If you’re browsing the New Mexico housing market, you’ll notice that most homes don’t have basements. This might seem unusual in comparison to average homes across the rest of the nation. However, there are several reasons why New Mexico homes lack basements.
1. Soil Composition
The foundation of a home heavily relies on the stability of the soil beneath it. In a desert climate, the soil conditions make it particularly challenging to build basements.
Expansive soils, such as those in New Mexico, swell when they absorb moisture and shrink when they dry out. This constant movement creates problems for the foundation of a house. The shifting soil can pull away from the foundation, leading to cracks and structural damage.
Additionally, the sandy and rocky terrain in many areas of New Mexico can further complicate excavation efforts required for basement construction. These types of soils often lack the cohesion needed to support a below-ground structure, making it challenging to create stable walls and floors.
As a result, builders often select slab-on-grade foundations that are better suited to the local soil conditions. This eliminates the dangers associated with underground water accumulation.
2. High Water Table
The water table refers to the level at which the ground is saturated with water. In many parts of New Mexico, the water table is relatively high.
When the water table is elevated, the risk of groundwater intrusion increases, requiring builders to implement expensive and complex waterproofing systems. This not only elevates the overall construction costs but also raises concerns about long-term maintenance and the potential for moisture-related issues, such as mold growth.
Additionally, the persistent humidity from the high water table can conflict with the naturally dry environment, leading to structural instability and making basements less feasible in these regions.
3. Structural Stability Risks
New Mexico features a unique and varied landscape known for its seismic activity and shifting soil. These geological factors can significantly affect the safety and stability of residential structures.
Seismic Activity
While earthquakes are not always severe, even minor tremors can cause shifts in the ground. These movements can lead to cracks in the walls and floors of basements as well as in the foundation of the home, which is critical for overall stability.
Homes built on unstable soil or near fault lines are at a higher risk, making it crucial for homeowners to invest in proper engineering solutions. Homes with a basement demands regular inspections and retrofitting of basements to mitigate these risks.
Shifting Soil
The state’s soil is subject to shifts over time due to natural settling processes. This gradual movement can further destabilize basements. Variations in moisture levels, temperature changes, and the inherent characteristics of the soil all contribute to this ongoing challenge.
4. Demanding Construction Costs
Building a basement involves higher construction costs compared to the North and Midwest regions with more favorable conditions. Excavating the dry, hard soil requires specialized equipment. Builders must use additional materials, employ skillful techniques, and address challenges posed by the high water table and soil movement.
Moreover, basements constructed in New Mexico demand complex waterproofing systems. Even then, builders still have to consider potential future maintenance issues related to moisture and soil instability, leading to more stringent construction standards. Altogether, these factors increase the financial investment in constructing a home with a basement.
5. High Energy Expenses
New Mexico has a unique climate that affects home construction. The state experiences drastic temperature changes from day to night, leading to high energy costs. Building basements can increase these expenses. They require extra insulation and climate control for year-round comfort. Keeping a stable temperature in a basement can be expensive, especially where geothermal and atmospheric conditions vary widely.
Due to these high energy and construction costs, many homeowners and builders decide to eliminate basements from house designs. Instead, they focus on creating energy-efficient homes without the additional burden of basement maintenance.
6. Lack of Resale Value
Houses in other U.S. regions thrive on the housing market with the additional living space and square footage basements bring. Due to the complications that basements cause in New Mexico, most homes don’t include them. The high construction costs combined with demanding maintenance and structural instability makes houses with basements less appealing to buyers.
Rather than investing in a feature that may not provide a return, buyers look for alternative amenities that offer more immediate benefits. Updated kitchens, practical layouts, and beautiful views from the property catch buyers’ eyes and offer more value than a basement.
7. Accessibility for Senior Adult Population
Basements require stairs to access which can make them difficult for people with mobility restrictions to navigate. As such, stairs are often a barrier for seniors who may experience decreased strength, balance, or coordination as they age.
New Mexico has a high population of senior adults looking for homes that will support them as they age. Accessibility becomes an important consideration in home design, and eliminating stairs is a key design approach to make properties more accommodating. As a result, homes with basements are less appealing to a large portion of the New Mexico housing market.
Single-story homes with all living spaces on one level offer a more practical solution for this demographic. These homes provide ease of movement and reduce the risk of falls, so everyday tasks are manageable.
Find Your Dream Home at Turtleback Mountain Resort
It might seem strange to consider moving to a state where most of the homes don’t feature basements. However, this is for the best due to the tough soil composition, structural inconsistency, and demanding maintenance requirements that ensue with the presence of basements.
Turtleback Mountain Resort understands that safety and stability are buyers’ priorities. That’s why our Elephant Butte, NM, real estate is a booming market for senior adults searching for an accessible property with considerable amenities. We want to provide single-family homes with exceptional features constructed with the utmost strength.
If you’re looking for a new property and an incredible community, look no further than Turtleback Mountain Resort. There are opportunities to purchase existing homes or develop a custom-designed home on the spacious lots. Explore the available communities like Aguilla Vista, Mesa Grande, and Sierra Vista for more insight into these stunning properties.
