Are you thinking of buying a house below street level? Learn about the advantages and disadvantages of this type of property. Also, learn about the cost involved. A house below street level is typically built lower than the surrounding grade. Several factors can make this option unsuitable. Listed below are some of the risks associated with this type of property. You should be cautious when purchasing a house below street level. Make sure to check out the neighborhood first.
Dangers of building a house below street level
The common misconception about underground houses is that they are old. While that is partially true, underground houses have undergone a great deal of improvement and change over the years. They were not part of earth-sheltered housing circles when they were originally built. They were more commonly known as “pop-up” houses, which were erected in the 1960s and 1970s. Despite their modern name, underground houses can still be considered dangerous.
Cost of building a house below street level
Before breaking ground, the costs of building a house below street level need to be determined. Depending on the area, the cost may range from $1,000 to $2,000 per square foot, including the cost of plans, permits and inspections. Additional costs are associated with site work and a structural engineer, which may be needed due to the type of soil. If you plan to build your house below street level, it will be necessary to pay for the cost of a structural engineer.
Construction costs are by far the biggest expense of building a new home. Even though building a house at a lower level is a better option for those who want to save money, it can be a costly endeavor. Also, it is essential to have a place to stay while the building process is underway. For this reason, building a house below street level requires a larger budget than building one above it.
