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Some older homes have toilets in the basement to combat sewage backups. This type of toilet, also known as a Pittsburgh potty, acted as a safety valve over the incoming sewer line. If a line backed up, it would back up into the toilet because it was the lowest fixture in the home, keeping it out of sight and away from the finished areas of the house.

Basement toilets were also used by workers with messy jobs, like those who worked in coal mines or steel mills. This way, they could clean up and avoid tracking dirt through their home.

Kitchens and bathrooms are typically the most expensive rooms to renovate. The high cost is due to several factors, including expensive appliances like ranges, hoods, and refrigerators, as well as costly fixtures. The 'bones' of the room, such as electrical and plumbing, are also expensive to move or replace. Because of the vast amount of prep work, finishing, and specialized labor involved in a relatively small footprint, these projects can cost double or more than a living space remodel. Even when trying to renovate on a budget, kitchens and bathrooms will likely carry a hefty price tag.

Yes, in most cases, finishing a basement is worth the cost. The project adds valuable, usable square footage to your home and typically provides a return on investment (ROI) of 70% to 75%. For example, an average basement refinishing project costing $32,000 could add between $22,400 and $24,000 to your property's value. The final value added depends on factors like your location, the quality of materials and workmanship, and the features you include, such as a living space, bedroom, or bathroom. To be officially counted in your home's total square footage, the finished space must comply with all local building codes, including requirements for points of egress. However, in areas prone to flooding, a finished basement might be seen as a liability by potential buyers and could potentially decrease your home's value.

Yes, adding a walkout basement will usually bump up your property value. Most homeowners prefer walk out basements because the exposed wall that’s level with the ground provides more utility via a ground-level exterior entrance, and they can fit full windows, which adds natural light and ventilation to the basement area. The only exception might be in areas prone to tornadoes, as walkout basements aren’t as safe as regular basements during a tornado, particularly if they include large windows or glass sliding doors.