The two most common types of foundation are slab and crawl space. In Arkansas, due to the more stable soil environment and cost, slab foundations are the most common.

Crawl Space Foundations

Crawl space allow for space between the ground and the floor of the home, allowing for changes in plumbing, electrical, and HVAC. This foundation style uses a concrete footer with wood beams to raise the house and subfloor to a level height (minimum 18″).

crawl space foundation
This crawl-space is lined with plastic to reduce moisture between the soil and wood above.

Pros:

  1. Changes to plumbing and electrical are easy to modify or repair compared to a slab.
  2. Easier to install on unlevel ground or hillside. Depending on the slope of the land, can be less expensive than slab.

Cons:

  1. Usually 2.5 times more expensive to install than slab.
  2. Crawl space often does not last as long as slab due to moisture, often requiring maintenance to reduce moisture underneath to keep longevity.
  3. Home is less sealed against small animals and bugs compared to slab.

Slab Foundations

Slab foundations are a favorite of Silver Field Construction due to the longevity, reduction in moisture/pests long-term, and cost.

Slab Foundation

Pros:

  1. Less expensive than crawl-space
  2. Faster to install.
  3. Longer lifetime due to reduction in moisture between ground and framing.
  4. More durable, the weight of the subfloors is placed on concrete and rebar combination, rather than wood with crawl space.

Cons:

  1. Not able to build on unlevel ground. Slab are commonly seen in unlevel situations with the combination of cinder-block. The cinder-block is used to level the ground, with dirt back-filled, then the slab poured on top.
  2. Unable able to repair or change plumbing and underground electrical without removing portions of the slab, expensive and time consuming.

While both types of foundations have pros and cons, the slab is the go-to foundation for many homes due to the benefits and low cost compared to other styles. As always, speak with your builder on the best type based on the type of soil, land slope, cost, and longevity.

Categories: Home Builders