For your own use, do whatever makes sense. But space below grade doesn't count the same in an appraisal as above grade. It would basically stay a 1 bedroom house, which is pretty rare, and not that desirable. If resale is important, and recovering your investment, going up or out makes more sense than down.

Wish I could, but lot is just big enough for the house. Thank you for your point on resale value: upper vs lower. No matter what I do downstairs, this is still a one bedroom, one den house!

You will need egress windows for any bedrooms. If you have a walkout basement, depending on the contour of the land, a good landscaper might be able to lower some of the grade to make them less subterranean.

I have lots of big (full size) windows in my walk out basement. Infant, the lower lever of my house is almost exactly the same as the upper, with the exception of the south side, where the back yard is sloped.

You might want to check with a local Realtor on future value, before you spend the $$. Sophie and Patricia (different markets) have differing points of view- both valid. I've lived in areas where it didn't matter, as well as those where basement space was only counted as half, when valuation came around. So check in, if future value matters to you.

When you get comfy with it all, though? I love the idea of a guest suite/bedroom on a different level. We have one- flipped. Our main guest bedroom is main floor, we're upstairs. Great separation, and our guests don't have to feel uncomfortable if they wake up in the middle of the night, want a glass of water or whatever. In the morning, coffee/teas are right there. All the while, we're upstairs, starting our day (coffee upstairs, too!), where our office is.

Could be really fun!

It seems a bit weird to have our guests right next to the kitchen while we would be downstairs. It's not the same as 'being upstairs', on the third floor, I think. Since we have a main floor and a walk out basement, it is more 'natural' to have the guests downstairs. I just want a nice big luxurious ensuite! You know, a fireplace next to the soaker tub, huge walk in closets, large walk in shower, etc. Can't have that upstairs as there is not enough space!

I would rather have two bedrooms on one floor. So, in your case, I would do it. For future resale, there is nothing you can do to get two bedrooms on the first floor. A family with young children would want babies/toddlers close by. With your plan you are allowing for that. Guests, yes, it is nice to think of their comfort, but a nice guest room on any floor is fine. And, do you want to give up your everyday comfortable living for guests who come infrequently?

You can do a lot with walk out basements. It’s not a dungeon. Go for it.

Is the upstairs den next to the 1 bedroom?

My main floor is an open floor plan, 1400 Sq Ft, with a nice size master bedroom that has a smaller ensuite. My home is not suited for a family. I have a den next to the foyer that is my office. My only choice is to keep the master bedroom on the main floor or move it to the basement and convert the main floor master bedroom to a guest room/suite. We don't get that much company, I just love the idea of a big luxurious ensuite!!!

Honestly I really don't think you should invest in a Hugh master with luxury bath in the walk out...seems to me like you should be looking at a new home to fit your needs better...instead of investing money into the basement that you will never recoup investment.

Thank you. You are right. However, I am not willing to move as I love my neighbourhood and my yard. I will live with my small ensuite and finish my basement with a regular bathroom instead of a fancy ensuite. I was prepared to put in a lovely soaker tub instead of a hot tub...

If you think you will be there forever and not worried about resale..than build it out the way you want...I just think a basement is a basement and you will dislike that feeling over time. Something to think about:)

I would consider using up stairs den to reconfigure your bedroom and bath if possible..then add a den downstairs makes more since to me:)

First, can the den be used as the new walk in closet? If no, then sure, why not move downstairs? You'll get used to it. I've seen "upside down" houses around here. They are built to take advantage of the views. Bedrooms downstairs and living area upstairs.

You sound so excited to have an awesome bedroom, I say, go for it.

Put a hot tub out the double french doors from your awesome master it will be great and IMO will sell when the time comes

I have no issue with adding usable space in the lower level. Moving your bedroom down there is another thing altogether, Be sure there is an adequate bedroom upstairs when/if you sell your place. Many will not want to be down there. Is the lower level watertight?

Use the den/office to help create a more livable master upstairs. Put an office and den space downstairs. Ageibg in place means you are not likely to want to navigate stairs at some point. Having the bedroom on he main level means that you. An stay in the home longer.

We made a master with bathroom and walk-in closet downstairs...and we love it! Cooler, quieter, bigger. And guests get a room with an ensuite upstairs!

Finally, some one who has done this! Thanks Shelley.

I would totally go for making your whole basement a master retreat! when starting from scratch you can make it anything you want.

I live in a small 1000 square foot home with the same floor plan in the basement. we do not have AC so we move into the bedroom downstairs in the summer. my husband would stay year round no problem but the bedroom upstairs is a little larger. Its great being on 2 separate floors when we do get company and the room is always ready since we also use it. I didn't like the idea when my husband first suggested it but I wouldn't have it any other way now!

having a walkout would be wonderful. put a hot tub outside and watch the stars. even just our egress windows help with it not feeling like a "basement". a bedroom in the basement is cooler, darker and quieter. the temp really is about the same winter and summer. I like and experts say you get a better sleep with those conditions. I have no problem with cold floors either.

I love murphy beds,but I would nix it in the exercise room. put it somewhere upstairs so you still can enjoy your solitude when you have company.

In our area if the room has egress windows and a closet, it is counted as a bedroom, so for resale it is included as a bedroom. my thought is any finishing you do in an unfinished basement will help resale. the only thing that would hinder is removing a bedroom or bath. as long as you don't overspend for your area, I dont think you have a problem.

GO FOR IT! make it your dream bedroom. it is your house, enjoy it.

just don't deceive yourself...make sure you know what the finished ceiling height will be on the lower level, after your desired floors and finished ceilings are achieved. make sure it can be as you are imagining it.