Slab, Crawlspace or Basement? When building a new home, which foundation is the best choice? I offer the pros & cons of the typical three choices.
Slab:
Pros:
- Least expensive to build
- No moisture/humidity to deal with under sub-floor
- Easy access for handicapped or senior persons, since very close to ground level
Cons:
- Hard surface, takes a toll on your body/joints
- Difficult to run additional wires/pipes
- HVAC typically located in the attic (unconditioned space)
- A leak in a water supply line in the slab is very expensive to fix
- Entrance at ground level, not as eye appealing
- High likelihood of radon issue (can be easily mitigated)
- More prone to wood destroying insect issues, since close to ground
Crawlspace:
Pros:
- Able to install additional wires/piping easily if needed
- Wood floor structure is softer than concrete
- Entrance higher off ground, more eye appealing
- Easy access for repairs
- Less likely to have a radon issue (on ventilated crawlspaces)
Cons:
- Moisture issues (water & humidity) are a major issues, creates fungus growth & rot
- Easy access for unwanted pests
- HVAC in unconditioned space
Basement:
Pros:
- Able to install additional wires/piping easily if needed
- Wood floor structure is softer than concrete
- Easy access for repairs
- Entrance higher off ground, more eye appealing
- HVAC is located in conditioned space (more energy efficient)
- Additional storage/workshop
- Inexpensive additional square footage, can be finished at a later time
- Increased re-sale value of home & increased buyer appeal
- You can build on a sloping grade
- Provides shelter during extreme weather (tornado's, hurricane's, etc)
Cons:
- Most expensive to build (compared to a slab or crawlspace)
- Need a sloping lot to build a walkout basement
- Higher likelihood of radon issue (can be easily mitigated)
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