Crawl space or slab? (more expensive, disadvantage, build, Alaska)
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While in theory, the crawl space sounds better, it's really not. You have your HVAC, ducts, and plumbing in a humid moist environment which attracts pests, bugs and is not really suitable for storage. So basically there is extra maintenance for little benefit. I've heard crawls are better for doing remodels, but if you can get newer or new home, and have a choice, choose the Slab. Some homebuilders have even done away with crawl spaces altogether and will only do Slab or Basement foundations.
ignoring ground condition and location (soil type, etc.) and only choosing from the options here, I'd go crawl space every day. I do not like slab construction and find many benefits in a crawl space with a pier and beam foundation. More specifically, a ranch on a pier and beam foundation.
Access to inspection for plumbing and electrical modifications or repairs as needed, a better feeling floor bounce, a more comfortable floor from a temperature standpoint. I also just think it looks better unless you have an uber modern home. The benefits of a slab are limited, outside of the fact it is often faster and cheaper for the foundation guy.
While in theory, the crawl space sounds better, it's really not. You have your HVAC, ducts, and plumbing in a humid moist environment which attracts pests, bugs and is not really suitable for storage. So basically there is extra maintenance for little benefit. I've heard crawls are better for doing remodels, but if you can get newer or new home, and have a choice, choose the Slab. Some homebuilders have even done away with crawl spaces altogether and will only do Slab or Basement foundations.
Interestingly enough, what I've found with slabs is that if the insects don't have room to live *under* your house, they come inside. Houses where I've had a crawlspace, I see way fewer bugs in the house. On a slab, we had to use perimeter spray several times a year to keep the spiders out.
I would never use a crawlspace for storage - or anything, for that matter. That's what contractors are for!
Yes, other than keeping an eye out for wood-destroying insects and minimizing conditions for attracting them, I really don't care if spiders and bugs live in the crawl space. As long as they are outside the conditioned envelope of the space, it doesn't bother me. Especially when buying existing homes, I wouldn't even consider a home on a slab unless it met all of my other requirements. You have the ability to truly inspect the plumbing and electrical and the ability to make changes or upgrade as needed without expensive trenching etc.
I am sure someone has said this but I didn't read the entire thread yet, but NO there is not a foundation under the basement the basement is the foundation in cases with a basement and that is what I would have voted for.
If basement is not possible then crawl space, though vastly inferior, and never a slab.
Basement, all day. I feel sorry for those that live in areas where basements aren't possible. A dry basement with nice 7ft+ clearance is awesome. Easy to run wires/plumbing, can inspect important structural elements for damage, nice semi-conditioned area for water heater, furnace and duct work, and an awesome place for storage and/or things like gym equipment and workbenches.
Crawlspaces give you some of these features, but the major downside is that in most cases, it's not easy/fun to perform inspections. That's how people end up with rotten joists, insect damage, and mold due to conditions that should've been caught before they became a big issue.
While in theory, the crawl space sounds better, it's really not. You have your HVAC, ducts, and plumbing in a humid moist environment which attracts pests, bugs and is not really suitable for storage. So basically there is extra maintenance for little benefit. I've heard crawls are better for doing remodels, but if you can get newer or new home, and have a choice, choose the Slab. Some homebuilders have even done away with crawl spaces altogether and will only do Slab or Basement foundations.
I've used my crawl space for storage and never had a problem. I have no problems with insects or rodents down there either. I'll take a crawl space over a slab any day.
Basements do have footings in most cases, pretty much resembling the footing which crawl space foundations sit on. If the water table is low enough, theoretically you would not need a slab floor in the basement, an earthen floor would suffice.
Personally...I prefer crawl-space...for a variety of reasons; most of which have already been discussed here.
That being said.....if a home has everything else you want but is on a slab.....would it be a dealbreaker? For me....probably not (but it would have to have EVERYTHING else I wanted and after looking for a long time)
In some parts of the country....slab is all they have!
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