Reply #9: This is cool [View All]

[pokerfan]

Hidden Luxury: Modern Underground High-Desert Home



http://dornob.com/hidden-luxury-modern-underground-high-desert-home

But to answer the OP question, it's cost.

In colder parts of the country the foundation of a home must be set below the frost line. That means that they have to dig down several feet anyway. The additional few feet to put in a basement is not that significant. But here in Arizona, we only have to dig about 18 inches to put in a foundation, so putting in a basement for a builder represents a significant extra effort than is required. If you are building a custom home you are probably spending at least $90 per square foot, and maybe as much as $150 or $200 per square foot for some luxury homes. Including a basement involves the excavation, walls, footings, waterproofing, drain tile, back fill and cleanup, which may only add $15 to $20 per square foot. To make that space livable (finished as opposed to unfinished) may add $30 to $40 per square foot.

http://phoenix.about.com/cs/real/a/basements01.htm