Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community - View Single Post - Why many houses in CA don't have basements?

Jelorian · 11-09-2005, 01:14 PM

Thanks for all the answers guys...looks to me that cost is the major factor. I would imagine that it would probably add 15%-25% to the overall cost of the house. (this is purely speculation on my part as I'm not a contractor) Running power, water, HVAC, and everything else will definitely add to your build expenses, but IMHO, the gain is worth it. I'm sure that if someone were building a house and they really wanted to put in a basement, its entirely possible no matter where you live. As long as you take the proper precautions (based on type of soil/ground) you have to deal with as well as the climate. I, for one, would love to have a finished basement as its indeed much cooler in hotter climates and if you do it right, could be even more fun to hang out in. i.e. home theater, game room, party room, etc. As for the issue with earthquakes, for those of us who live in earthquake country, it doesn't really matter too much to me as it can happen anytime and I could be anywhere.

Again, thanks for all the replies.

11-09-2005, 01:14 PM	#16 (permalink)
Jelorian Upright	Thanks for all the answers guys...looks to me that cost is the major factor. I would imagine that it would probably add 15%-25% to the overall cost of the house. (this is purely speculation on my part as I'm not a contractor) Running power, water, HVAC, and everything else will definitely add to your build expenses, but IMHO, the gain is worth it. I'm sure that if someone were building a house and they really wanted to put in a basement, its entirely possible no matter where you live. As long as you take the proper precautions (based on type of soil/ground) you have to deal with as well as the climate. I, for one, would love to have a finished basement as its indeed much cooler in hotter climates and if you do it right, could be even more fun to hang out in. i.e. home theater, game room, party room, etc. As for the issue with earthquakes, for those of us who live in earthquake country, it doesn't really matter too much to me as it can happen anytime and I could be anywhere. Again, thanks for all the replies.