While architects and construction companies keep inventing more compact and environmentally friendly structural home designs, building requirements have become increasingly complex. Perhaps you think it’s finally time to start constructing your dream house, but you’re confused about the kind of foundation it should rest on.
The decision regarding your house’s foundation should not be taken lightly because it’s impossible to change later unless you tear everything down. Builders determine which foundation to establish based on factors like the property’s area humidity, budget, climate, location, and soil condition. This article will look at different home foundations to help you navigate an essential aspect of the house-building process.
1. Wood Foundation
A popular choice for the past few decades, a wood foundation is quick and cheap to install because there’s no labor-intensive masonry work or concrete to lay. Builders use preservative-treated wood that is not only straightforward to integrate but also resistant to decay.
Additionally, you can enjoy a less drafty home by insulating these foundations. Wood species like cedar, cypress, and redwood don’t let insects invade or develop mold, protecting you and your loved ones from health issues and allergies. However, wood foundations might not stand as long as concrete ones and are only safe to build on dry soils.
2. Pier and Beam Foundation
Coastal areas consist of regularly eroding, flooding, or shifting soil. The smartest way to tackle this problem is to forge a pier and beam foundation. They’re typically found in areas subjected to hurricanes or flooding, supporting against strong winds and protecting the building from moisture.
A pier and beam foundation works like an ocean pier with long pillars fixed into the deepest layers of soil and stone. Since the posts spread the house’s weight over a large area, they safeguard heavier properties from sinking.
This foundation requires proper planning, and you’ll have to onboard a structural engineer to oversee the project. While conducting operations like soil analysis ensures that all the conditions are met, you’ll need to account for the additional expenses and time all this planning will take up. You can read more about the pros and cons of a pier and beam foundation online.
3. Concrete Slab Foundation
A slab foundation is also known as a mono-slab foundation, consisting of a flat concrete slab poured into a single piece and resting on the ground. Like wood foundations, they’re easy to install, inexpensive, and have a shorter construction period. Buildings on a slab don’t have crawl spaces, meaning you won’t have to worry about the maintenance problems a crawlspace presents.
Concrete slab houses don’t crumble over time because the foundation is solid, and you won’t have to spend money on repairs. However, they’re rarely found in cold climates as the process of freezing and thawing can cause cracks to appear in the concrete. One disadvantage of a slab foundation is that you need to install the sewer and drainage pipes before pouring in the concrete. If you face a plumbing or sewage issue, you can only access the lines by cutting into the slab.
Endnote
When it comes to a building’s foundation, you have to keep many details in mind. Determining your foundation’s type and material by considering your finances and surroundings is at the top of this list. Don’t hesitate to contact an experienced contractor who can guide you on your construction plan’s best course of action.