moving to Boerne TX (Alamo, Alamo Heights: new home, purchasing, scorpions)

[Barb Frederick]

We are looking at purchasing property in the Boerne area or at least in Kendall county.

I have heard you have to be careful of foundations in that area due to the soil. What type of soil is it and are there extensive problems.

in particular what do we need to be aware of when looking at homes?

[TXStrat]

Generally, the Hill country, and a large portion of central Texas has what are referred to as "expansive soils". This basically means that there is a higher clay content and the soil expands and contracts in response to fluctuations in rainfall/precipitation. This expansion/contraction can cause place higher than normal stresses on foundations in unusually wet or dry years. This is not as much of an issue in newer construction with post-tension foundations

Using a qualified home inspector should help you avoid any potential problems.

The Boerne area is fantastic, enjoy your new home!

[kevcrawford]

About 50% of the homes I sell are in Boerne, so I know it well.

Out in the Boerne area there aren't too many foundation problems. The Hill Country has a ton of rock base, so you should be OK for the most part. The areas with foundation shifting issues (for the most part) are inside loop 1604. Mainly the Alamo Heights area.

As to what you're looking for in a house, that's really up to you. You just need to decide on wants/needs and budget, and everything will start falling into place. There's really nothing that you need to be aware of in Boerne over anywhere else. With the exception of oak wilt. That's going around.

[Buffyfan]

The hill country is mostly rock underneath the soil, you shouldn't have foundation problems. My parents, however, who live east of SA, have terrible problems with wall cracks and doors not closing because it is built on black soil.

[Lee W.]

Be careful you don't end up in an area of Kendall Co. with the more severe water shortages.

[kevcrawford]

Originally Posted by Lee W.

Be careful you don't end up in an area of Kendall Co. with the more severe water shortages.

True. Most of Kendall was actually OK. The drought hit everyone, but most wells were still pumping. Though it's something to keep in mind.

[LVKim8]

Just hope you don't mind scorpions. It's only March and I've had six. I use a good spray but I'm so SICK of them!

[barbtoboerne]

Thanks for all the responses. Our daughter is already there and working with a Realtor. I am hoping to find information that will help us with questions pertinent to this area as we do not know it. Things to look out for or areas to stay away from due to land problems and or flooding issues. Or at least minimize it as much as possible.