ultimately regret it being a top priority on our must-have list.

Key Takeaways:

• Intense storms and flooding have diminished the allure of basements for some homeowners. The stress of post-flood cleanup has caused many buyers to reassess basement features as a priority.
• Buyers need to thoroughly inspect basements and consider factors like the local water table, waterproofing, and flood insurance before purchasing. Hiring a professional inspector is crucial.
• Basements may require significant renovations, so buyers should be realistic about the cost and usage of the space. It’s best to wait until after a major rainstorm to begin any basement projects.

Dealing with Mother Nature’s Wrath

Although our Staten Island neighborhood isn’t in a designated flood zone, we’ve still been hit hard by the intense storms that have become all too common in the New York City area. Hurricane Ida in 2021 unleashed about two inches of water in our beloved finished basement – a warning sign of the bigger issues that come with having a basement.

These days, it seems there are no more light, refreshing showers in our city. When it rains, it rains hard – torrential downpours, high winds, and street flooding are the new normal. Anytime the weathercasters start talking about rainfall in terms of inches, my husband and I can’t help but cringe.

Reconsidering Our Basement Priorities

So when we eventually move on from this home in a couple of years, we’ll be looking for spare space and storage above ground rather than below. And it turns out, we’re not the only house hunters who have shifted our thinking on this.

According to real estate experts, “The allure of basements has diminished for some homeowners in the aftermath of the recent years of intense storms.” The stress of post-flood cleanup has caused many buyers in our area to re-evaluate basements as a must-have feature.

What to Look Out For When Basement Hunting

Of course, if we decide to stay in the New York/New Jersey metro area, there’s a good chance our next home will still have a basement. So we may have to compromise a bit. Here’s what the experts recommend looking out for:

Check the Local Water Table

It’s not enough anymore to simply confirm whether a home is in a flood zone or not. “If buyers are bidding on a house with a basement, I suggest they look at the local water table, speak to neighbors about their basements, and, if at all possible, try to view a home after, or ideally during, a rainstorm,” says broker Gerard Splendore.

Don’t Skip the Home Inspection

Hiring a professional home inspector is absolutely crucial, especially if a basement is involved. They can assess for water damage, mold, and structural issues. Splendore had a firsthand experience of how important this step is when an unexpected storm caused a storm sewer blockage and flooded the basement of a house he was bidding on.

Consider Waterproofing and Flood Insurance

Basements are naturally damp, so buyers need to ensure proper waterproofing measures are in place, like sealants, drainage systems, and backup sump pumps. And flood insurance is a must, even for those not in designated flood zones. Homeowners’ insurance typically doesn’t cover weather-related flooding.

Manage Basement Renovation Expectations

While we won’t completely rule out having a basement in our next home, we’ll certainly be more discerning about how we plan to use the space. Buyers need to be realistic about the cost and scope of any basement renovations. Consulting local contractors who specialize in basement work is highly recommended.

At the end of the day, our experience with our flooded basement has made us wiser and more cautious about this feature in our future home search. The allure of that extra space and storage simply isn’t worth the potential headaches and heartache that can come with a basement, at least in our neck of the woods.

Source: [Apartment Therapy article](https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/basements-less-popular-homebuyers-37389011?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Category%2FChannel%3A+main)