Many homebuyers look for a basement’s benefits when choosing a structure or property. A basement may be a great place to add additional storage or an additional living area. Some people might wonder if they can also carry their basement goals with them when they move to Florida.
Florida houses often don’t have basements. They are infrequently observed in the hills of northern and central Florida. In Florida, it is not advised to construct or buy a home with a basement.
In Florida, it is not advised to construct or buy a home with a basement. Let’s look at why this is so.
Why Do Florida Houses Not Have Basements?
Let’s examine a few of the explanations to get a better idea of why Florida houses don’t have basements.
Types of Soil
Florida’s soils are excessively damp, and there is too much water beneath to construct a basement securely. While the subsurface water levels in Florida are just around 3.3 feet deep, they should be between 8 and 10 feet deep to successfully construct a basement.
As a result of the shallow depth of the subsurface water, flooding is likely to occur in a basement.
Additionally, Florida has an abundance of clay soil, which makes building a solid base incredibly difficult. Due to the state’s constantly fluctuating weather, clay soil expands and compresses. Once it is wet, it grows, and when it becomes dry, it contracts.
The foundation shifts excessively as a result of the soil’s ongoing expansion and contraction, endangering the house.
System of Aquifers in Florida
Due to the Florida Aquifer System, the majority of homes in Florida are constructed on slabs. This system lies subterranean and may be as close to the ground as 6 inches. This implies that you may dig in your yard to install a fence or a mailbox and then plunge directly into the water.
Because of the excessively high-water table, it is extremely risky for much of the state to dig for a basement. The water table rises with distance from the coast, increasing the likelihood that your property may flood.
As part of the aquifer system, limestone and permeable carbonate rock are also present. The disturbance of these natural components that help form the peninsula poses another risk for digging.
A sinkhole becomes more likely to occur if these factors are brought about by natural occurrences or artificial disruptions (such as excavating a basement).
Considering the Floridian Aquifer system, the danger of water damage, flooding, and mold contamination increase if your house is constructed with a basement or if you ask your builder about installing a basement.
Rainfall
It might surprise you to learn that Florida is rated fifth among the wettest states in the union, with an annual average rainfall of 51 inches. This is another reason why there aren’t many basement houses there.
Flooding is inevitable if your home has a basement, given the amount of rain and the shallow depths of the subsurface water. If your Florida basement has floods and water damage, mold is another issue to be aware of.
Where Can I Find a Home in Florida with a Basement?
Even though Florida doesn’t have many basements, it isn’t completely impossible. Even though South Beach prohibits basements, you may discover what you’re searching for up north.
In various parts of northern and central Florida, properties with basements are available for construction or purchase. The hills in Central Florida enable one to dig a basement-worthy pit.
Remember that the basements in these houses are not subterranean, as they are typically situated on slopes. Only a portion of a basement is often underground. You will also still need to deal with the impacts of humidity. But there is more data about creating a basement in Florida that you should be aware of; continue reading to learn more!
Is it Possible to Build a Florida Home With a Basement?
Most states and provinces have building regulations limiting the kinds of residences that may be constructed. You might be wondering if it is even permitted to construct a basement in Florida after learning about all the hazards associated with doing so.
Florida allows basement construction, but the geography makes it challenging because you cannot dig the required minimum of 8 feet. Even if you succeed in building a basement, there is a high chance that one of Florida’s numerous natural catastrophes will cause a sinkhole during the excavation process.
Don’t be shocked if you can’t locate a contractor who would offer to construct a basement, even if the possibility of mold and sinkholes doesn’t dissuade you and you discover a spot that allows you to start digging sufficiently for a basement. Thankfully, many Floridians have discovered basement options, which you can read about here.
What is an Alternative to a Basement in Florida?
You are not required to give up on your need for additional room if you’ve decided a basement is not for you. There are several house additions or yard elements in Florida that can offer you this room.
In place of basements, Florida homeowners construct:
- Attics
- Lofts
- Garages
- Sheds
These areas are utilized for storage and recreational activities and are often easier to construct than basements.
Although these options are more affordable and secure, it must be remembered that they almost certainly call for air conditioning and dehumidifiers. They are very susceptible to mold without these.
In Conclusion
In conclusion, Florida houses typically lack basements. Florida’s geography and environment cause homes with basements to be more susceptible to mold growth and structural fragility. If you’re set on finding a house with a basement, you could be successful in your search in Northern or Central Florida.
Many Florida houses provide choices if you want more room but are ready to give up a basement to live there. Nevertheless, irrespective of which solution you pick, prepare to pay upkeep expenditures for air conditioning, dehumidifiers, and/or chemical treatments to avoid mold.