Information on Underground Homes
Underground homes are fast becoming a popular, energy saving alternative to the standard housing tract style home. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the "many energy-efficient features...will provide a comfortable, tranquil, weather-resistant atmosphere" and make an earth-sheltered home a viable alternative for home owners. In 1981, there were approximately 2,000 underground or earth sheltered homes in the United States. With the rising interest in energy efficiency and "green" living, that number has increased dramatically. Does this Spark an idea?
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The Difference between an Underground Home and a Bermed Home
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The simplest explanation is that an underground home is built with most of the home under the ground's surface. A bermed home, however, is only partially under the ground's surface. An underground home is built almost entirely of concrete and is insulated by the ground surrounding it. An underground home generally has only one side of the home, or a section of the roof, that is not covered by dirt. A bermed home is built first and then dirt is pushed up to one, two or three sides of the home and sometimes over the roof.
Advantages
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Energy efficiency is the biggest advantage of an underground home. It is estimated that an underground home can maintain a comfortable temperature at a cost of approximately 10 cents per square foot per month. Underground homes also require less outside maintenance, such as painting or cleaning gutters. An underground home also provides better soundproofing from outside noises like airplanes and traffic noises. Underground homes are also cheaper to insure because they provide extra protection from hurricanes, high winds, hailstorms and tornadoes.
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Disadvantages of an Underground Home
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The initial cost of building an underground home is the biggest disadvantage faced by folks who are interested in underground homes. As a general rule, underground homes cost approximately 20% more than a conventional home. Also, an underground homeowner must constantly be on the lookout for signs of moisture retention in the walls of the home. Additionally, reselling an underground home is a daunting task as mortgage companies are reluctant to provide mortgages on underground homes.
Choosing a Site
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Sites for underground homes vary by county restrictions and available land use. Underground homes are not recommended for city dwellers. Underground homes require enough open space to build the home. Cities are generally too crowded with above-ground homes to be practical for underground homes.
Additionally, underground homes are not recommended in areas where clay is the predominate soil type because clay does not drain off water very well.
It is extremely important to build an underground home above the water table to prevent extra moisture retention in the home which can lead to mold and damage to the home.
Do-It-Yourself Construction
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A simple underground home can be built by an individual who does not have extensive knowledge of home building. However, it is not recommended unless you are willing to put in a lot of time and research into the product. A site must be chosen for the project in which the base of the home would still be above the water table. After getting all the necessary permits, the hole is dug in which the home will be built. Once the home is built, dirt is often pushed up against the home on all sides and on the roof.
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