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I've read that basements are rare in homes in NC (or parts of NC). I am particularly interested in the Triangle area and am wondering if this is the case there.
Also wonder whether homes in the Triangle area have attics.
For basements and/or attics, is there a difference between newer and older homes? (Thinking I'd prefer newer.)
some have basements, some have attics, some have neither. Coming from the north, I dislike not having a basement. I had both a walk up attic and a basement and now have neither, but you can find homes that have one or the other, or both. they are just harder to come by.
If you search the threads this topic came up a while back.
Basements are daylight basements which mean that the lot must be somewhat sloped to allow the basement. We don't build them down into the ground.
If you buy brand new, the basement will be costly...could be $20,000 to $40,000 (unfinished). When you sell, the appraiser will give that basement a value of about $10,000. So, beware if you are the first buyer.
Many people here do not care for basements. They are wet and damp in this area (high water table, I've been told by contractors).
Attics tend to hold lots of junk. The more space you have for that junk, the more junk you will "save". I have a full size attic (3rd floor). Hubby has empty boxes from computers that died 10 years ago. Not sure why he won't part with them! I'm thinking hoarder!
I am not a basement fan, I would rather have more square footage on the main level or second floor. I never liked the basements up north with the tiny windows. That said you can get a home with a daylight/walkout basement here. It means part of the basement is at ground level, not underground, that is how they are done here. Funny part is, if you are buying new construction, you will pay more for a basement lot! The builders need to cash in on the transplants who can't live without a basement.
I think more homes here have an attic then a basement. Most with pull down steps not a full walk up but can find that too.
Basements are daylight basements which mean that the lot must be somewhat sloped to allow the basement. We don't build them down into the ground.
If you buy brand new, the basement will be costly...could be $20,000 to $40,000 (unfinished). When you sell, the appraiser will give that basement a value of about $10,000. So, beware if you are the first buyer.
Many people here do not care for basements. They are wet and damp in this area (high water table, I've been told by contractors).
Attics tend to hold lots of junk. The more space you have for that junk, the more junk you will "save". I have a full size attic (3rd floor). Hubby has empty boxes from computers that died 10 years ago. Not sure why he won't part with them! I'm thinking hoarder!
So very true, which we discovered when we moved, BUT for an ebay queen like me, not having either is making my home's actual living area look like I am a hoarder! My one DD is begging me to go back to teaching. I NEED a basement or attic.
I am not a basement fan, I would rather have more square footage on the main level or second floor. I never liked the basements up north with the tiny windows. That said you can get a home with a daylight/walkout basement here. It means part of the basement is at ground level, not underground, that is how they are done here. Funny part is, if you are buying new construction, you will pay more for a basement lot! The builders need to cash in on the transplants who can't live without a basement.
I think more homes here have an attic then a basement. Most with pull down steps not a full walk up but can find that too.
Most homes here have attics than basements, unless you get that walkout type that Vicki described. The only homes I've ever been in around here with basements that were NOT walkout were ITB and older... much older.
A walk-up attic is rather nice.
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Most homes here have attics than basements, unless you get that walkout type that Vicki described. The only homes I've ever been in around here with basements that were NOT walkout were ITB and older... much older.
A walk-up attic is rather nice.
During our house hunting here I have not seen a house with a basement, new construction or re-sale. As a previous poster said they are uncommon in the area due to many factors. With regards to the attics, the ones that had walk ups were big and had a lot of space. The one thing I found odd was in most instances the builder framed for walls on each side, however, they did not wire for any additional electrical outlets or light fixtures. They also didn't add vents for the a/c system in the attic. I was also told that to finish the attic it could add as much as 15k to the cost of the build.
When we leave here I will miss my finished basement and finished walk up attic.
I'm thinking about moving back up North because I miss a basement so much.
Basements are ideal for things like hot water heaters and a furnace, in my opinion.
Also, don't even think about storing anything valuable in an attic here in the Raleigh area. If the attic isn't insulated your belongings will get cooked by the heat within a couple of Summers. This is why you see so many people in this area using their garage for storage.
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