Oklahoma houses typically don’t have basements due to the geological makeup of the region. Located in the heart of the Great Plains, Oklahoma is composed of mostly flat land with clay-like soils that are prone to flooding.
The area’s high water table makes basement construction nearly impossible, as the risk of flooding and structural damage is too great. Additionally, many of the homes in Oklahoma were built prior to foundational construction being a standard part of building codes, meaning many were not built to handle a basement.
The cost of constructing a basement also puts it out of reach for many homeowners in the area, since the process is more involved and carries more risks in comparison to simply building a house on top of a slab foundation.
Which states have homes without basements?
Homes without basements are most commonly found across the Sunbelt region, particularly in the states of Arizona, New Mexico, California (in coastal and inland areas), Nevada, Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia, and Florida.
These states have climates that tend to be very dry, and soil that is particularly prone to moisture damage, such as shifting and cracking when the ground becomes too wet. As a result, it’s not uncommon to find homes in these areas that lack a basement or cellar, but still have plenty of storage options both inside and outside the home.
In addition, many newer housing developments in these areas often opt for more modern building materials that require less stringent terms for a basement, such as raised foundations with crawlspaces instead.
Are basements illegal in Texas?
No, basements are not illegal in Texas. In fact, basements are popular in many parts of Texas, particularly in areas where the soil is conducive to being able to dig a basement. In many areas, building codes and local ordinances dictate when a basement can be put in and what safety measures need to be taken in order to have an acceptable and structurally sound home.
Generally speaking, basements in Texas are subject to the same rules and regulations as any other type of structure, so there is nothing that prevents people from having a basement in the state of Texas.
Why are there no basements in Tennessee?
Basements are not often found in Tennessee due to the geology of the land. Tennessee is located in the southeastern region of the United States and is predominantly made up of limestone and sandstone bedrock, which is not ideal for basement construction.
Limestone and sandstone are not as firm as other materials like granite or concrete, and they also lack drainage, meaning water can penetrate and accumulate, making basement construction impractical.
Additionally, Tennessee is known for its high water tables, which can contribute to flooding, further making basementbuilding risky. Furthermore, power line, gas line, and sewer systems may run directly beneath basement floors, presenting a safety hazard.
For these reasons, basements are not often found in Tennessee and many homeowners have opted to build above-ground living spaces instead.
Are basements safe during tornadoes?
Generally speaking, basements are among the safest places to be during a tornado. During a tornado, you should go to the lowest level of your home or building, like a basement, and stay away from windows and exterior walls.
A basement provides shelter from flying debris, the powerful winds of a tornado, and offers a secure room for you to take refuge during the storm.
One important safety tip is to stay away from basement windows and have a plan in place to escape the basement if high levels of water are present. Make sure you have a backup plan in case water levels become too high.
Additionally, if you do not have a basement, you should seek shelter in an interior room with no windows, like a closet or bathroom.
In general, basements are among the safest places to be during a tornado, but preparing ahead of time and having a backup plan in place is key.
How much does it cost to build a house with a basement in Oklahoma?
The cost to build a house with a basement in Oklahoma can vary greatly depending on a number of factors, such as the size and complexity of the project, the location, the materials used and the labor costs.
That said, the median cost to build a 1,500-square-foot house with a full basement, including labor and materials can be estimated to be between $100,000 and $135,000, with the average cost landing somewhere closer to $115,000.
This cost can be increased or decreased based on what types of materials and choices you make for your build. For instance, metal or vinyl siding could cost more than wood siding and laminate flooring could be cheaper than hardwood.
Additionally, the cost of a basement can vary as well, since the framing and dp-wiring could increase the total cost. Ultimately, the same house in one area of Oklahoma may cost more than in another area with different labor costs and different materials.
It’s best to get several bids and estimates to determine the true cost of your project before deciding.
Do all homes in Tornado Alley have basements?
No, not all homes in Tornado Alley have basements. While basement construction is widely used as a form of tornado protection in parts of the Midwest, there are many homes in Tornado Alley that do not have basements due to a variety of reasons.
These include costs, accessibility, and soil type. Basements can costly to build, especially if the home is built on a sloping lot. Many households in Tornado Alley are located in rural areas and have limited access to the necessary equipment needed to construct a basement.
Additionally, some soil conditions can make it impossible to build a basement, or too costly, because the soil may not be solid enough or require an excessive amount of digging. As such, some homes located in Tornado Alley are not equipped with basements, but instead are built with various lined rooms located within the home that can provide a safe haven during severe storms.
Is building a basement worth it?
Building a basement can be a considerable investment, but it can also be a great way to add more living space, storage, and value to your home. It ultimately depends on your personal situation and preferences, as well as the level of effort, cost, and disruption involved in the project.
A basement can provide extra room for a family, a media room, gym, or storage area. It can also add value to your home by increasing sellable square footage and helping it stand out in the local market.
On the other hand, the costs associated with a basement project can be significant, and unexpected issues like dampness, mold, or soil conditions can add extra costs. Before deciding to pursue a project like this, you should carefully consider all of the factors involved and speak to a professional about the expected costs, potential risks, and potential benefits.
Where in the US can you have a basement?
Almost every state in the US has the potential to have a basement, depending on the geography and building styles. Basements are most commonly seen in the Eastern, Midwestern, and Northeastern regions of the United States, where they are most popular as a way to utilize underground space for additional living space, storage, or other uses.
In other parts of the country – such as the Western part of the US – basements are not as common due to the more arid environment and less prone to flooding. In order to have a basement in any region, the home needs to be built on the ground high enough to be above flooding levels, and must have a foundation that can support the addition of a basement floor.
Why can’t Texas build basements?
It is generally not possible to build basements in Texas due to a few factors. The ground in Texas is usually hard and rocky, making it difficult to dig deep. Additionally, the clay soils found in much of Texas are expansive, so they can swell and shrink significantly with changes in moisture content and can create structural issues in buildings.
These expansive clay soils tend to stick to dirt walls, making it difficult to build a basement in many regions of Texas. Furthermore, the groundwater table in Texas is often close to the surface, resulting in potential flooding if a basement is dug too deep.
Lastly, building codes in Texas often do not allow for basements due to the risk of flooding and potential structural issues, resulting in it being almost impossible to build a basement in Texas.
Why is it called Yankee?
The term Yankee is believed to have originated in the 1700s during the American Revolution, when British soldiers referred to Americans as “Yankees. ” The exact origin of the term is not known, but some suggest that it may have come from the Dutch word “Jan Kaas,” meaning “John Cheese,” which was a popular term at the time in New England, where many Americans resided.
It could also be related to the Dutch word Jan Kees, which means “John Cakes,” or a variant of the Dutch word “Jan Kaap,” which means “John Cooper. “.
The term Yankee quickly became popular and was used during the Civil War to refer to the Union soldiers and was cutivated by the Union army’s use of the song “Yankee Doodle” as its marching song. The term was even extended by Union soldiers to mean “any northerner” or anyone from the United States.
Today, the term is used to refer to a person from the United States, particularly from the northern states or from New England.