Can Underground Houses Meet Code in North Carolina?

Hey all, I am kind of obsessed with the underground house concept - however I have no idea if the earth foundation can meet code. From what I've seen any "basement" style will require a lot of expensive concrete. Des anyone have advice on how to go about doing this?

I would hunt down a building inspector in NC and have a sane conversation.   A good building inspector can save a great many headaches.  My approach is to view them as an  expert consultant rather than seeing them as the enemy.

Oh yes,  Welcome to Permies.

Mason, welcome to the forum!

I agree with John.

I assume you would be building in a rural area rather than in a city. Are you required to get a building permit in your area?

Then contact a code enforcement or building inspector for the county you would be building in unless you are building in the city.

Just here to say how much I love walking down into my walkout basement on a 95 degree day.  A small window AC unit (subbed it for a dehumidifier) easily keeps 900 sq ft at 68 degrees F.  The basement is build from hollow 12” block.  There is a small gap at the top of the block that I have been gradually filling with insulation, but I doubt the below grade part does much.  Good luck with your house, I’d love a 75% underground with ample windows!

Anne Miller wrote:Mason, welcome to the forum!

I agree with John.

I assume you would be building in a rural area rather than in a city. Are you required to get a building permit in your area?

Then contact a code enforcement or building inspector for the county you would be building in unless you are building in the city.

Thanks so much! I'll try that first and see how it goes.

I have a basement in my house that was installed by Superior Walls. (https://superiorwallsnc.com/) no problem with code enforcement, solid precast panels that bolt together and floor is poured to join it all together, backfill and your in business... it stays cool in the summer and warm in the winter with no heating or cooling. They would be a good starting place for experts  and sources.