Reasons for Adding Basements to Canadian Houses
- Frost line. Foundation footers and water and sewer pipes have to be below the frost line to work effectively in the winter.
- Space. The basement also provides ample space for multiple purposes, freeing up space in the main house. ...
- Cool Place to Stay in the Summer. ...
- More Protection Against Natural Disasters. ...
Do houses in Canada have basements?
Subsequently, one may also ask, do houses in Canada have basements? Even so, basements in Canada and the northern United States were typically only 7 feet 10 inches (2.39 m) in height, rather than the standard full 8 feet (2.4 m) of the main floors.
Why do houses have basements in the south?
In fact, some in southern states wonder why do houses have basements. Why basements? Well, the history goes way back. Basements were initially cellar space to store wine and water, and then it became a storage space for everything else.
Why would you buy a house with no basement?
Older homes built with crawl spaces or rooms without basements supported slightly above the ground often have very cold floors. The absence of a basement can also indicate an insufficient foundation that can heave seasonally with frost. This is why I wouldn't buy an older home that has no basement. Secondly, why don t houses have basements anymore?
Do you need a permit to build a basement on coastal land?
However, since the majority of the coastal land is at or below the sea level, it’s foolish for a builder to put a basement and keep it safe. So, from that angle, you might not get a permit to begin with. And, if you build a basement without a permit, it is considered illegal. There are a few different things you need to know.
Why do houses in cold climates have basements?
Building foundations need to be below the frost line to avoid freezing and cracking in pipes. In cooler climates, the frost line is several feet below the surface, which is why many Northern homes have basements. It's simply more practical to install a basement if the foundation is already this deep to begin with.
Why are there no concrete houses in Canada?
Wood acts as insulation rather than a thermal bridge, keeping the house cool in the summer and warm in the winter, making it a far more sustainable building house. Canadian houses are built faster and at a lower cost than typical concrete and brick residences.
Is it okay to live in basement in Canada?
It is very common for newcomers to Canada to rent a basement apartment in Canada as their first home. It may not sound too appealing but in Canada, basements are usually quite nice and no different than any other room in the house.
What is the reason for basements?
Building foundations need to be below the frost line in order to avoid freezing pipes. The frost line in northern states tends to be several feet below ground, so basements are a helpful addition.
Are homes in Canada insulated?
The Canadian approach to housing is extremely sophisticated. In their climate, where temperatures can vary from minus 35 to plus 35 degrees throughout the year, they must pay attention to insulation and energy efficiency. But the Canadians go much further than merely setting basic standards, like we do.
Is it healthy to live in a concrete house?
Concrete houses provide healthy environments with fewer airborne allergens, molds, and toxins than most wood-frame houses. A concrete wall system limits the infiltration of outside allergens to the inside of the house. Concrete resists mold and mildew more than wood.
Is living in a basement unhealthy?
Hazards commonly found in basements include toxic chemicals, pests, mold, indoor air quality issues (such as dangerous gases) and fire hazards that can affect all rooms of the home.
Does living in a basement cause depression?
“There is often less natural light in basement dwellings, which can lead to feeling depressed,” says Sinclair Kruth. “A lack of natural light can also lead to difficulty sleeping and disrupted sleep-wake cycles, which can lead to feeling fatigued but not able to rest properly.
What is a legal basement in Canada?
In Ontario, a legal basement apartment is a secondary unit that meets Ontario Building Code requirements. Basically, if your property meets the zoning codes for your area, and your building is over five years old, your second unit needs the following: At least 145 square feet of space.
Why don t British houses have basements?
Except for Britain, Australia and New Zealand, cellars are popular in most western countries. In the United Kingdom, almost all new homes built since the 1960s have no cellar or basement due to the extra cost of digging down further into the sub-soil and a requirement for much deeper foundations and waterproof tanking.
Why Indian houses don't have basements?
Most of Indians can't afford to have mechanical ventilation and artificial light needed in basements.
Why don t Texas houses have basements?
According to Texas Monthly: In some parts of the state, the water table is too near the surface of the ground, making leaking and flooding an issue. Sometimes the bedrock is too close to the surface, making digging more difficult and costly. “Expansive” soils can make a basement unworkable.
What is a basement used for?
Basements were initially cellar space to store wine and water, and then it became a storage space for everything else. Sump pumps, moisture barrier papers, and other technological advancements made it a useful living space. When basements where originally conceived as a storage space, it is not like what you see today.
Where are basements common?
Basements are an expectation in all the states above the Appalachian mountain range. Think about it this way. Basements are a common thing in a cold climate. Where the frost depth is four feet or more. In fact, you will see the trend right from the borders of Pennsylvania and Maryland (by the Mason-Dixon Line) itself.
Do you need a basement in Southern states?
Due to technological improvements, builders have found ways to expand the cellar to living space. Southern states have no need for a basement.
Which states have no basements?
Even if there is no basement, you will likely witness a crawlspace. Southern states such as Florida, Louisiana, Alabama, Texas, Arizona, and California have very minimal to no basements.
Is it legal to build a basement in Florida?
I think it is legal to build a basement in Florida. However, since the majority of the coastal land is at or below the sea level, it’s foolish for a builder to put a basement and keep it safe. So, from that angle, you might not get a permit to begin with.
Can you build a basement in damp soil?
Soil. Southern states tend to have damp soil and it is not easy to build a basement in the damp soil. If the soil has a high water table it is just too difficult to build a basement and keep the basement dry. States by the coastline have this issue and basement is not a solution at all.
