Are you about to construct your own home and wondering if adding a basement would be illegal? Yes, it is very common not to include basements when constructing houses in California.
Does this now mean your home can’t have one?
All the answers to your questions are in this article. We will be seeing why there are no basements in California and what to do if you want one.
Here’s why There are No Basements In California:
Houses in California have no basements because it has become a tradition not to include them when building. It is a warm place, the state experiences less snow and rain when compared to other states, so there’s no need for much heat to be retained.
Also, constructing a basement is expensive, so many people would rather not bother including it in the house plan.
Can You Have A Basement In California?
A basement is a part of a home that is totally or partly below the ground level. It is usually a free space that you can use for storage, such as a parking lot, a workshop, or extra space for living.
It is usually connected to the main house by stairs. When building your house, getting a basement or not is based on you. However, let’s see if basements are allowed in California.
Of course, you’re allowed to build basements as a part of your house in California. There are no laws against it. Nothing makes it illegal.
Most houses don’t include basements because there might be no need for them – the air is warmer than in other parts of the United States, and there is less rain and frost from snow.
You can decide not to add a basement to your house; you can just build directly on the foundation. Yeah, it is cheaper and will save you some cost.
Only a few houses in California have basements, and this is not a valuation of any rule. You’ll also be breaking no law if you decide to add a basement to your home. Of course, there are many benefits to it – we will see these benefits later.
If you decide to have a basement, what laws and codes should you know?
Basement In California By Code
Are you interested in what laws and codes guide you into having a basement in California? As stated earlier, having a basement is not illegal; you can just indicate that you would like it added to the plans.
However, several codes guiding the addition of basements are clearly stated in Chapter three of the California Building Code.
These codes deal with various properties and requirements a basement must possess. This ensures it is well-constructed, ventilated, and holds the house firmly.
Below are some of the basement codes in California. They include:
- Portions of the basement containing habitable space should not be less than 7 feet (2134 mm) in height. However, if there is a beam or an obstruction, the height can be 6 feet 4 inches.
- Portions of the basement that doesn’t contain habitable space should not be less than 6 feet 8 inches.
- Basements should have at least one emergency escape and rescue opening.
- Basements used to house mechanical equipment should not exceed a total floor area of 200 square feet.
- Smoke alarms should be installed in basements used for dwellings.
- Smoke alarms or detectors should be located below the basement ceiling near the entry of the stairs.
- Carbon monoxide alarms should be installed in basements used as dwelling units.
According to the building code, basements plans should be approved and stamped by a licensed California architect or engineer. Before you start building, you should ensure that a licensed architect views the structure and plans you have for your basement.
This ensures all requirements are met and prevent you from having trouble when the home inspector comes around.
Are Basements Allowed In California?
Yes, basements are totally allowed and safe in California as long as the laws and codes are followed.
Do you even know basements are very useful? Here are some of the uses of basements:
- Provides more space for storage:
A basement can give you plenty of storage space for your additional belongings. If you have a basement, you don’t have to worry about your unused properties lying around the house and causing obstructions. It can be used to keep equipment, supplementary supplies, and, of course, alcohol.
- It can be used as a recreational space:
Your basement can serve as the perfect spot if you want a recreational space for yourself and your kids. It can serve as a game room, a gym, etc.
- It can serve as an extra living space or workshop:
The rooms in your home might be occupied already by you and your kids. If you have visitors coming by, want a private home workshop, or want to make some extra cash, you can clear out your basement and make use of it.
- It helps to retain heat and saves energy:
Since your basement doesn’t have any external walls, it helps to trap heat and ensure that heat is trapped to keep your home warm. This helps to save energy and electricity.
With all these benefits, you must have wondered why basements are so scarce in the houses you have visited. The answer is not far-fetched. As earlier stated, basements are not prohibited.
Would you like to know why basements are so scarce?
Basements are scarce because it has become a custom to build houses without them. Why is this so? Let’s find out.
Why Are There No Basements On The West Coast?
Houses in Western states like California, Oregon, Washington, etc., might not have basements because of the hot climate.
Many say basements are scarce in California because of the fear of earthquakes. Is that truly the reason? Read on.
Basements are not common in California because:
- Homes are cheaper to build without basements.
- It makes construction easier.
- Misconceptions about earthquakes and other disasters.
- It has become a normal tradition.
- California is warmer and has a shallow frost line.
Summary
The majority of the houses in California don’t have basements because of many reasons. One of these reasons is that the basic need for basements, which is to keep the house warm, is already covered.
This, however, doesn’t stop you from including it in your home plan.
There are many benefits to having a basement in your house, and as far as the codes guiding its construction are obeyed, you’re good to go.
https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Basements_in_buildings
https://codes.iccsafe.org/content/CRC2019P1/chapter-3-building-planning
