Basements in Nashville (houses, buy, inspection)

[staywarm2]

Are there any homes with basements in Nashville?

[gbone]

Originally Posted by staywarm2

Are there any homes with basements in Nashville?

There are some but most are limited to houses built into the side of a hill or the more expensive houses. The primary reason for this is because of the limestone throughout middle tennessee and the expense involved in removing it.

[IngleDave]

On the side of a hill doesn't seem too unusual around here. To answer the question, yes, there are many houses with basements...and many without.

Growing up here, I thought everyone had one. Not so, but it seemed that way on my street.

[alleycat]

I see quite a few homes with basements, and many without. The short answer is you can find a house with a basement in Nashville but I don't think they're quite as common here as in the surrounding counties.

I'm not sure what the percentage of homes with basement is in Nashville; I would guess something like 1 in 3 or 1 in 4, counting both old and newer houses.

[hml1976]

You might not want one, our first house in Nashville had an old basement from the 40s that flooded every time it rained...and it rains a lot here.

[HouseWhisperer]

There are a number or areas that have homes with basements (my home included). Ingelwood/Rosebank in East Nashville is good place to start as they have a number of 50's and 60's ranches that were frequently built with daylight basements, these homes are also typically very affordable and quick commutes to downtown. Thanks!!

[staywarm2]

Thanks for the info!

[denawilliams]

I know many people have mixed feelings about this, but in considering a home with a basement in Nashville, consider Middle Tennessee reportedly has some concentration of high amounts of radon. Radon issues are more common in basement or cross base homes. With a slab foundation, there's a solid barrier between the ground and the home that helps to prevent the gas from seeping into the home. It is treatable, but if you do buy a basement home, I would recommend getting a radon inspection in addition to your normal inspection. That radon inspection will probably cost you about $150 or so in addition to what you pay for the normal inspection. If it is a problem, it's better to know before you sign the dotted line where you can ask for the seller to consume the costs for the repair or you have the option to walk away.
Just a thought...