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3 Foundation Types Used When Building Homes

Posted by Justin Havre on Tuesday, November 19th, 2019 at 11:04am.

3 Types of Foundations Used in Home ConstructionThe type of foundation in a home can affect its cost, durability, and functionality. Do you want extra space in your home, or do you need to save money? Do you want a foundation that's easy to maintain? Here are a few options for a number of different foundation types depending on budget, climate, and Northwest Calgary homeowner preference.

Slab Foundations

The first type of foundation to consider for your home is the slab foundation. This common foundation type is laid by pouring concrete into the future shape of a home and building on top of it. Slab foundations are flush with the ground and don't require any additional construction; as such, they are the most affordable foundation type to construct. They are also the most easy to maintain, due to their simplicity.

However, with this foundation type, repairs can be extremely costly, as there is no way to access the foundation should any cracks or severe damages occur. Additionally, plumbing is hooked up beneath the foundation, meaning major plumbing renovations will also affect the slab.

Crawl Space Foundations

Another option homeowners have for foundation types is the crawl space foundation. Crawl space foundations are created with gaps beneath the home, which allow for easier access to the foundation, plumbing, and other utilities that would be buried under a slab-style foundation.

Crawl space foundations offer protection against flooding and can improve energy efficiency in colder climates, as it raises the foundation off the ground. However, crawl space foundations are prone to moisture and can become moldy if not properly maintained.

Basement Foundations

Basement foundations are the last of the three most popular foundation types for homes. A popular choice for homes with high elevation, basement foundations allow easy access to plumbing and utilities while also creating additional living space within the home.

Basements require the most work and the highest level of finance to construct, and wet climates with frequent flooding may not mesh well with this foundation style, even if the homeowner has a sump pump in the basement for draining water. However, this type of foundation can protect homeowners during tornados and other extreme weather events, making it a great purchase for homeowners in areas with frequent natural disasters.

Hire a Foundation Expert

Whether you're laying a new foundation for a home or need to repair or replace your existing foundation, it's important to consult an expert to ensure the job gets done correctly. Only a structural engineer can make modifications and repairs to a foundation, so contact one today to learn more about different foundation types and to lay the option that's best for you today.

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