You get privacy. That's a plus. But so do your kids, so is that a plus??

If it has high enough ceilings and good air, it is a great use of space.

If it works for your family, go for it. Although, I wouldn't expect buyers to value it when you decide to sell your house.

well, before my little problem. we were going to do the downstairs as a master, with a giant walkin closet, a giant bath with both a large soaker for the hubby and a large shower with all the fixings for me. it already has a whole wall fp and then there would a giant craft room in one corner. figured it would be easier to control the temp.

now as far as inlaws go? i can only repeat my mom, please don't lock me up under ground.

Ugh, I would not appreciate being underground, especially in a master suite. Basements are like dungeons to me and I'd never buy a home with a master suite in the basement. I'd put it in an attic--I'd rather be in heaven than in h*%$l!

"A" master suite in the basement is okay; " the" master suite in the basement, not so much. My sister had a house with a master in the basement (one side was underground, the other opened out to the lawn). It was very useful as guest room/granny flat and helped sell their house. The real master was on the main floor, above ground on all sides. It also helped sell the house.

I agree that a master suite in the basement would be great! I would love it!

A master in the basement would be a problem for my husband at this stage of life as he cannot go up and down stairs very well. Also, basements generally have to have a dehumidifier running in the summer time (in our area) and the noise would drive me crazy.

well with my oxygen machine and my avap, we would barely notice the sound of the dehumidifier, but, the stairs is why the plan did not go through, i too, can no longer do stairs.

There will be a walk out and nice Egress windows. The master bedroom that we are currently using on the main level will be used as an office if we make the switch, but could still be a "bedroom" for resale.

aryn, i think your idea will work fine.

Sure, as long as that option is open for resale - should work.

A master in the basement would creep me out, freak me out, keep me out. I like to keep things on the up and up;)

if the only bedroom with en suite bath was in the 'lower level' i wouldnt buy the house. really, its about statistics. consider how many potential buyers are you willing to alienate vs how much you want the feature.

for example, i'd get rid of the only tub in a house in order to have a big big shower. thats a known bad thing to do, but i'd still do it.

the decision is entirely yours.