Crawl Space vs. Concrete slab? (living, heating bill, install)

[lukepoke]

Originally Posted by SatTerra

This is an area that should not be treated lightly. Take care when purchasing your home when constructed with crawl space. I am no expert, but did do a bit of internet research subsequent to our first offer on a home here in SC. Coming from SoCAL where we were familiar with crawl space; we never worried much about humidity and standing water. Our crawl space was dry, and required no vapor barrier. However, after making an offer on a beautiful newly constructed home on 3 acres here in the unincorporated area, we learned that you need to be on the alert for moisture issues! We hired a home inspector to protect our interests, and can't imagine people who do not take this option, remember this was a newly constructed home that hadn't been sold in 6 months (power lines on property likely slowed interest). When he went under the home, he found standing water about 2 to 3 inches deep, mildew on floor joists, and mold. He strongly advised against purchasing the home without serious remediation. We worried and fretted with the 2 young kids, and all the horror stories of mold taking over the home. One of the documents we signed when making our offer was a mold disclaimer basically indemnifying the builder from mold issue (red flag). The builder argued, and stated standing water was normal that time of year, and that there were no problems. The inspector pointed out where the grade ran towards the home, and where it would leak back under the house. We made the decision to move onto the next house, and decided our earnest money was a lesson learned, and not to make the same mistake twice. Our realtor who was born and raised in Ft. Mill didn't let it go, and didn't want us to lose our earnest deposit. She provided us all the information we needed to raise our issue in small claims court, which we did. Of the $2500 dollar earnest money, we got most of it back short of a couple hundred dollars. We felt vindicated, and I often wonder about the poor family who came behind us and bought the same property. Mr. X who showed up in court in defense of the builder thought he had a Perry Mason moment when he told the judge that we backed out of the deal because we had purchased another property. What he didn't realize is that we were actually looking for 2 properties, not 1. One for my mother and one for us! That was likely a valuable lesson for him, don't listen to rumors!

So my best advice:

1. Always get the place inspected by a reputable home inspector.
2. If a mold indemnification form is pushed under your nose, be very cautious as you are signing away your rights (we learned this lesson).
3. If there is standing water, mildew and mold run as fast as you can in the opposite direction.
4. Better to lose your earnest money than to get stuck with a house rotting from the inside out.

I agree totally, water of any type, other than slight condensation under a vapor barrier is NEVER normal in a crawl space. If there is standing water there ARE issues with grading or the water control from the roof (gutters/downspouts) etc. is not correct.

[jenn02674]

It sounds like it all depends on what you are used to. Around here for decades most houses have been on crawl spaces and crawl spaces are considered superior and slabs considered "cheaper". I was born and raised in upstate SC and it only seems recently that so many houses are even being built on slabs.

Moisture, mold and mildew can be a big problem in ANY house, crawl space or slab. I personally would always go with a crawl space or basement but even so you do have to always make sure that drainage is appropriate.

[swampfox]

Im an HVAC service tech and as a result I spend some time in crawlspaces, in the hot humid climate here they can be a nightmare if not set up properly, moisture is a big problem in them, its not necessarily a drainage issue, especially if the ac ductwork is located in the crawl, its from condensation, Ive been under homes where the bottom of the house and insulation is sweating and dripping, wood floors buckling etc..., not to mention they are nasty and much of the air in your home comes from the crawlspace, the only way I would ever consider buying a crawlspace home it would have to be encapsulated which is rather expensive, give me a slab any day

[Atman]

I'm surprised at all the people for crawl spaces vs slabs... I just figured more would be for slabs. Having been raised/owning several homes over the years most were slabs but some had crawl spaces. In Bartlesville OK almost all are currently being built on slabs, including the million dollar mansions. I'm not an expert....just used to drive around looking at new construction....oh wait, there are a couple of new additions going in that use crawl spaces I believe but anyway, crawl spaces were only on the really old homes.

Now I live in NC. I asked a builder's secretary about slabs and she looked at me like I was an idiot. She was really nice about it...just thought I was dense... ha ha... She asked what about the plumbing and such....

I prefer the vents in the ceiling. This way I can arrange the furniture anyway/anywhere I want without worrying about covering up vents. I hate the vents in the floors. Slabs are way more solid as well which is why I always loved them. My home theater has (2) 18" subwoofers with bridged Adcom GFA555's powering them....although only 1 works at the moment. At any rate....All the crawl space does is add boominess to the sound and skips/distortions to sounds.

I don't like hearing my family walk across the room/house...yes they walk loud... :-)

I guess I've been blessed as I've never had a problem with anything under the slab such as the plumbing lines or anything. The crawl space homes I've lived in, only 1 had the vapor barrier installed and it was mostly wadded up and moved over to the side. I've experienced tons of moisture problems/mold and such. Never had pest problems that could be targeted toward one type flooring over the other. I think if you live here you simply WILL have ants...yuck..

Slabs are more quiet. If your feet hurt just get double padding when having your carpet installed?? I dunno, never experienced that.

Take Care
and Have a Blessed Day

[GeminiGal]

Originally Posted by flgargoyle

I've lived in basement, crawl, and slab houses. Slab construction is the cheapest, but as others have said, it is cold, and there is no access to the pipes under the house. A friend who remodeled his bathroom had to cut up the concrete, move the pipes, and repair the concrete. I would prefer a basement in our next house (in SC), but will settle for a crawl space. No more slabs for me!

I have lived in all three as well. Slab is my least favorite. I would much rather have crawl for the reasons you mentioned AND because all sorts of "creepy crawlies" will move INSIDE your house instead because they have no where else to go! I had a snake slither into my slab built home - and that was it for me!

[mpaquette]

Originally Posted by Atman

I prefer the vents in the ceiling. This way I can arrange the furniture anyway/anywhere I want without worrying about covering up vents. I hate the vents in the floors. Slabs are way more solid as well which is why I always loved them. My home theater has (2) 18" subwoofers with bridged Adcom GFA555's powering them....although only 1 works at the moment. At any rate....All the crawl space does is add boominess to the sound and skips/distortions to sounds.

I have a crawl space and my vents are in the ceiling. I also have a home theater, although with only 1 sub, and the boominess you describe can be tweaked out with an EQ. Of course cement (a slab) is going to be more solid, however a modern house built with trusses will be very solid as well.

Count me in as preferring a crawl space over a slab.

[Steve40th]

Originally Posted by lukepoke

I agree totally, water of any type, other than slight condensation under a vapor barrier is NEVER normal in a crawl space. If there is standing water there ARE issues with grading or the water control from the roof (gutters/downspouts) etc. is not correct.

My in laws planted a willow tree in there yard in Ladson, and all the water issues under their house went bye bye as the tree drank it all up. They noticed the problem after Hugo, then were advised to replant a tree, the willow, that was taken away by hugo. Problem solved, crawl space is no dry.
Just thought I would throw this in to the topic of water issues etc in the low country

[PhotogGal]

I moved to SC from the Midwest where most all homes had full basements or crawl spaces. My last home there was a condo above ground level, and now I live in a patio home on a concrete slab.

You're right. The floors are much harder. I HATE walking barefoot here so wear my Crocs most of the time just for the cushion (Note: I have mostly hardwood floors and ceramic tile except for bedrooms.).

Secondly, I have never seen as many "critters" anywhere as I have since moving here. Already have experienced the ant problem, not to mention quite a few spiders. I believe part of the problem is the straw covering the planting beds next to the house and on the other side of the sidewalk. The complex I live in uses this to cover up part of their watering system. I'm pretty sure this is contributing to the bug problem, but I don't know what else I can do about it other than having a regular exterminator.

[grannynancy]

Originally Posted by Nausikaa

to be fair to concrete slabs though, I've never known anyone with a plumbing leak. The pipes are in the concrete, and are protected. any plumbing problems will probably be outside, from roots, etc. It's just not so easy to remodel, they hard on yr legs, and are cold in winter. i've lived in 2 solidly built bricks houses on a slab, and never had a prob. prefer crawl space though, for the convenience.

You need to talk to my father then. House was about 35 years old and they had to jackammer up the floors to get to the pipes.

I currently live on a slab and want a crawlspace next time. We have had more problems with bugs getting in [centipedes mainly] than we ever had with a crawlspace. I like being able to get up under there and inspect pipes, wiring, etc.

[Palmetto Heel]

The only reason to use a concrete slab is to keep costs down. If you have the money get a home with a crawl space.