Why do Americans all have basem*nts?
It keeps the house from moving due to frost. The basem*nt is dug below frost line, which is how deep the soil freezes in a typical winter. This can be as deep as seven feet in northern US, or a bit over two meters. This is a stable foundation on which to build.
Why do we have basem*nts?
Daylight basem*nts can be used for several purposes—as a garage, as maintenance rooms, or as living space. The buried portion is often used for storage, laundry room, hot water tanks, and HVAC. Daylight basem*nt homes typically appraise higher than standard-basem*nt homes, since they include more viable living spaces.
What percent of Americans have basem*nts?
As of the information available to me, it's estimated that about 38 million American homes have basem*nts. This accounts for roughly 30% of all single-family homes in the United States.
Why do some states have basem*nts and others don t?
California homes don't have basem*nts because of climate conditions, traditional architecture, and the perceived risk factors of adding a basem*nt in an earthquake-prone area.
Where are basem*nts most popular?
The division with the highest share of full/partial basem*nts in new homes is West North Central (74.6%), followed by New England (73.5%), Middle Atlantic (61.2%), and East North Central (52.7%). The average area of finished basem*nt was 1,082 square feet in East North Central, 967 sq.
Is having a basem*nt good or bad?
House plans with basem*nts offer a safe haven in dangerous weather. These basem*nts are more protected during tornadoes because they are built completely underground. Cooler temperatures. If you live in a climate where it gets very hot, you might opt for a house plan with a basem*nt to provide a space for cooling off.
When did finished basem*nts become popular?
In the 1950s, basem*nts were more commonly seen in newly built homes. They were remodeled to a degree - often with concrete floors which was an improvement from the basem*nts of the past.
Where in the US do houses not have basem*nts?
Most parts of Florida, Louisiana, and eastern Texas have swaths of wetland or swamps or significant coastlines. So, there's just too much water underground to make basem*nt construction feasible.
Are basem*nts rare in Texas?
Texas Soil Is Not Basem*nt-Friendly
Some areas are hard limestone that's very difficult and expensive to cut through to dig out a basem*nt. The remaining areas have an unstable type of clay that swells significantly when it rains and shrinks during the dry season.
Are houses without basem*nts cold?
Without a basem*nt, the lower levels of the house may be more susceptible to colder temperatures. However, the overall warmth of a house depends on various factors such as insulation, heating systems, and local climate.
Why can't Florida have basem*nts?
Florida has a large aquifer system that spans around 100,000 square miles and provides water for many large cities. The groundwater's very close to the surface in most parts of Florida and Southern Georgia. Because of the high water table and proximity to the ocean, it is impossible to dig out for a basem*nt.
Why can't Texas have basem*nts?
In some parts of the state the water table is too near the surface of the ground, making leaking and flooding an issue. In other areas the bedrock is too near the surface, making digging a basem*nt difficult and costly.
Are basem*nts good to live in?
If the basem*nt is well-ventilated and has plenty of natural light, then it can be just as healthy as any other living space. However, if the basem*nt is damp and dark, then it may not be the best place to live long-term.
Why do Southern homes not have basem*nts?
In warmer places, like central Florida and Georgia, the frost line tends to be much closer to the surface. Subsequently, home builders don't bother with the extra expense of building a basem*nt. Also, many Southern states only have a shallow layer of soil over a much harder layer of limestone bedrock.
Are basem*nts safe in an earthquake?
The short answer is yes; basem*nts are safe during earthquakes. The main reason they are safe is that basem*nts stabilize the structure of a home. A basem*nt reaches deep into the earth and uses concrete and rebar to create a solid foundation. This helps keep a house anchored during an earthquake.
Why do people like basem*nts?
In the past, they were often called cellars, and were most useful to store food that needed to be protected from the extreme hot or cold weather. A basem*nt is cheaper to heat and cool than an upper level of the same size.
Do most Americans have basem*nts?
According to the United States' Census Bureau's Survey of Construction, basem*nts are on a downward trend. In 2000, 40% of homes were built with basem*nts. By 2013, that number was 32%.
Why were basem*nts originally built?
In ancient times, the space in a home below ground was used for water, wine, or food storage. In the Renaissance, the basem*nt space provided wealthy families with a place for their kitchen, servant's quarters, and laundry rooms.
Why are basem*nts so expensive?
Major Factors Affecting the Cost to Dig Out a Basem*nt. Basem*nt size, house support, drainage needs, and foundation pouring will dictate your basem*nt excavation costs.
Is it good to sleep in basem*nt?
Sleeping in basem*nts can potentially pose health risks, depending on various factors such as ventilation, moisture levels, and air quality. Basem*nts can be more prone to mold, dust mites, and radon gas, which can affect air quality and potentially impact respiratory health.
Is it cheaper to build a house with or without a basem*nt?
The cost of excavating and constructing a basem*nt, as well as the additional materials and labor involved, can contribute to the higher overall cost. Additionally, factors such as the location, size, and design of the basem*nt can also impact the total cost of construction.
Who created basem*nts?
There's no definitive answer on the origins of the basem*nt, and that's because the basem*nt structure naturally grew out of early cellars. Because it's underground, a basem*nt tends to be naturally cooler than the above-ground structure.
Why are basem*nts left unfinished?
Basem*nts are often left unfinished for a variety of reasons. One common reason is cost; finishing a basem*nt can be expensive due to the need for insulation, drywall, flooring, and other materials. Additionally, basem*nts can be prone to moisture issues, which can make finishing them a risky investment.
Why do old basem*nts leak?
Drainage issues around a home's foundation, including poor grading, overflowing gutters, short downspouts, or clogged window wells can all cause water to pool near the foundation. Foundation cracks and porous concrete, combined with hydrostatic pressure contribute to basem*nt leaks.
What is a house without a basem*nt called?
A slab-on-grade means no basem*nt, no basem*nt walls, just one slab of concrete on which you build your house.
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