Basements - Why aren't there many basements in the desert?

[Ptah]

:shrug:

[sarge43]

1. They tend to be heat traps? n/t

[Ptah]

2. Below ground is cooler than above ground.

Think cave.

[sarge43]

3. Step in it again.

Then, you have a good question. A basement in a desert would seem a good idea.

[goldcanyonaz]

4. Because the cost to dig one would be astronomical.

You live in Arizona, so you must know it's nearly impossible to dig a hole.

[Ptah]

5. There are many variations in the earth surface.

Even in the areas that are mainly sand or flood plain soil
there are few basements.

Cost is important.

500 sq. ft living space is more expensive underground.
Why dig; Walls and roof are much easier.

[havocmom]

6. You didn't get much monsoon rain this year did you?

How soon you forget.

Remember what Tucson Blvd at Prince looked like a couple years ago? My guess is THAT'S why there aren't many basements around your 'hood ;)

Hey, we got over 32 today, but there is a weather warning for Sat night - Sunday night. Snow, wind, arctic front with COLD temps and -50 or so wind chill. You enjoy your basement-less life my friend! And pray the power doesn't go out for us here!

:hi:

[Ptah]

7. It might be because of the occasional flods, but I think

it has to do with cost.

I remember when I was 14 or 15, having to go out to feed the cattle, -40 deg F.
It is a special kind of cold.
So cold, I had to break the ice on the top of the heated water for the cows.
Bone chilling.

:hi:


floods!

:blush:

[havocmom]

8. Worst cold I dealt with was my first February in MT, in western part of state

Air temp was -40 and wind was blowing to give a -72 wind chill. I walked to work (about 3/4 of a mile or so) at 5:30AM. After surviving that, ya sorta think you're invincible!

Odd thing is, humidity has been above 85% which does not make the old bones happy.

[pokerfan]

9. This is cool

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

[Ptah]

10. Frost line.--- > > Bingo.

:thumbsup:

[Kali]

11. caliche

[Ptah]

12. caliche was my Mt Everest.

I gave up putting up fence after my first caliche dig.

:cry: