In both existing homes and new construction, there are several common types of foundations for houses. Each has their advantages and disadvantages, including specific maintenance requirements and climate-specific considerations.
Whether you’re building a new home or want to learn more about how to care for your existing home, it’s worth exploring the three major types of foundations used for houses:
Basement foundations are essentially holes dug beneath the house, matching most or all of the ground-level square footage. Builders use concrete footings around the edge of the basement space as a frame for the foundation, then follow with beams, walls and a concrete slab at the bottom.
Basement foundations can add extra living space to the home, potentially doubling the square footage if finished. Otherwise, unfinished basements serve as valuable storage space and shelter in case of extreme weather.
Concrete slab foundations are made of a simple, flat layer of concrete situated slightly below the surface of the ground. This is one of the simplest foundation types to install, involving a wire mesh and reinforcing bars within the concrete for extra stability.
Slab foundations are best for warmer regions, as frozen ground can cause cracks and shifts in the concrete. However, in the right conditions, a slab foundation will not develop weak spots or crumble over time.
Crawl space foundations have characteristics of both a basement and a slab foundation. They’re built using small concrete footings called stem walls, which create a slightly elevated space beneath the home. While you can’t use a crawl space as living space, it can be perfect for storage and access to plumbing or electrical wiring.
Crawl space foundations can help keep the home safe from flood damage, earthquake damage and termites. One disadvantage of this foundation type is the vulnerability to mold, mildew and pests who might like to make the shelter their home.
There are other types of foundations, like wood foundations and pier foundations, which are typically more specific to certain regions and types of home. There are also variations of the foundations found in this article, such as slab on grade foundations and daylight basements.
Regardless, the more you know about these three common types of concrete foundation, the more prepared you’ll be to take care of your own - whether in your current home or brand-new construction.
Broker Profile: Pierre comes from a diverse background. His adolescent and early adult years found him working for his father, a renowned structural engineer, and his brother, an architectural designer and general contractor. His knowledge of construction design (architectural & structural) and practices is significant. He coupled his construction background with his considerable sales experience, by becoming licensed to sell real estate in Massachusetts in 1986.
Pierre is also a licensed Attorney in the Commonwealth, who formerly worked for the Massachusetts Attorney General’s office as a litigator in the Victim & Witness Assistance Division of the Family & Community Crimes Bureau, litigating cases involving victims of violent crime, and since then has had his own legal practice.
For decades, Pierre has excelled in helping buyers of real estate find that condo, single-family, multi-family, lot of lands, or commercial property they desire to buy, or by effectively marketing his clients’ properties to sell their property for the most amount of money possible. His professional background embodies the ideal combination of construction, sales, negotiating, and contract drafting, which is essential to actualizing his clients’ goals and/or dreams. He does all of this with attention to detail, integrity, and success.
Since 1995, PCR Realty has helped buyers and sellers make their transactions as successful as possible. Using a consultative approach, PCR Realty approaches each experience as a unique opportunity for its clients. As a full-service real estate brokerage firm, PCR Realty provides leading-edge services for buyers & sellers.
When it comes to successfully navigating today’s complex real estate market, you need to work with someone who has the experience and commitment to see it done right. PCR Realty excels at matching buyers to sellers. From state-of-the-art marketing to an experienced broker, PCR Realty works diligently to far exceed your expectations. PCR Realty invites you to learn more.
