Basements are a common feature in American homes, but they are much less common in British homes. So why is that?
There are a few different reasons for this, but one of the main ones is that British houses are built on clay soil, which is not very stable. Basements can be very useful spaces, so it’s a shame that they aren’t more common in Britain. However, with a good reason, there can be a right judgment over this.
Let’s dive deeper in the reasons why British houses don’t have basements.
Main Reasons Why Basements are not Common in Britain
1) The Soil Cover in Britain
As mentioned before, a big and primary reason why British houses don’t have basements is that the soil is not very stable with most soil in Britain being mostly clay. The clay soil is not ideal for supporting a large structure like a basement.
Basements built in clay soil might start to crack over time and eventually collapse. This is a much bigger risk in Britain than it is in America, where the soil is mostly sand.
While there are some areas of Britain with sandy soil, it’s not common enough to make building basements a viable option for most British homeowners.
2) The Water Table in Britain
Another reason why basements are less common in Britain is the water table. The water table is the level at which the ground is saturated with water. In Britain, the water table is often very close to the surface of the ground. This means that if you were to dig a basement, there would be a risk of the basement flooding.
This is less of a problem in America, where the water table is often much deeper. This is one of the reasons why basements are more common in America than they are in Britain.
While there are ways to waterproof a basement, it’s an extra expense that most British homeowners don’t want to take on.
So those are some of the reasons why British houses don’t have basements. Even though basements can be very useful, they are just not practical in Britain.
3) Other Reasons
Other reasons include that basements add an extra level which means more stairs to climb, they can be dark and damp, and they can be difficult to heat. In Britain, space is often at a premium, so many homeowners prefer to use their available space in other ways rather than dedicate it to a basement.
Is It Legal to have a Basement in Britain?
Yes, it is legal to have a basement in Britain. However, due to the reasons mentioned above, they are not very common. If you do decide to build a basement in Britain, there are some extra precautions that you need to take. These include making sure that the basement is properly waterproofed and taking measures to lower the risk of flooding.
Even though basements are not very common in Britain, there are still some benefits to having one. These include extra storage space, an extra room for your home, and the ability to add value to your property. If you do decide to build a basement in Britain, make sure that you do your research
Conclusion
In conclusion, the main reasons why British houses don’t have basements are due to the soil cover and the water table. The soil cover is mostly clay which is not stable enough to support a basement. The water table is also often very close to the surface which increases the risk of flooding. Other reasons include that basements can be dark and damp, and they can be difficult to heat. However, it is still legal to have a basement in Britain.
So there you have it, those are some of the reasons why British houses don’t have basements. Do you agree with the reasons? Let us know in the comments below.