A recent study conducted by the Na- They are based on average conditions
tional Association of Home Builders and assume earth pressures and comfound
that about one out of every three pressive loads typical in light building
homes built today includes a basement. construction. For above-average earth
The growing popularity of below-grade pressures, higher walls (more than 8
space is due to the increasing need for feet), or deeper fill, you will need to
living, recreational, and storage space consider using a thicker wall section, a
at an affordable cost. And with the reinforced design, or lateral support
scarcity and high cost of buildable land, such as crosswalls