Hi everyone
Our old and quite small house is in need of renovation. Instead of raising the roof for more space we are thinking of renovating the 1940s cellar and adding a small apartment. This would be ideal if our parents were coming to visit. As I am interested in the concept of multiple income streams I would also like to rent out the apartment for a few days per year. Does anyone have experience or advice?
Do check for radon presence tho, it’s extremely common in Switzerland (can be an issue even in ground floor, but basement would be worse usually).
Depending on the local geological risk, it’s forbidden to have bedroom in the basement.
To be checked with the local authorities if your plan is even doable.
Highest concentrationof radioactive radon found in affected regions in cellars with natural flooring, e.g. sand or gravel.
Tho from what I heard, even somewhat recent built with proper floor can have very unhealthy radon concentration (it’s easy for the gas to seep through if extra care wasn’t taken). If you’re in a ground floor it’s worth checking.
(also in Kita, those are often in ground floors)
Radon risk can be checked here:
to measure it you need to put a sampling device in the basement, I think for 1 year.
Otherwise: Do you have windows in the basement? Thos would be a must. Otherwise, in my experience, with houses at this age it is not possible to habe a real „Wohnkeller“. The climate will always be different, because they did not insulate the base floor and the walls as it is done today. We have a basement with windows which is only partially under ground. We can heat it and it is perfect for my homeoffice (used only 1-2 days/week), laundry room and guest room. But I wouldnt want somebody to stay longer, because the climate is different
A couple neighbours (also living in 1940’s houses) have a bedroom in the basement. They don’t rent it out though, only use it for guests. Let us know what you find out, I also have such a basement 