Replies

1. 
   rjw | Jul 01, 2005 01:53pm | #1

   Everthing is flat in my area, and basenents are common.

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   Sojourners: Christians for Justice and Peace

2. 
   jhausch | Jul 01, 2005 01:54pm | #2

   Basements are a very regional thing, and even then, the site should be considered on its own merits.

   Not knowing where you are at (no info in your profile - hint, hint) here are a few general points to consider:

   First, yes, houses on flat lots have basements all the time in the Midwest (generally speaking). 

   "Flat" is a relative term and you should strive to have good drainage away from your foundation (whether you have a basement or not)

   If the water table in the area is generally well enough below grade

   and

   If the soil conditions are such that you can dig the hole (or dig and blast if there is a ledge or BIG rocks

   and

   The local labor pool is such that masons build basements with some regularity

   and

   There are no local rules or neighborhood covenants against it

   You can probably have a basement.

   FYI - I recall reading that basements are (were?) the #1 source of lawsuits and home warranty claims.  That last part about the local labor pool was meant to indicate that there is more to building a basement than having tall foundation walls and a footing (drainage, sumps, bleeders, etc)

    

3. 
   dIrishInMe | Jul 01, 2005 02:04pm | #3

   I don't get the retaining wall thing...
    

   Matt
1. 
   merlin1 | Jul 01, 2005 02:20pm | #4

   Matt--yes the retaining wall sounds like he wants a walk out basement with retaining walls on each side.

1. 
   dIrishInMe | Jul 01, 2005 02:32pm | #5

   Sounds like a water/mud pit to me - but I have no idea about the weather where this guy lives.  Sounds like a sump pump might be required inside and out.  I once had a house with a walkout on a flat lot - I'd describe it as problimatic.  The outdoor pump would ocaisionally get clogged with debris, and didn't work too good during heavy stomrs that were accompanied by power outages;-) . Origional poster: do a Google on "Bilco door" Matt

4. 
   Hubedube | Jul 01, 2005 07:06pm | #6

    Basements are great, whether on a flat lot or a sloped lot.

   Millions of homes have them.No problems on most. To eliminate any would-be problems; 

   Make sure you have a properly installed perimeter footing drainage system surrounding the foundation. Check the 'groundwater' level to see if a sump pump is required.Also make sure the ground level (lawn) slopes gradually away  from the house, and make sure any rain water spouts terminate at least 10 ft from the foundation walls.

   Apply a suitable moisture barrier to the basement exterior walls before back-filling.