There are countless advantages to building a new home. From designing the layout of a custom home to choosing your plot of land, the look of your home is completely in your hands. The foundation is one part of constructing a new home that doesn’t seem as interesting – but is the most important. When building a home, find a builder that will forge a sound structure. Turnkey Homes will walk you through the ins and outs of building a solid foundation to help you make an informed decision.

Types of Foundations

In older homes, it’s not uncommon to see foundations made of stone, brick, or wood. Modern homes are almost always constructed with one of three types of concrete foundation. These include crawlspaces, basement foundations, and slab foundations. 

According to a 2017 Survey of Construction completed by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) 58.9% of single-family homes were built on slab foundations. Basement foundations followed at 26.1% and, the least common, crawl spaces made up only 13.9% of new home foundations. The type of foundation used varies depending on the climate and landscape of the area.

Concrete Slab Foundations

A block of concrete forms a slab, giving literal meaning to the name. Drainage pipes and steel bars reinforce the slab. Homes are constructed on top of the foundation when it is complete. Low cost and a quick dry time make this foundation popular. They reduce the risk of damage caused by flooding, protect from termites and mold, and minimize gas leaks from basements.

Basement Foundation

An 8-foot hole is dug to construct a basement foundation. Pillars are put in place to support the structure.  Poured concrete creates the basement foundation and walls. Building a home with a basement foundation can double the square footage of your home, giving you extra living space. Basements are naturally cooler, saving on energy costs in warm temperatures. They provide easy access to HVAC and plumbing units that require repair and maintenance.

Crawl Space Foundation

Crawl spaces are no more than 4-feet high (hence the crawling). The construction is similar to basement foundations, but on a smaller scale. Crawl spaces do not always have the same footing as the home. Stem walls extend to the perimeter of the structure for support. Crawl spaces prevent moisture damage. It provides access to piping for plumbing and storage space. This foundation is less expensive as there are fewer materials required and less excavation.

Find a Trusted Builder

Don’t hesitate to ask questions. Your home is only as solid as the foundation it stands on. Familiarize yourself with land grading, types of concrete, and proper drainage. These are essential elements affecting the longevity of your foundation.

Turnkey Homes is a hands-on company. We do all the work. We will take the time necessary to design the perfect plan for building a solid foundation for your home!