Basements in SA? (live in, cost, area)

[Squidlo]

I hope im not off topic here.


I dont think I've ever lived in a home without a basement. I am curious about the logistics and cost as well. I wonder would the sandy soils of south Bexar and Atascosa counties make it easier/cheaper? I live in an apt in medical center and work in the south. At some point id like to purchase or build a home here.

Anyone in construction care to comment?


Squidlo

[Kerowyn]

When my family started thier home search down here we asked that question several times. Answers all included, too costly to build with basement, ground constantly moving unstable, Ground too sandy, ground too hard, unknown springs can cause damage, small unknown caverns in strange places (our neighbor has one under their house almost lost a tree into it) and other reasons. We heard it all.
I would say anyone's biggest worry or concern about basements is simply Foundation. Too many folks don't take care of thier foundation and they crack causing big troubles and major repair bills. Add a basement into that mix and it spells trouble to me. Best bet is to do what others do... use the Garage instead. Very few folks down here use a garage for cars, garages are rec rooms, storage rooms, guest rooms, and more.

[SteveDaniels]

I will be building on a sloped lot and am planning on building a basement with two stories above it. It just seems crazy not to if you have a steep lot.

[doss1]

Yea, everyone does use their garage as another room. That's kinda sad though, too many cars lined up in the streets.

Anyways, I always thought that basements were cool--it's like having a two story house for a one house price!

[Dube665]

Originally Posted by TexasNick

Yea, everyone does use their garage as another room. That's kinda sad though, too many cars lined up in the streets.

Anyways, I always thought that basements were cool--it's like having a two story house for a one house price!

I agree I think everyone needs that extra room to avoid making the garage the home pub/bar. I think those who have a basement now are pot growers.

[winst0n]

my lot is sloped as well, at the back, it seems like i have 2 story. i don't have basement either and its really a wasted space considering they put all those fillers for the foundation, it could have been another useful room.
i'm thinking of building a room below my deck to make use of the space below, the only thing is it won't have access from inside the house. i wonder if there is a work around to that and how much it would cost.... hmmm

[Bo]

This is also the first time I've lived in a house without a basement.

Considering the widely-varying rainfall patterns, the humidity and the foundation-shifting that occurs here, I think a basement would be much more trouble than the additional space it provides would be worth.

[googie2525]

Well, there are a few bomb shelters in the Bel Meade neighborhood (LARGE ones). I would assume primarily being due to its close proximity to Fort Sam, and the large military presence in the 'hood, (mainly in the 40's-60's though, and mainly commisioned officers and up)...so I guess the whole Cold War thing spooked the Generals a bit.

[tops]

The primary purpose of a basement is to keep the foundation below the frost line. Thus in Texas and other warmer climates, basements are not structurally required. More particular to this area though is that we have higher water tables so any basements that are built will be more prone to leaks. So good luck to any SA basement owners in fighting leaks and lucky you when the polar apocalypse comes to town.

[majormadmax]

Wait until you try to dig some holes to plant bushes around your house, then you will clearly understand why basements are so rare in San Antonio...

It will be the same reason that pools are so expensive to build around here!

Cheers! M2