Martha
I do not know your area (disclaimer).

In most jurisdictions only permitted space qualifies. That means that the Dept. Of Building and Safety of your area needs to issue you a permit, and the permit needs to have a final inspection. After that inspection the permit can be recorded with the county assessor's office, and they will in turn update their records (and probably your property tax rate also!).

In my area unpermitted additions are not taken into account by insurance companies nor appraisers.,

In Ohio, a basement's square footage only counts if it is a walk out. You sound like yours qualifies. Heat is not the consideration, only an exit and entrance. Good luck.

Hello Martha,

That is a good question. From my experience, appraisers do not use the basement in the over all square footage of the home. Having heat in your basement is a good selling point for your home. I do not know if I would recommend you putting heat in your basement now that you want to sell. That is up to you. I would be more concerned in other updates in your home such as the kitchen and bathrooms. Appraisers are very interested in those when appraising properties. You definitely will get your money out of your home by updating your kitchen and bathrooms. Certainly it wouldn't hurt you to have heat in your basement. How is the rest of your home?

Renee Porsia
Associate Broker
RE/MAX ACTION REALTY
(215) 669-0589 Direct
(215) 358-1100 Office Ask for Renee
http://www.reneeporsia.com