Building a home from the ground up is undoubtedly an exciting project. However, it is also the type of project that requires plenty of research and planning.
Typically, one of the first decisions you’re faced with when building a home is what type of foundation to use. It’s very important that you spend some time thinking about this decision.
Unlike window treatments and other aspects of the home, you can’t rebuild the foundation of your home on a whim.
When considering home foundations, the first thing you should learn about is the different types of foundations available.
Check out this guide to discover the different home foundation types.
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Basement
One of the most popular types of home foundations is a basement.
Out of all the foundation types, the basement is undoubtedly the deepest. Typically, a hole is dug about 8 feet into the ground to build a basement.
Basements are usually built at least 6 feet high and they tend to match the floor space of the higher level. One of the biggest benefits of a basement is that it gives you extra space. If you choose to finish your basement, you essentially have a second living room.
If you don’t choose to convert your basement into a living space, you can still use the room for extra storage. Either way, a basement can add value to your home.
You can check out this ground works post to learn more about the deep foundation that’s required for basements.
Crawlspace
Homes that have crawlspaces as foundations are elevated around two feet off the ground.
Typically, crawlspaces are built using brick facing or cinderblock. If you live in a moist climate, this type of foundation is an excellent option, as because of the elevation, you’re less likely to experience water damage to your home. Additionally, crawlspaces are less likely to be infested by termites.
However, crawlspaces are prone to mold and fungi, so this is something you’ll have to look out for.
Concrete Slab-on-Grade
A slab-on-grade foundation is one that is made from a solid concrete slab that sits on the ground.
“Slab” refers to the monolithic concrete part, while “grade” refers to ground level.
If you live in a climate that doesn’t have ground freezing or thawing, this is an excellent foundation choice. Otherwise, if you live in this type of climate, you’ll be dealing with cracks and shifting in your foundation.
Another benefit of slab-on-grade foundations is that they tend to be less expensive than basements or crawlspaces. Also, if you live in a warmer climate, they can offer your home protection against termite infestations.
The only major downside of this type of foundation is that the drainage pipes and water supply are encased in concrete. If there’s a problem, you must cut open the concrete slab in order to access the pipes. Also, this type of foundation doesn’t offer you any extra storage space.
Home Foundation Types: Wrap Up
Now that you know about the different home foundation types, it’s time to decide which one is right for you. Once you’ve made your decision, you can start building your home!
Additionally, be sure to check back in with our blog for more home building tips and tricks.
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