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In some parts of the country, basements are considered a necessary part of the house, as common as bathrooms and front porches. However, as you go further south, basements become less and less common, especially in areas with a significant amount of new construction. Even in Missouri, some homes have no basements, which can leave residents with nowhere to go if a tornado or other severe weather happens to occur.

Why Some Homes in Missouri Have No Basement

Soil Conditions

In many areas, whether the house has a basement usually depends on the condition of the soil. In the North and Midwest, builders typically have deep topsoil to work with, which, when combined with low water tables, makes it easy to dig out a basement foundation.

new construction Franklin County, MOHowever, the further south you go, the wetter the soil will be. In many areas, builders also have to contend with limestone or dense clay just below the surface, which makes adding a basement extremely expensive or impractical.

Cost

Even in parts of Missouri that have ideal soil conditions, many new construction projects don’t include basements. Unfortunately, this choice is usually because slab foundations or pier-and-beam homes are cheaper to build. While this might seem like a sound economic decision, it can have negative consequences for the homeowners, especially in the event of a natural disaster.

The Risks of Not Having a Basement

Basement remodeling projects are increasingly popular, allowing homeowners to expand their square footage by adding a new family room or even a rental suite. Building a house without a basement removes this option and limits your storage space.

Missouri also endures upwards of 30 hurricanes a year, many of which are capable of destroying even the sturdiest homes. A basement is an ideal place to seek refuge in one of these disasters. Without it, you might have to weather this dangerous event in a bathroom, closet, or other interior space, which might not offer the protection you need.

 

If you’re planning a new construction project anywhere in Franklin County, Gildehaus Construction LLC has the expertise and equipment to help bring your vision to life. They’re committed to giving every client a beautiful, safe home built to the strictest safety standards. Visit their website to see some of their new construction projects, get more tips and professional insight on Facebook, or call (573) 459-2111 today to start planning your custom home with a member of their team.

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