Are basements common in Seattle?

Are basements common in Seattle?

Neither the U.S. Census nor the city tracks the percentage of Seattle homes with basements. But Orvis estimated 30 percent to 40 percent of the homes she sells have finished basements, with a higher percentage in upper-end homes. “So the basement becomes the default space to grow.”

Why don t homes in Seattle have basements?

Home foundations have to be built lower than the level that the ground will freeze to in the winter or else the home could shift when the ground thaws in the spring. Most of the western US does not freeze (or freeze much), so a standard 30-inch foundation depth is safe, which means a crawl-space but no basement.

Why you shouldn’t sleep in the basement?

Some health risks to people who live in basements have been noted, for example mold, radon, and risk of injury/death due to fire. Presence of mold can lead to “respiratory symptoms, respiratory infections, allergic rhinitis and asthma”, as well as personal belongings being contaminated by mold.

Why are Seattle house prices so high?

The Seattle real estate market always looks nearly as expensive as an overheated market. The shortage of homes for sale in the Seattle housing market is causing prices to rise. And so for all those reasons and more, rising property values are a positive development for homeowners and sellers in the Seattle area.

Why don t Florida homes have basements?

Florida has a large aquifer system that spans around 100,000 square miles and provides water for many large cities. The groundwater’s very close to the surface in most parts of Florida and Southern Georgia. Because of the high water table and proximity to the ocean, it is impossible to dig out for a basement.

Why do US houses have basements?

In cold climates most homes have foundations that begin several feet below grade, meaning below ground. So since they have to dig that far below ground anyway, many people in cold climates decide to utilize that space and put in basement foundations.”