What Is A Berm Home?

Otherwise Known As Earth Sheltered Home Or Earth Berm Home

Mostly above ground, completely underground or partially below-grade, underground homes like Berm homes are traditionally built on mountainous or sloped land.   They may also be built into sloped grading created on a site for the berm home. These types of earth sheltered homes have one or more walls covered by earth which are usually concrete or may be other materials. Windows are often placed in walls facing south to optimize passive solar energy allowing living spaces within the partially underground house to be energy efficient. How much of your home is covered by earth is up to you, but it is better to cover more walls to reduce heating and cooling costs throughout the year. For homes with earthen roofs, what you plant on the roof can be anything from grass to trees or a vegetable garden.

Berm homes, also called earth-sheltered homes allow for house layouts that are unique.  Because the exterior walls can be earth, there are many options for the shape of the home so that unique common areas, living rooms, and all bedrooms are possible.  Some berm homes have skylights built into the roof to allow natural light and warmth into the home.  Skylights allow can be used to ensure adequate ventilation and added light for the northern areas of the home.

The Benefits Of Earth Bermed Homes

Careful planning goes into the designs of these types of homes to ensure they are as energy-saving as possible.

Owners may save up to 80% on heating and cooling costs with a Berm home. In many parts of the country, the earth around the home remains in the range of 50 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit year-round so your Berm home can use passive solar energy. This means that on the inside of the home, the temperature stays in a narrow range all year round.

Earth Friendly

Berm homes are not just affordable, they are less vulnerable to winter winds and the summer sun. Interior temperatures remain comfortable throughout the year even in harsh climates. Often Earth sheltered homes like Berms are created with earth covering much of their roof. They are commonly built with earth built up against three walls and on the roof. These earth-friendly homes blend in with their natural landscape beautifully.

Energy Efficient

Earth Berm homes are constructed to provide more natural lighting than traditional or conventional homes. Combined with solar energy, a Berm home design can save you tens of thousands of dollars in electric and fuel bills during your lifetime. Built into the ground, Berm home design can incorporate more natural light while further reducing heating and cooling costs due to little or no foam insulation being required.

Disaster Resistant

In addition to having a comfortable interior climate all year, Berm homes are less susceptible to the impact of extreme weather conditions. They are even resistant to tornadoes, earthquakes, and other natural disasters. Some insurance companies give you a lower annual premium because of these unique benefits.

We Are Berm Home Financing Experts!

We are one of the only lenders in America that can finance Berm Homes!  We believe that owning a home lies at the heart of the American dream. A home is the foundation for many people’s financial security. At HomePromise, we understand that the process can be discouraging.  We want to change that. Trust the Home Loan experts and creative financing team at HomePromise.  Don’t give up on your dream of owning a Berm Home!

We understand that there are many different types of loans, and many different types of homeowners. Your situation is unique and should be handled by people, not computers. That’s why we want you to talk with one of our team members. Applying with us is always 100% free – no risk, no cost, no obligation to you. That is the HomePromise Way.