A finished basement gives all the benefits cavemen used to rave about. Take advantage.

Back in prehistoric times, our early ancestors used to live in caves. This wasn’t just a matter of sheltering from the elements – at also made a lot more sense than building huts or lean-tos; which required a lot of work and materials to construct, and didn’t provide nearly as much shelter as mother nature did.

Caves – built as they were from meters of impenetrable rock – were incredibly well insulted. As a result, they were a place cavemen could shelter from the heat in when the sun beat down, and also stay warm and snug during the coldest months of the year.

The finished basements of today mirror many of these traits – which is why they can be an incredibly smart investment for homeowners and families looking to live comfortably, but economically.

Whether finishing a basement to add additional living space, or to offer out as a rental property, the natural insulation provided by the earth will help reduce heating bills during winter, and also help keep the living space cool during summer months.

But a little extra work is required – like adding a means of egress to any finished basement.

First off, egress windows are a national building code requirement; and you can’t rent out a basement without meeting that standard. Secondly, they offer a vital means of escape in the event of an emergency like a fire; and could save lives.

But additionally, they help maximize the natural environmental properties of basement living – adding a source of natural sunlight (which can inhibit mold) and a means of ventilation which can help reduce humidity levels and make underground living space incredibly comfortable.

With an egress window, enjoying basement living space becomes so easy, even a caveman could do it.