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Question
Why are there no basements in parts of the country, like Texas? Is it because the soil won't support it? That being the case, commercial buildings are built there with basements; do they use special reinforcing that isn't practical for residential?
Is flooding a reason some areas don't have basements? Also, I notice cold climates tend to have basements and hot ones don't; does the frost line have anything to do with this (e.g., if you're going to dig 5' down anyhow, might as well go further and put in a basement?)
Jennifer - thanks for the question!
You've already answered part of it - basements in cold climates are built because in some cases you're halfway there anyway.
I know of two locations in cold/temperate climates that have more slabs than basements - only because that's the regional tradition.
In Texas and a few other areas, there are several reasons. One is soil; in some parts of TX the ground is solid rock; in Florida it's the watertable height. Another is related to need; if there's no frost line then the basement is an expensive add-on.
Commercial buildings occupy more expensive land, so basement space helps hold cost per square foot down. On larger buildings, basement space is needed to hold mechanical equipment.
Personally, I don't know how folks get on without the cheap storage space basements provide!
Hope this helps!
Richard Taylor, AIA
www.rtastudio.com
www.rtaplans.com
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Answers by Expert:
Richard Taylor, AIA
Expertise
Ask me about all aspects of house, remodeling. , and room addition design and construction. Ask me about historic homes, renovation, and restoration. Ask me about materials and techniques, and about how you can get the best value for your design and construction dollar. Ask me how you can make your home a very special place. I can't, however, answer specific structural engineering questions in this forum - that's something you'll need on-site observation for.
Experience
I own a full-service residential architectural firm, and have been designing custom homes, remodelings, and room additions across the country since 1983. Check us out at Richard Taylor Architects and RTA Plans. I have written and been published extensively on the subject of residential architecture.
Organizations
American Institute of Architects, City of Dublin Architectural Review Board, Vice Chair of City of Dublin Planning and Zoning Commission, American Planning Association, Board Member Historic Dublin Business Association, Past Editor of SPLASH (a software forum), Past Editor of Open Directory Project, Assistant Scoutmaster, Boy Scouts of America
Publications
Business First of Columbus, Suburban New Publications, About.com, Cleveland Plain Dealer, Columbus Dispatch Residential Architect
Custom Home Architect
Remodeling Architect
Education/Credentials
Bachelor of Environmental Design (Architecture) Miami University 1983
For more about home design, check out my blog at Sense Of Place and join the conversation on our Facebook Page.
Awards and Honors
2010 Dublin Chamber of Commerce Business Person of the Year
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