Which Type Of Foundation Should You Construct For Your Home?

Posted on: 26 February 2018

Homeowners are generally aware of the fact that the foundation is a vital aspect of home construction. Nevertheless, did you know that there are different types of foundations that you could choose? Just as your structure is capable of being constructed in varying designs, there is a selection of foundation options to make sure that your choice befits your individual home.

Knowing what types of foundation are available to you can considerably help in making a sound decision on what would be best suited to provide your property with the necessary support. Moreover, being aware of your options can even assist in sticking within your construction budget. Individuals embarking on new home construction should read on for the main foundation types available.

A crawl space foundation

This option is one of the basic foundation styles that contractors gravitate towards, as it is functional in any climate. More commonly referred to as a raised foundation, the crawlspace variety is characterised by having some space allocated beneath the foundation to facilitate access to an assortment of household fixtures such as cabling, plumbing pipes, mechanical installations and so on.

Although the crawlspace is not ideal as a dedicated living space, it does come in handy when contractors need to carry out some household maintenance. Moreover, you could elect to utilise the crawlspace as an extra storage room on the property. One thing to be wary o about crawlspaces is that they have a proclivity for dampness due to the proximity to the ground. Therefore, sufficient damp proof course would be imperative for the prevention of mould in your property.

A slab foundation

Another common foundation type found in a good number of Australian properties is the slab foundation. Slab foundations are especially a favourite in Australia because they are best suited for warm climates. To install the slab foundation, the construction contractors will start by digging footings along the perimeter of the property. This step is followed by the removal of soil and grading of the land. Once the surface is even, the contractors will then pour the foundation concrete directly on the ground with the aim of forming solid slabs.

 Other than being an ideal option for predominantly hot climatic conditions, there are several other reasons why slab foundations remain a relevant feature in residential properties. First, this type of foundation is one of the more affordable options you could choose because it does not utilise expensive building supplies. Secondly, construction of these foundations is not as labour intensive as other forms of foundation work, making it a time-efficient option for your construction project. 

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