New Houses on Slab....Comments ? (Knoxville, Morristown: insurance, crawl space, buyer)

[hoosier07]

Hi friends....well, at least that's how I feel after getting addicted to this site....and I'm not a teenager anymore......35 years old...married guy....with a 3 Yr. old son....you get the idea. But since I started checking information about East TN due to a job relocation and find out this forum....I check it out everyday....well....as you probably know, I will be most likely (90% chance) relocation due to a job in Morristown, TN....the houses I'm finding are more expensive due to a basement and the other houses that are more in my price range are on a slab, that I don't know much about. (I've always had a crawl space). What are the cons of a house built in a slab ? Should I avoid it ? The only pro I believe is the price, where I can get a 3 bedroom + bonus room for approx. $180K. (new home). Help ?

[Rapunzll]

If it is a new house, you're probably fine. If however, you fall in love with an existing home on a slab, it is very important that you make sure that you have the place inspected. We bought a house in TX years ago and the slab had to be stabilized due to cracks. This happens sometimes when the house settles I think. Ours was fine after it was fixed, but it cost a couple of thousand to fix it even in the late 70's.

[akm4]

Despite the ugliness that ensued last time I made a comment about radon, I still feel compelled to suggest you test for it. If it's high, you can fix it. If it's low, you have no worries.

There. My opinion

Good luck with your move!

[menglin]

Most everything here in Florida is on a slab or you have a small crawl space in the bungalow type houses. From what I understand and I am not an expert. The further north you go you want some type of basement due to pipes freezing. That was what I was told being from Massachusetts. basements were better? When we go up to look at houses I want a basement for the Tornado factor, maybe I am being an idiot but that is my opinion. Only speaking from being a house buyer. Hope this helps.

[hiknapster]

I want a basement, due to tornadoes, but then again, I am extremely paranoid. I'm sure most people are not.

[hoosier07]

Hey hiknapster....I agree with you regarding tornadoes...but tornadoes are rare in the East Knoxville area....aren't they ? Since you're a veteran from the area, can you tell more on this topic ?

[mickimouse]

Alot of time when building on a slab you have to worry about moisture, and settling. All of you water lines, electrical and duct work will have to be in the walls or overhead. You loose space like this plus if you have a water leak lookout.

[hiknapster]

Oh, Knoxville is not tornado alley, but they get them.

Here's what the national weather service records indicate:

Knox County TN Tornadoes since 1950

Date Time (LST) Dead Injured Path Length (miles) Rating Location
April 15, 1965 6:30 PM 0 6 7.4 F2 near Concord to Bearden

April 4, 1974 12:30 AM 2 21 1.0 F1 near Skaggston
May 27, 1981 7:40 PM 0 0 0.4 F0 near Karns
February 21, 1993 5:05 PM 0 0 6.0 F3 Powell to Northbrook

June 30, 1993 7:00 PM 0 1 2.0 F0 near Halls Crossroads

June 30, 1993 7:42 PM 0 0 1.0 F0 Knoxville
May 18, 1995 9:00 PM 0 0 2.0 F1 Fountain City
May 23, 2000 4:05 PM 0 1 0.5 F1 Powell
May 15, 2003 5:10 PM 0 0 1.0 F1 south Knoxville
May 15, 2003 5:15 PM 0 0 1.3 F1 south Knoxville

We've had a couple of scares since I moved here in October 2005. One was actually coming down my road, although it is a long road. I could have sworn it touched down before it got here but can't find stats for it. I think LauraC was visiting when it happened.

Still, it is not West Knoxville, or even middle Tennessee.

I'm just a little shell-shocked when it comes to weather. I was in Orlando in February of 1998 when that horrible tornado hit, and not far from me. I also went through Charley in 2004. And I think I am nervous by nature. Plus I have my precious seven-year-old. I'm convinced, after that school got obliterated in Alabama, that you need to get in your car and drive away the second you know one is coming towards you.

[menglin]

Being in a car not good. LOL Unless you like to fly.LOL I am with you. We just had a bad round with Tornados here in Deland. I am sure you saw it on the news. I guess what we are trying to say is WE buy insurance, just in case, My feelings is get a house with a basement just in case and hope one never comes your way.

[hiknapster]

I sure did see that about Deland! God bless you and I am so glad that you are okay!