Which Foundation Type is Best for My New House?

The strength of any new house or premises lies in its foundation. It is therefore of utmost importance to ensure that the foundation of a building is very strong to guarantee long life for that particular building. In order to ensure that the foundation is strong, it consequently follows that the manner in which the foundation is constructed is not only professional but the most recommended by the architects. There are various ways in which the foundation of a building may be built. It could be on a slab, crawl space or on a basement. Each method selected has its advantages and its shortcomings.

A slab foundation is not only vapor proof but also leveled to ensure that it gives the premises the required support and reinforcement. It is however important to point out that experts indicate that most of the leakage that occurs in buildings from underneath are as result of slabs. This is one of the greatest disadvantages of erecting a building on a slab. It is also common for floors of a building that has been built on a slab to crack. Slab foundations are, nevertheless, a very common type of foundation. With proper care, a slab foundation can remain strong and stable throughout the life of your home.

Building a house on a crawl space is yet another option a person may have. However, most people are of the opinion that though it may seem cheap to build a house on a crawl space, it eventually becomes expensive since there is a lot of maintenance that is required. Most builders have been quoted as preferring building on crawl space as opposed to building on a slab. A building built on a crawl space foundation is not only protected from moisture penetration, but also ensures that air spaces are sealed completely. Crawl space foundations are therefore seen as the solution to the moisture problem that is associated with the slab. However, as the experts have recently discovered, crawl space contributes significantly to the premature drying of a building construction.

A final foundation option is that of a basement. It is a common concern that people have in relation to basements that they are likely to leak. This problem however can be solved through proper drainage and tanking as experts indicate. According to the experts, it is most preferred to use the both methods to ensure that there is no leakage that comes to the basement.

It is clear that each foundation type has its relative advantages and disadvantages. Consult with your builder about your house plan and decide which is best for you.