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A basement suite can be a preferred choice for people when renting an apartment in Winnipeg. But it also has many benefits and in some cases, saves you money down the road.
Basement Living Tip #1: Purchase a standing lamp for a low-light room.
Common Misconceptions:
The difference between cellar/bunker suites is that it has no windows and are entirely underground. Basement suites or lower-level units are located on the basement floor but are 50% below ground. Because they are not 100% underground, they have medium to large windows that bring in natural light from the ground level.
Another misunderstanding is that basement suites are noisy as you can hear the people above you, cars from the streets, laundry machines, etc. The truth is it depends on the building. Concrete buildings make it harder for noise to travel through their thick walls and ceilings. Another benefit to renting a basement suite is that you don’t have to worry about the neighbour complaining about the noise level – having nobody living below you.
Basement Living Tip #2: Paint an accent wall or use bright colors in furnishings that will make the room brighter.
Here are a couple of positive points to renting a basement suite:
- More affordable. Basement units are 20% less expensive than units in the same building because of the low demand. If you’re on a budget or saving up, renting a basement suite could save you more money monthly.
- More privacy. In some cases, there are basement suites that have an entrance accessible from the side or back entry, and with fewer units on the basement floor, means fewer neighbours.
- All utilities included. There are basement suites that include all utilities, compared to other upper floors units, which may only include heat or water.
- Fewer staircases. If you live in a midrise apartment, chances are there may not be elevators. Basement suites only have one set of stairs going down, which provides easy access, so you don’t have to worry about lugging heavy items such as groceries or furnishings.
- Accessibility. Building facilities like a laundry facility can be easier to access as they are usually on the basement level.
- Cooler temperatures. A basement suite will provide comfort on those extremely warm days. As hot air rises in an apartment, you will reap the rewards of being in a much more comfortable place as your unit stays cool in the summer months. It will also help you save money, using less electricity to run an air conditioning unit throughout the day.
- Maybe easier to approve renovations. Renovations, in some cases, maybe approved faster versus other suites as no one is beneath you. For example, if you requested new vinyl plank wood flooring, the RM may agree as there is no one living underneath that may be affected by the noise.
- People who work the night shift. If you have a job that requires working the night shift most of the time, a basement suite will benefit you with less light in the room and noise, allowing you to get a good night’s sleep.
Basement Living Tip #3: Ask about inspections of sump pumps, plumbing, electrical units, and other systems near the basement apartment suite.
Property management companies are changing the look of basement suites. They’re starting to give it more curve appeal by installing large windows, under-counter lighting, beautiful vinyl plank wood flooring, recessed lighting, light interior paint colours, and more. Thorwin Properties has always kept this in mind when renovating their lower-level apartment suites in Winnipeg. Recently this year, we renovated a one-bedroom basement suite at 585 Corydon Avenue. Upon its completion, it was rented within two weeks. Visit our YouTube link to see this unit and other properties. Thorwin Properties' YouTube link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wrxjZDrKaHo
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Your Thorwin Properties Team