Are there basement homes in the Phoenix area?
As of this writing there are 635 listings for homes with basements in the Phoenix metro area, out of a total of 25,941 listings for single family homes. Less than 2.5% of the total homes available for sale have basements. Those that have moved here from other states, which is about everyone, always ask why the scarcity of basement homes. You’ll certainly get a variety of answers. Read on for the real reasons!
No, the ground isn’t hard!
Scott Wall, the founder of The Wall Company which specializes in the construction of basements estimates that less than 5% of the basements in the southwest require a “hard dig”. All of the myths come back to a single reason which is the added cost. It is less expensive to add a second floor than a basement. In Phoenix the frost line is about 18 inches compared to 4 – 5 feet in colder climates, so while in other parts of the country construction requires more excavation regardless, in our warmer climate it is truly an added expense. It can add $20 – $25/sq.ft. to the cost of construction and add up to 30 days to the construction time line. The benefits however are very tangible. During the summer, when the ambient temperature can reach 115 degrees, the soil temperature 4 feet below ground averages 72 degrees.
Where do I look for a basement home?
The green dots or small rectangles on the map represent homes for sale
that have a basement. If you are looking for a basement, the east valley which includes Gilbert, Mesa, Chandler and Scottsdale is where you’ll find almost half of the basement homes in the Phoenix area. This conclusion is based on the current listings which may or may not be representative of all basement homes and their location.
***Send me listngs of basement homes as they become available.
Basement homes in lake communities
Now if you are trying to find a basement home in a lake subdivision or on a waterfront lot, the search becomes even more narrow. Of the 635, only 13 are waterfront homes with a basement, and 27 are in a lake community. To find that rare jewel, a waterfront home with a basement; look in The Islands and Val Vista Lakes in Gilbert, Ocotillo Lakes and Pinelake Estates in Chandler, Lakewood in the Ahwatukee foothills, and Arrowhead Lakes in Glendale.
Basement homes have become more popular and an option with many new home builders. The basements typically consist of a large family room, two or three bedrooms, and a bathroom, adding from 1,200 – 2,000 square feet to the total living space. Unlike other parts of the country, basements are counted in the total living area. For more information about basement homes in Gilbert, Chandler, Scottsdale, Mesa or other areas in the Phoenix area, don’t hesitate to call or e-mail me.
