Earth Sheltered Home

Originally Posted By: janderson
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Anyone ever inspect an earth sheltered home?


What about a home that was originally an earth sheltered home, then a second story was added?


--
Within the seeds of ignorance lie the fruits of denial

Jeremiah

Originally Posted By: mmichura
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GREAT TOPIC


We have one such home here in Grand Haven, MI. It was built in the '60's ....In fact it was even written up in Popular Science.

The home went up for sale this past summer ( still is on the market ) and I was a hairs breath away from buying it myself.

My suggestion is......do you homework on this one

Slab foundation,,,rubber coated roofing that is covered with 12-18 inches of dirt then grass. NO HVAC systems - most only have electric heat...etc, etc, etc.

I found myself inspecting it as if it were a " normal" home. Nothing should change. Just do your homework on the membrane, etc. I would also suggest not turning in the report at the tie of Inspection on this one. This will give you additional time for any research you might want.

ps...REALLLY check out the wiring and exterior walls for moisture,

Wish I could go with you on this one, I really enjoyed the change!
Dan


Originally Posted By: dbowers
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Are you referring to an “Earth Contact Home”. If so, I’ve probably inspected 35-50 over the years. If so, inside was the same as any other house. The outside was much simpler than other houses.


Originally Posted By: dedwards
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Listed siding material: GRASS


Originally Posted By: janderson
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.



Thanks for the replies,


The client is still negotiating with the seller, so no inspection yet. This would be the second type of home I have inspected. The first was basically like any other home.

I searched for other posts on this board about these types of homes, "earth sheltered" or "earth contact" and did not find any so I thought I post this one.


--
Within the seeds of ignorance lie the fruits of denial

Jeremiah