[skisickie]

I have a remote fan when I get hot, high, cold, low and dh doesn't even know it while he sleeps peacefully away. It is the best invention since chocolate
ahhhh the wonders of aging.

[aitchem]

I believe hot air rises and cold air falls. That's why it's cold downstairs and hot upstairs

[scirocco22]

I have a "walk-out" basement, 2-level house. Surprisingly, I hardly ever have to use the A/C nor furnace in the basement even though the exposure is to the WSW. In the summer, it's always very cool downstairs. On days that are 110 when the main level A/C is trying to keep up with the cooling to 82-85 , the basement is around 85 or less all day long.

In the winter when it's near or below freezing when I might have to run the furnace to keep the main level comfortable, the basement is actually toasty without any help from the furnace. I suppose it's because part of it is "underground."

There's almost as much finished square footage in the basement as there is on the main level and it opens up to the backyard. I realize that not all lots can accommodate a walk-out or daylight rambler (a lot with grade sloping downward?) but I wouldn't hesitate buying another 2-level walk-out again.

[MomMom]

Those walk out basements are almost non existent here in Las Vegas, rocco, I don't know why they weren't built a lot here in the valley.

But I do remember seeing a model home here in town that DID have it, somewhere around Robindale, S. Jones area... and I think the builder was America West.

What a neat idea it is, I'd love to have one of those walk outs.

[yellowsnow]

I am a huge fan of basements, especially walk outs. It would be a great way to save AC dollars here but they just don't seem to build them. It's also great for shiftworkers who need a dark, cool place to sleep during the day! I used my basement more than the main house!

[olecapt]

There are a few along Grand Canyon around Ann. The road along one stretch has almost a cliff to the east. There is also a great lot on La Madre near there that has been filled to a perfect setup for a walkout...and the upper floor will have an unobstructed strip view.

They are not common but do exist. Particularly around 215 in the west side of the NW.

[Buzz123]

My buddy built one at Red Rock CC.

Where we come from at least half the homes have basements, but I've never heard the term walk-out. I assume that only means it has a door to the outside? Don't they all?

My neighbors also had coal chutes, coal bins for storing a load of coal for the coal furnaces, and it was fun to get all dirty sliding down the chutes and playing in the bins ...except for when your mom spanked you for it.

A lot of people still do more cooking in the basement than the kitchen. Canning vegetables down there becomes a big party,

[yellowsnow]

Originally Posted by Buzz123

My buddy built one at Red Rock CC.

Where we come from at least half the homes have basements, but I've never heard the term walk-out. I assume that only means it has a door to the outside? Don't they all?

My neighbors also had coal chutes, coal bins for storing a load of coal for the coal furnaces, and it was fun to get all dirty sliding down the chutes and playing in the bins ...except for when your mom spanked you for it.

A lot of people still do more cooking in the basement than the kitchen. Canning vegetables down there becomes a big party,

Yup, walk out is a door to the outside and no, all basements don't have them. Walkout basements also have real windows.

I still remember my grandma canning in the basement where it was cool.

[scirocco22]

The term "walk-out" must be a regional thing. The first time I head it used was when I came to Nevada. I've more often heard them called "daylight ramblers" elsewhere because from the front, they appear to be a one level house and you wouldn't really know they had a lower level until you looked at the sides or the back of the house.

Their main floor is more often than not, the same floor plan as a one-level home with the lower floor being used as a rec room, or for additional bedrooms, or a MIL apartment, or a guest quarters, etc.

I think the only lot they'd be feasible to be built on would be one with a relatively dramatic slope downward. I really like that style but as I say, it would be next to impossible to be built on a level lot.