Does San Antonio have homes with basements? (real estate, living)

[guerosincero]

I live in Mahncke Park and have run into a few folks with basements, or more often root cellars, in and around this area. The guy who built my house back in 1910 was apparently from Chicago, which is why I am told he included a 1900 sq ft basement that is nearly eight feet high. It is the same footprint as upstairs and is below ground up to about five feet and then has some windows spaced our around the perimeter that start at ground level. It is unfinished and needs a new concrete floor but it is a perfect place for storage and eventually a man cave. I never have heard that expression before, but can't wait to share it with my wife. I can hear her eyes rolling already!

[hello13685]

Are there no basements here because of the flooding?

[cjw]

I live in a home built in the 30's in Alamo Heights and I have a basement. I'm told the homeowner had the basement built during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Several different service people (AC, remodeler etc) have told me it was definitely added after the house was built so it could be true. Ours does leak when we have heavy rains so we went for almost a decade with water once every few years. This year is a different story. I think it's flooded 3 times this year so now we're trying to figure out how to fix it.

[smitty12]

I would assume that anywhere that does not see significant below freezing weather does not have a lot of basements. When code requires you to dig a big hole for a deep foundation to stop frost heave, a basement is easy to add. When you don't need a deep foundation then it is just a luxury....

Corey

Plus, San Antonio isn't an area prone to tornados, so unlike the people living in the panhandle, it's not imperative to put in a storm cellar.

[huckster]

Basements are good, but you may have to have to have it blasted
if you build north. South of town it can be dug with an excavator or a bulldozer.(cheaper)
It is great idea as the cooling costs are cheaper for an extra living space.
No flooding problems unless you build in flood plain or near a dry wash.
Just make sure the basement is surrounded with a water collection system
going to a systern just in case (not likely) you do encounter ground water
or heavy rains. A walk out is best so a drain system can be built out of a french drain rearword and out of underneath the house.
A thick cushion of sand is what they are built on to take up
soil espansion

Originally Posted by rjpadin

My job may be transferring me down to San Antonio and I am beggining to look into housing. One thing I was curious about was whether or not SA had homes with basements. I'd love to have something where I can have my own mancave seperate from the rest of the house. Thanks ahead of time.

[mod]Posts above this one date from 2007

[huckster]

Basements are not dug to prevent frost heave.
It never, ever freezes underneath a house . This is where ductwork ,
plumbing, cable runs, footings etc are placed. Of course.
this place is always enclosed to keep animals out. Usually with cinder block.
Unless of course

Originally Posted by smitty12

I would assume that anywhere that does not see significant below freezing weather does not have a lot of basements. When code requires you to dig a big hole for a deep foundation to stop frost heave, a basement is easy to add. When you don't need a deep foundation then it is just a luxury....

Corey

[jules07]

Since the post you are quoting from rjpadin is WELL over a year old, and his/her second and LAST post EVER on CD, I'm thinkin' that poster is probably NOT gonna see your comments.....

Ya might want to check the date &/or relevance to any very old threads you dig up before continue reviving and posting.......

[kevcrawford]

WOW! Huckster is tearing through those old posts, huh?

[svg210]

I'm thinking of selling or renting this house so I can build a house with a man cave more likley a huge garage!!! that way I can work on my cars, I'll eventually put a sofa in there. it would be heaven!