Why do houses in Arizona not have basements?

Because the ground doesn't freeze in Phoenix, you only have to dig 18 inches below the surface to pour concrete footing for a house. If you want a basement, you'll have to go out of your way to dig deeper. That's complicated by a common soil phenomena in the state called caliche.

Do houses in Arizona have a basement?

Most homes in Arizona are built without basements. Though they are not impossible to add onto Arizona homes, they are relatively cost prohibitive. This is partly due to the presence of caliche in Southwestern soil and the ground not freezing as deep as it does in the North and Midwest.

Do homes in Phoenix Arizona have basements?

And let's face it: Pretty much no one in Phoenix has a basement. I do, but mine's the type that's referred to as "unfinished," which means that it has 61/2-foot ceilings and is open to the crawlspace under my house, which was built in the 1920s by a transplanted Midwesterner for whom a basement was de rigueur.

Are basements cooler in Arizona?

Basements tend to be the coolest area of the house, and in Arizona you can't put a price on a cool spot in the summer months! As everyone knows, heat rises, so by eliminating the second story and opting for a basement instead, ones electricity bill would be substantially lower.

Why do they build houses without basements?

Basements built in California are often below sea level, so extra measures must be taken to prevent flooding and other water-related issues. Most contractors working in California try to reduce expenses wherever possible, and excluding basements from homes fulfills this goal.

Why Don't Arizona Homes have Basements?

What state has the most basements?

On average, in the United States, basements are most commonly found in the Midwest. This includes states such as Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, Iowa, Missouri.

Are basements illegal in California?

Basements themselves are not illegal in California.

If the basement was built without permits and approval (or even finished without a permit), you might find that yourself with an illegal basement.

Can you live off grid in Arizona?

Off-grid living is technically legal in Arizona. State laws even encourage some off-grid systems. However, off grid living is highly regulated. You will need a permit for almost everything you want to install or build on your property.

How much does it cost to dig a basement in Arizona?

That may be a sizable number considering the cost: about $80,000 to $100,000 on top of the sticker price for a typically sized basement, which come fully finished and with windows.

What are Arizona houses made of?

Most Arizona homes are built on a slab

The slabs most new Arizona houses are built on work to fight the problems caused by expanding and shrinking soil. Builders install strong steel cables before pouring concrete, and then apply tension after the concrete has set.

Why doesn't az do Daylight Savings?

Arizona was granted an exception to Daylight Saving Time in the late 1900s due to the extreme heat our state experiences. If the Grand Canyon State were to "spring forward," the sun wouldn't set until 9 p.m. during the summer. This would impede nighttime activities as well as push back bedtime for children.

Can you have a basement in Las Vegas?

Otherwise, according to the City of Las Vegas Building & Safety Department, there are no impediments in the form of planning codes or building regulations that prohibit basements, but they did offer a couple other explanations as to why they're unusual in Las Vegas.

Why are there no basements in the desert?

Even in drier climates, the clay composition in the soil can make basements impractical or even dangerous. While this kind of soil doesn't have enough water in it to cause flooding, mold, or rot, it can play havoc with the basement walls.

What should I know before moving to Arizona?

Is Arizona an expensive state to live in?

Arizona is an affordable place to live, especially when compared to nearby states. Phoenix and San Diego both have similar climates and population sizes, but Phoenix is over 50% cheaper. If you're relocating from Nevada or California, you'll probably notice a significant reduction in your living expenses.

Do Texas homes have basements?

In fact, almost all the big Texas buildings the Texanist can think of, both historic and new, have basements. But you are absolutely right that few houses in Texas are similarly equipped.

Why is Arizona time zone different?

Arizona used DST, along with the rest of the US, during World War I in an effort to conserve fuel for the war. Also known as War Time, DST was used in Arizona from March 31 to October 27, 1918. At that time Arizona had 2 time zones.

Why are there no basements in California?

With no danger of frost in much of California, foundation footings don't have to be nearly that deep. As for getting extra storage space, it's generally cheaper to build at ground level, unless real-estate prices are extremely high where you want to build.

Is there free land in AZ?

When many people think of homesteading in America, they think of the law that existed in the 18th century that provided free land from the government so long as a family lived and worked the land. There is no homestead act currently in force that allows for free land in Arizona.

Is homesteading legal in Arizona?

Homestead laws allow homeowners to declare a limited portion of their property as a "homestead," thus sparing it from creditors in the event of a bankrputcy or other financial hardship.

Where is Bill Gates land in Arizona?

The Bill Gates Smart City Plan

The billionaire philanthropist made headlines worldwide when he purchased a 24,800-acres desertic area near Phoenix, Arizona in the US for USD$ 80 million. He is planning to build one of the world's first smart cities from the ground up.

Does Florida have basements?

Generally, homes in Florida do not have basements. Occasionally, they can be found in the hills of Northern and Central Florida, but it is rare. It is not recommended to build or purchase a house with a basement in Florida. In the United States, basements are considerably more popular in the North than the South.

Why are there no brick houses in California?

There are several reasons why brick isn't predominant: The climate: California's weather is pretty temperate-we don't get subzero temperatures like back East or in the Midwest, so we don't need the extra insulation. On top of that, in parts of California, it can get very hot, and brick holds heat in.

Are basements safe in an earthquake?

While a powerful earthquake could be catastrophic, it's important to note that it's falling debris, and not the ground's movement, that causes most injuries and deaths. Basements are safe during an earthquake, but you shouldn't try to get there once the shaking starts.