Custom Homes Raleigh NC
Basement Homes in the Raleigh, NC Area
How Are Basement Homes Built - Superior Wall Systems
Can I find a basement home in the Triangle?
If you're looking for a basement home in the Raleigh NC area, chances are really good that you'll be considering a "walk out" or "daylight" basement.
Because of the high water tables and high water content of the soil, many builders will not take liability for a basement that is fully underground. Without drainage, water leakage is much more likely to occur at some point, even with extensive sealing.
What is a daylight basement?
A daylight basement usually has at least one fully exposed wall that looks just like a "normal" house.
To build a daylight basement home, you'll need a lot with some slope to it - an ideal slope will have anywhere from 8 to 12 ft in height difference between the front of the home and the back of the home.
Of course, a lot with more or less slope can also work - but the more the dirt needs to be moved around to accomodate the home, the higher the cost is likely to be.
The front of the home will look like a standard one or two story home. From the rear of the home, the basement will be visible as an additional story.
French doors, sliding doors, and windows can allow plenty of natural light into the basement.
Many basements are unfinished at the time the home is sold. The homeowner can finish the space later, and save money either by doing some of the work themselves, or by paying cash rather than financing the cost of the additional finish work.
What type of foundation walls are used for basements in the Raleigh NC area?
In some areas of the country, poured foundation walls are very common. In the Raleigh area, the most common type of basement foundation wall system is precast concrete, from a specialized subcontractor like Superior Walls.

A Superior Wall system is carefully calculated for each individual home. The type of soil, load bearing weight, load bearing columns, exterior finish, and locations of windows and doors are all taken into consideration.
A Superior Wall is:
Dry
- a special 5,000+ psi concrete mix is used that is moisture resistant, and does not require additional damp proofing. A drain is installed around the perimeter of the home, protecting the foundation and keeping moisture away from the home.
Warm
Superior Walls foundations include a continuous layer of insulation that is bonded directly to the concrete. In addition, the interior walls are designed to have additional insulation added, if desired, without any additional framing.
Fast
A Superior Walls system can be installed in one day, in almost any weather. Pouring concrete on site has quite a few limitations.
Quality Assured
Superior Walls are built in a controlled factory environment to the industry's highest standards. The concrete is reinforced with rebar, and thus is stronger than traditional foundations.
For answers to specific questions on the Superior Walls system, or precast concrete walls, give us a call or visit Superior Walls at www.SuperiorWalls.com.
How Much Does a Basement Home Cost in the Raleigh, NC area?
There are quite a few factors that affect cost.
- How large is the basement?
- Is the basement the same size as the first floor, or is it smaller with a combined crawlspace foundation?
- Is the lot suitable for a basement home, or will some modifications be needed?
- Are you looking for a finished or unfinished basement?
- How many windows and doors are planned? What type are they?
- How large of a deck will be attached to the first floor, extending over the daylight basement?
If you're considering a basement home, we'll help you calculate the cost.
Cost depends on the specific plan. Start by sending us the floor plan you're considering - a link to an online floor plan is all that is needed for an initial estimate. We'll ask more questions about what specifically you're looking for, and put together a free customized estimate.
If you already have a piece of land you're considering or own, Stanton Homes offers a free personal walk through of the lot with our builder or site supervisor. They'll point out any red flags, and put together specific costs based on the particular lot.
For a cost estimate, contact Stanton Homes, or call us at 919-278-8070.
Need a place to get started? Browse our Library of Favorite Floor Plans, or send us a plan from one of your favorite online guides like Houseplans.com.
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Hey, Penny. Nice post with good information about basements. Basements are extremely rare here, but where I grew up in Idaho and Utah, basements were the norm.