Joe is correct...

I live in Sharpsburg (and I have a basement) but the soil is high in clay, and so a lot must be properly and significantly sloped to be considered a basement lot, as the foundation drain must be able to discharge the water properly!

It may be related to the soils, or more precisely, the seasonal high elevation of groundwater. During the year, the elevation of water in the ground fluctuates. During spring months its typically at its "seasonal high". This is what engineers use to determine whether or not its feasible to have a basement in a home. If the seasonal high water elevation is relatively close to the ground, a basement will have constant water problems.

I suggest looking into the local Soil Conservation District in that area. They can typically provide some general information about soil types and limitations.

Another reason may just be economy of scale. Many builders are reducing the size of their homes and building on slab instead of basements so that they can offer more affordable homes.

Joe

Joseph Mancini, PE, PP
(Licensed in NJ)
AVALAR Atlantic Properties
office: 856.256.1250
mobile: 856.275.6433
fax: 856.879.2024
email: Joe@landmanNJ.com http://www.atlanticpropertiesnj.com