Saw a show once called World's Most Extraordinary Homes. There was a house in i want to say Europe where there was restrictions building up so they built like 5 or six stories down. What stood out most was the bottom level. A button was pushed and the floor flooded for a indoor pool.

I was going to post about frost lines but well said above.

Lot size is biggest hurdle these days. It's all about cramming as many homes in a new development for tax purposes. In the 70s, 80s and 90s homes were built on 75' and 100' wide lots. Now developers have 30' and 35' wide lots to work with. Maybe a 50' if lucky. 2 story 1400 to 2000 sq2 homes wrapped in vinyl siding with 4' walkways between house and property lines. Personally I don't like these homes at all. Usually a double garage that's really not a double. Main floor is open kitchen/dining/small living room and half bath. 3 bedrooms up stairs and bonus room above garage. Small basement after utility room.

I've lived in a few bi-levels over the years and kinda prefer them. Your basement isn't as far underground which leads to having larger windows. Doesn't feel as dreary, down under. Plus half the stairs as a full basement.

My basement windows are 24" wide. Home built in early 70s. At least they're not in wells. I'm sure code now is larger. Pray I never have to climb thru one

When I was a punk 13 year old, I lived in a bylevel. Had 5 ft wide by 3ft high windows in my basement bedroom. Was easy to sneak in and out and bringing girls in. Can't count how many times I got laid because of position of my basement bedroom

Since this thread has started I've been thinking alot of the Simpsons Australian episode.

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