Denver, Wheat Ridge, Centennial, & Northern Colorado
Convert Your Basement to a Walk Out
Add an entrance to your basement for a completely independent living area.
Converting your traditional basement or garden level basement into a walk out is a game-changer for giving you more options for how you can use the space you already have. Whether you’re adding a private entrance for an in-law suite, creating a spot for your college kids to come and go, or setting up a granny flat, this upgrade makes it easier to turn your basement into a privately accessible space.
PR Builders specializes in basement finishing, basement remodeling, and crawl space to basement conversions in Denver, Wheat Ridge, Centennial, and throughout Northern Colorado.


Creating a Walk Out Basement
Converting your basement to a walkout is more than just adding a door—you have the opportunity to make the space functional and unique to your needs. Whether you’re envisioning a private “suite” or an entertainment center, taking full advantage of the design phase will make your investment especially worthwhile and meet your needs for longer.
Adding a Kitchenette & Bathroom
A kitchenette provides a convenient place for meal prep, complete with a sink, countertop, and storage. Adding a bathroom completes the package for a fully independent living area. These additions are ideal for guest suites, rental units, or areas for extended family.
Adding a Retaining Wall, Patio, & More
Exterior finishes, like adding a patio, lighting, and seating, can help you enhance the functionality and appearance of your new walkout or walk-up basement. Whatever your vision is, we can help you create an outdoor entry that’s both practical and inviting.
The Process: How Do You Add an Entrance to Your Basement?
Pre-Construction: Soil Testing, Foundation Assessment, & Design
Before breaking ground, a thorough pre-construction process is done to ensure a smooth and successful walkout conversion process. Soil testing evaluates the ground’s stability and drainage capacity, which are critical for excavation and foundation work. A foundation assessment identifies the structural integrity of the existing basement walls and highlights any necessary reinforcements to maintain stability. With the structural engineer’s report, detailed design plans can be developed and permits can be acquired.
Construction Contract & Permits
At the end of the pre-construction stage, you will have everything you need to begin the construction of your walk out basement, including all the plans and construction documents, a detailed budget outline, and a construction schedule. At this point, a general construction agreement is signed so that we can coordinate all permitting for you and the actual construction can begin.
Excavation
Construction of your walk out basement starts with excavating the soil along one foundation wall to create the necessary grade for the new entrance. On level properties, this process may be more extensive and often requires deeper excavation and a retaining wall to stabilize the surrounding soil. Once the excavation and retaining wall is complete, the area in front of the walkout can be prepared for a patio.
Adding a Basement Entrance
Converting a basement into a walkout requires creating a proper access point by cutting into the foundation wall or enlarging your existing daylight windows to accommodate a door. If your basement already has windows, these can often be expanded to create the entryway. Once the opening is prepared, a weather-resistant door is installed to provide seamless access to the outdoors, completing the transformation into a functional walkout basement.
Drainage
Proper drainage is essential when converting a basement into a walkout to prevent water from pooling near the new entry. The excavation should be graded to direct water away from the foundation, and drainage systems can then be installed. If retaining walls are part of the project, they should include drainage features to manage runoff effectively. These measures help protect the basement from moisture issues and ensure the new walkout remains dry and functional.
Stairs
In a walk-up basement conversion, stairs will provide a direct path from the basement to ground level. These stairs are typically enclosed within a well and constructed from concrete to withstand weather conditions. The staircase layout can be straight or angled, depending on the available space and aesthetic preferences. Handrails or guardrails are added to enhance safety and comply with building codes, creating a secure and convenient basement exit.
Interior Basement Remodeling
Once the structural work for your walkout or walk-up basement is complete, your options are endless as you create a new, functional independent living area. You can also incorporate amenities like a kitchenette, bathroom, or a bedroom area to suit your needs, like when adding a mother-in-law suite.
Exterior Remodeling
Exterior finishes, like adding a patio, lighting, and seating, can help you enhance the functionality and appearance of your new walkout or walk-up basement. Whatever your vision is, we can help you create an outdoor entry that’s both practical and inviting.
Walk Out Basement Ideas
Adding a walkout entrance to your basement is ideal for:
Adding an In-Law Suite
Create a private, comfortable space for family members. A walkout entrance adds convenience and independence.

Adding a Guest Room or Separate Living Space
Give your guests a welcoming and secluded area to stay. A walkout basement means privacy and easy access.

Adding a Home Office
Transform your basement into a quiet, dedicated workspace, with plenty of natural light and an outside entry.

Adding Rental/Tenant Space to Your Home
Create a rentable basement unit with easy access for tenants and all the amenities they may need.
Create a Walk Out Basement with PR Builders
Turn your basement into a space that works for your lifestyle, complete with its own entrance and everything you need to make it functional and enjoyable.

As Denver’s trusted walk out basement contractors, we handle every aspect of your project as you build a walk out basement, from design to construction. Add a walkout entrance, install a personal kitchen or bathroom, or create an outdoor patio—the sky’s the limit with how you choose to remodel or finish your basement.
Get started with a free in-home consultation and personalized cost estimate for walk out basement construction and we’ll help you find out what’s possible.
Our Other Services
Full Basement Finishing
Turn unused basement space into valuable square footage with custom design and amenities.
Home Additions
Get the space you need without relocating. We specialize in ground-level additions and second-story additions (pop tops).
Remodeling
Maximize your investment and future-proof your home with our full custom remodeling services.
Crawl Space to Basement Conversions
Add finished square footage below your home or convert your partial basement to a full with a crawl space dig-out.