When you think of earth-sheltered homes, you could assume two main things about these structures—they are only commonplace in films and in the countryside. But both these presumptions are incorrect. Granted, earth-sheltered homes are typically constructed in rural areas since there is a substantial amount of space to make use of. Nonetheless, this has not stopped them from growing in popularity in urban areas too. Yet, despite the increased interest that these homes are garnering, there is a large number of people that are skeptical about hiring an earth home builder under the presumption that this project will not be a worthwhile investment. To make sure you have all the facts on hand, this article clears up a few of the typical misconceptions you may have about constructing an earth-sheltered home.
Earth-Sheltered Homes Are Constantly Bathed in Darkness
Undoubtedly, a common myth some individuals believe about earth-sheltered homes is that they are perpetually bathed in darkness due to their terrestrial placement, but this is untrue. Similar to any other above-ground home, your earth home builder will install windows in this structure to allow for maximum illumination. South-facing windows, in particular, have a tendency of filtering maximum sunlight into the home, so you do not have to worry about relying on artificial lighting throughout the day and night. Additionally, the earth home builder can also employ solutions such as skylights that allow in light from the ceiling in some parts of the home that are exposed to the outside. Overall, all you need to do is discuss your illumination expectations beforehand so that the earth home builder can find workable solutions to meet these needs.
Earth-Sheltered Homes Are Susceptible to Damage from Natural Disasters
Another common misconception that you may hold true regarding earth-sheltered homes is that they have a higher vulnerability to natural disasters than their above-ground counterparts do, but this is untrue. For starters, if you are looking to construct a home in a location known for experiencing earthquakes from time to time, an earth-sheltered structure could be the best way to avoid dire consequences since the deeper the structure is in the ground, the less of an impact the earth's vibrations will have on the structure. Secondly, earth-sheltered homes are also safe from hurricanes and tornadoes, as there are no structures above ground that can be carried away by the strong gusts of wind that accompany these natural disasters.
For more information, contact an earth-sheltered home builder.