Why do Northern states have basements?

Building foundations need to be below the frost line to avoid freezing and cracking in pipes. In cooler climates, the frost line is several feet below the surface, which is why many Northern homes have basements.

Why do California houses not have basements?

In addition, fear of earthquakes was often cited as a reason for the dearth of basements in the Golden State. Building a basement to code upgrades your home to the safest level of protection for earthquakes, because you have a much stronger foundation for the whole house.

Why do houses not have basements in Texas?

Phil Crone, executive director for the Dallas Builders Association, said basements are also not as common in Texas because the frost line — the depth below the ground where the soil does not freeze in the winter — is much shallower in Texas than up north.

What is the purpose of the basement?

It generally is used as a utility space for a building, where such items as the boiler, water heater, breaker panel or fuse box, car park, and air-conditioning system are located; so also are amenities such as the electrical distribution system and cable television distribution point.

Why doesn’t Florida have basements?

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 basement. It is technically possible to build a basement in some parts of Florida.

Do houses in California have basements?

For transplants from the Midwest and East, it is downright puzzling why California homes generally do not have basements, a staple in other parts of the country. A basement will have poured concrete walls and strong foundations set very deep.”

Why do houses have basements in the winter?

In parts of the US where it snows, the foundation of the house has to be built into the ground at the frost line, which is below ground level. Because the foundation has to be dug out anyway, they figure they may as well make some use of the space below the house so they put basements in.

Are basements common in the US?

Basements (or cellars) are common in the colder areas of the US areas where the foundation needs to be below the frost line. In warm places like California, Texas, etc. basements are very uncommon because the expense of digging down isn’t worth it.

Does a house need a basement in California?

If you look at the house from some 60s house, you might even see houses with basements. However, there is no need for it now. As such the houses in California are super expensive. Builders are finding ways to cut anything that can reduce the construction cost.

Why don’t Southern Home Builders build basements?

Subsequently, home builders don’t bother with the extra expense of building a basement. Also, many Southern states only have a shallow layer of soil over a much harder layer of limestone bedrock.