"Earth Sheltered" home

[The Warrior Monk]

see my post above...and CLEARLY this isn't a market reaction so much as a financial one.. The market is probably just as willing to pay for the house the same but it is a financial defect in lending...lenders presume a defect where one does not exist based on the lack of similar comps. The same applies to A frames, log homes, etc.

I would agree if the situation were restricted to financing with GSE-type mortgages. However, in my experience, it isn't. The commercial and private banks will lend on these properties no problem. It's simply supply and demand at work. There is low supply, but there is even lower demand.

Cost is also an issue. Many times these dwellings cost less than conventional issues. The cost of making a concrete wall on three sides is a lot cheaper than making a frame structure that has to be appealing inside and out.

 

[Peter LeQuire]

...".from the inside you really don't get the feeling of being "below grade." Except when Sneaky Snake becomes Peeping Tom,

 

[Mary Tiernan]

In my research, I found that it actually may cost more to construct an earth-sheltered or bermed home:

http://everything.newlibertyvillage.com/libertyhomes.htm

"At present, underground and earth-bermed structures constructed with "state of the art" methods are even more costly to build than conventionally built, exposed, 'stick-built' structures. Usually about 20% higher. This is because special attention must be paid to structural strength, careful insulation (unprotected, wet soil is a negative insulator with an unmatched capacity for drawing heat out through a wall, ceiling or floor), meticulous moisture-proofing, and added costs for excavation and earth-moving. Also added are extra labor and materials costs for required forms and for skilled concrete work."

http://earthshelter.sustainablesources.com/

"Costs for a home incorporating direct earth-sheltering can run about 10% higher than conventional building. Some manufactured systems are closer to conventional home costs. Lower maintenance and operating costs are typical for earth-sheltered homes."

 

[The Warrior Monk]

"At present, underground and earth-bermed structures constructed with "state of the art" methods are even more costly to build than conventionally built, exposed, 'stick-built' structures. Usually about 20% higher.

"State of the art" concerns me. If the comparison is simply conventional housing versus "state of the art" earth-bermed shelters, it should cost more. If it is "state of the art" earth-bermed versus "state of the art" conventional housing, I'm not so sure. I've seen "state of the art" housing cost up to $1,500/sq.ft. for above-grade area. I've never seen and earth-bermed home in that price range.

 

[Terrel L. Shields]

In our wet, clay based soils, concrete walls are necessarily sealed AND french drains are necessary..any "shortcut" invariably results in mildewed walls and that dirt "basement" smell. I would argue that few of the earth sheltered homes are any cheaper. They will save on heat and cooling costs.