Basement or Not

[clintsullivan]

Originally Posted by jaunespinoza

I would rather have a garage than a basement. The number of kids would make a big difference. Once you get closer in, the garage becomes a necessity.

Yep, we have just under 2100' in the house and no basement, but my 2 car garage (which is deep enough for a Nissan Titan, not like the little 19' single door ones on the new houses) has floored storage above and a 12' x 24' finished shop at the back with lots of storage, which makes it easier than heading to a basement for stuff. And for the lawn equipment kind of stuff we have a couple separate buildings which is really better for storing flammables, etc. than in your basement.
The only thing that has to be accessed in the crawl space is the well pressure tank, which rarely needs attention. So we haven't really found it detrimental to not have a basement.

[DC Oldtimer]

I'm no expert but my impression is that you have nothing to worry about.

We've begun the process of looking for a new home outside of the NOVA area, but within a few hours of here. I see so many homes without basements (in all price ranges) that it is simply inconceivable to me that this feature is a must-have for a large number of people.

I think the argument for a basement is even less compelling if a home has a three-car garage. A buyer who has only two cars (most people) can use the space for a third car instead of a basement.

[Turbogyrl]

Personally, have to have a basement. Unless the water table in that area is too high, and they flood often. Ask around. Are there sump pumps? Are the basements finished or unfinished? To me, its like I would be buying land and not utilizing it to the fullest, if I didn't have a basement.

[Denton56]

Originally Posted by jaunespinoza

I would rather have a garage than a basement. The number of kids would make a big difference. Once you get closer in, the garage becomes a necessity.

Why is a garage more important if you live closer in?

I have to have a garage or carport because I don't want to have to unload groceries in the rain or snow. I can't understand people who have a garage but keep it so packed with junk that they are lugging bags around to the front of the house, then through the more formal rooms to the kitchen. We have a three car garage that is filled with three cars and a motorcycle. No one is out in the rain. But many of my neighbors, all of whom have big basements, can't get a car into their 3 car garage. Some of them also have storage sheds, pool houses, and barns! Yet they're still parking in the driveway because their garages are filled. Go figure.

[Denton56]

Another factor to consider, do most houses in the area have basements? If they do, then buyers will expect a basement. It will make resale more difficult if buyers find most other houses have basements.

[jaunespinoza]

Originally Posted by Denton56

Why is a garage more important if you live closer in?

"Well, Duh" It just may occur to you that your car is a lot more likely to be broken into (or stolen) in DC than it is in the suburbs. Your insurance rates will verify this.

[Denton56]

Originally Posted by jaunespinoza

"Well, Duh" It just may occur to you that your car is a lot more likely to be broken into (or stolen) in DC than it is in the suburbs. Your insurance rates will verify this.

Oh, sorry, I've never lived in bad neighborhoods. So, no, it wouldn't occur to me that might happen.

[Nancy in Nokomis]

Wow, I am glad that I live in a neighborhood where there is not a lot of car break ins - what a terrible reason to need a garage.
And why would having kids make you need a garage? We store their bikes in a shed and they have all their toys in a playroom in a basement.