Digging Deep Into Vegas

Hello, dear readers! It’s been a while since my last post but today we’re going to answer the question about why Las Vegas homes don’t typically have basements. As you may know, not many homes here are designed with a basement. So, let’s discuss it. 

The Primary Culprit: Caliche

First, let’s tackle the big question: what’s stopping builders from constructing basements in Las Vegas homes? The number one reason is caliche.

Caliche is a formidable, rock-like material prevalent in deserts and semi-arid regions. It’s formed when groundwater, rich in calcium carbonate or lime, moves upward through the soil and evaporates, leaving an almost impermeable layer beneath the surface. It’s as hard as concrete and quite tricky to work around because of its unpredictable thickness, hardness, and extent.

Clearing caliche deposits for construction is a tall order. Whether it’s a thin layer requiring simple tools, medium-thick layers needing a jackhammer, or extensive deposits calling for heavy machineries like D6-7 Caterpillars or even explosives. Obviously, these processes can be expensive and time-consuming. Caliche can inflate a contractor’s bill substantially, enough to instill fear in many a home builder.

Why Don’t Las Vegas Homes Have Basements?

Other Factors: Flash Floods & Tradition

Aside from caliche, there are a couple of other reasons why basements are rare in Las Vegas. For one, the city’s propensity for flash flooding makes basements potentially risky. Despite being dry most of the year, Las Vegas experiences severe thunderstorms, leading to rapid runoff from the surrounding mountains. Hence leading to flash floods. Basements can become enormous liabilities in such situations, particularly for homes on floodplains.

Lastly, tradition plays a role. Homes in Las Vegas are typically designed around the single or two-story ranch model. Basements aren’t a normal part of the architectural equation here. Stucco is though! Especially in master-planned communities such as Summerlin and their villages such as The Mesa, Stonebridge, and The Paseos.

Pools VS. Basements: A Caliche Conundrum

You might wonder, “If caliche is such a hindrance, how come almost every home has a swimming pool?” Good point, dear reader. While caliche does make digging challenging, building a pool does not require as much excavation as creating a basement. Remember, a basement forms part of the home’s foundation. It’s also a matter of economics – the cost per square foot can be a deterrent.

The Cosmopolitan Of Las Vegas

Let’s detour and recall an exciting tale from my days selling pre-construction ‘condotels’ at The Cosmopolitan Of Las Vegas. Its construction took what felt like FOREVER. Why? They chose to build subterranean levels for parking and additional structures, which meant digging deep. Its construction was an eye-opening example of the challenges builders face when digging into Las Vegas’ ground. Their ambitious plan to construct subterranean levels for parking and additional structures was met with years of construction.

Did you know in addition to caliche, aquifers run under the Las Vegas Strip and surrounding areas? They are a powerful reminder of the complexities hidden beneath our city’s vibrant surface. 

The Cosmopolitan Of Las Vegas

Why Not Push Through The Caliche?

Why not just power through the caliche and build the basements anyway? Well, here’s the tricky part. Not all areas have a predictable or consistent layer of caliche. It’s erratic, sometimes appearing in thin layers, while at other times, it could be dense and widespread. Due to this unpredictability, potential homeowners might have to shell out a substantial sum for a soil test before planning to construct a basement. If caliche is discovered, which is often the case, the cost of drilling through it can skyrocket. Thank about this when you sing a deal with a pool contractor. What does the fine writing say?

Can We Tackle Flash Floods?

As for the issue of flash floods, despite the advanced drainage systems in place, the risk remains. This is due to the surrounding steep terrains and the ground’s dryness for most of the year. Also, the earth struggles to absorb the water quickly enough when thunderstorms occur. This leads to rapid surface runoff and potential flooding. As many Las Vegas homes sit on floodplains, a basement could quickly become an indoor swimming pool. And not in a good way!

Also Read: Do I Need A Home Inspection When Buying Real Estate In Vegas?

Unearthing Las Vegas’s Quirks

I hope you find this as intriguing as I did when I first uncovered these details! Las Vegas is full of surprises. That’s why I love it. Whether it’s beneath the shimmering surface of our iconic Strip or deep below our residential backyards, Sin City has all kinds of history. 

Navigating The Unique Terrain

Las Vegas’ unique terrain calls for creative architectural solutions. It’s why features like the three-car garage have become status symbols here. Let’s face it – when you live here? As in, you have 24/7 fun and entertainment surrounding you? You will NEVER want to be underground again! Thank you for joining me on this fascinating exploration of our city’s architectural oddities. Keep your eyes peeled for more unique insights here on my Las Vegas real estate blog.