Choosing a basement suite over an apartment or single room is a great choice for many people. Basement suites usually have full amenities and a separate entrance to give you privacy and independence. There are a number of pros and cons for all basement suites for rent in Victoria BC, but it is a fantastic option if you’re low on funds, in need of housing asap, or want to save up for a home of your home and are limiting your expenses.

Whatever your motivations are for looking into basement suites for rent in Victoria BC, you should first understand the pros and cons of basement suites so you know what to expect, as well as what to look for in a basement suite so you choose the right one for you.

Pros and Cons of Basement Suites

As with any living arrangement, there are both pros and cons to basement suites. It is up to you to determine whether the pros outweigh the cons or vice versa.

Pros

• Affordability. In terms of cost to rent, basement suites are spectacularly more affordable than above-ground suites, apartments, or shared homes. You could save upwards of $500 per month in rent, utilities, and parking depending on your landlord and location.
• Privacy. Rather than rent a room in someone’s home or share a space with 3 or 4 roommates, a basement suite gives you total privacy from your landlord or other occupants of the home. Plus, you usually don’t have any common areas since basement suites are equipped with a fully functional kitchen and bathroom.
• Independence. If you’re an introvert or just enjoy your peace and quiet, a basement suite is the way to go. They are almost always built for an individual or at most a couple, so you have your own space. You won’t have to arrange your morning routine with anyone else, you can come and go as you please, and you don’t have anyone to accommodate but yourself.
• More Space. Basement suites are often found in the basement of single-family homes, so you’re likely to have much more space for yourself than if you shared a multi-family unit or chose a home with roommates.

Cons

• Can be Claustrophobic. If you don’t enjoy cramped spaces or being underground, a basement suite might not be for you. The ceiling height regulation for a basement suite is 7ft, which is reasonable, but you may still feel like the space isn’t big enough if you’re used to tall ceilings or more light in your space.
• Prone to Water Damage. When you rent an above-ground apartment, you really only have to worry about water penetration if your upstairs neighbors leave a faucet running or flood their apartment. In a basement suite, you may get seepage from foundation cracks during particularly wet days.
• Pests. Naturally, a space below-ground is more prone to creepy-crawlies than an above-ground unit, and basements are no exception. You may have to deal with the occasional spider or beat with noise from mice in your ceiling. Not all basements will have these issues, of course, but older homes especially can be a bit problematic in this area.

How to Choose the Best Basement Suite for Rent in Victoria BC

There a number of features you should look for in a basement suite to ensure that you get the best living space you can so that your stay is enjoyable.

• Exterior Entrance. An exterior entrance will make your life so much easier when you rent a basement suite in someone’s home. It will give you greater privacy and you won’t have to worry about disturbing anyone if you have a nocturnal schedule or you have people coming over. Plus, a separate entrance is better for your safety in case of a fire.
• Bathtub. Most basement suites opt for a stand-up shower only to save space, but some will have a bathtub built in as well. If you can find one, a bathtub will provide a creature comfort that you will be thankful for almost immediately.
• Dining Area. A basement suite with a dining area is a great touch to any basement suite so that you have more living space and your suite has greater functionality.
• Microwave and Dishwasher. These are a few more creature comforts that will make your life significantly easier. They may be simple appliances, but they add a lot of convenience to your daily routine and are not to be forgotten too quickly.
• Laundry Machines. No one likes going to a laundry mat, and most of us don’t like sharing laundry machines with strangers much better. A basement suite with a separate laundry area just for you is a really nice touch and will be highly convenient. You won’t have to organize a schedule with your landlord, bring your laundry to another location, or have to worry about switching loads the second the cycle finishes when you have your own laundry units. It might not seem like a big deal now, but it probably will once you’ve moved in.
• Separate Heating and Cooling Systems. This is probably a rare find in the average basement suite, but you might get lucky and find a place that offers you independent control over your thermostat. You won’t have to split utilities with your landlord or have conflict over set temperatures. Having control over your temperature in a basement suite is a huge plus since they are often cold and drafty.

Final Thoughts

So, there you have it. Everything you need to know before looking into basement suites for rent in Victoria BC. A basement suite is the perfect living arrangement for many different types of people, and it could be perfect for you too. Just make sure to take our advice to choose the perfect suite with a few desirable features to make your stay that much better!