It is a great improvement to do a walkout basement if your grade on your property is conducive for it. Ian's long as you do not have to dig down more that about 4 feet to get to your grade that you have to reach and that you have the property in the area to do that and if the flood elevation of your property is ok. You have to check with the building dept to see if the that elevation is not against their code. In some areas some codes do not allow you to put openings in foundations below a certain grade. Also if you are putting living space in a basement you die need a second egress such as a egress window with a ladder in it and the window cannot go over a certain maximum height off the basement floor. But in answer to your question it defiantly improves the living space due to the light. Check with your local Architect and building dept. before you start a project like this. I hope this helps you and good luck.

Thank you! I should start with the city to see what they allow before I get my hopes up!