Pros & Cons of different Foundations

When building a new home, which foundation is the best choice? I offer the pros & cons of the typical three choices.

Slab Foundations

Pros:

- Least expensive to build

- No moisture/humidity to deal with under sub-floor

- Easy access for handicapped or senior persons, since very close to ground level

Cons:

- Hard surface, takes a toll on your body/joints - Difficult to run additional wires/pipes

- HVAC typically located in the attic (unconditioned space)

- A leak in a water supply line in the slab is very expensive to fix

- Entrance at ground level, not as eye appealing

- High likelihood of radon issue (can be easily mitigated)

- More prone to wood destroying insect issues, since close to ground

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Crawlspace Foundations

Pros:

- Able to install additional wires/piping easily if needed

- Wood floor structure is softer than concrete

- Entrance higher off ground, more eye appealing

- Easy access for repairs

- Less likely to have a radon issue (on ventilated crawlspaces)

Cons:

- Moisture issues (water & humidity) are a major issues, creates fungus growth & rot

- Easy access for unwanted pests

- HVAC in unconditioned space

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Basement Foundations

Pros:

- Able to install additional wires/piping easily if needed

- Wood floor structure is softer than concrete

- Easy access for repairs

- Entrance higher off ground, more eye appealing

- HVAC is located in conditioned space (more energy efficient)

- Additional storage/workshop

- Inexpensive additional square footage, can be finished at a later time

- Increased re-sale value of home & increased buyer appeal

- You can build on a sloping grade

- Provides shelter during extreme weather (tornado’s, hurricane’s, etc)

Cons:

- Most expensive to build (compared to a slab or crawlspace)

- Need a sloping lot to build a walkout basement

- Higher likelihood of radon issue (can be easily mitigated)


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