House Foundation

Types of House Foundations

The house foundation is the basic structure that supports the weight of the house and provides the above-ground, level platform for construction.

The two most common types of house foundations are the concrete “slab” and the “crawlspace.”

Lying below ground level of both types are concrete footings which transfer the weight of the house to the ground.

Footings are discussed in another chapter on this site, but they are in reality a part of the foundation.

Crawlspace Foundation

The typical crawlspace foundation consists of the footings, a concrete block perimeter which supports the exterior walls of the house, and concrete block columns which support the wooden floor joists.

The block columns have concrete footings underneath, as do the walls.

It’s a pretty simple structure. The block walls will have an opening for an access door, regularly spaced openings for vents, and an opening for drainage

All of these should be indicated on your foundation plan.

Your masonry contractor will know how to include all of these in his work.

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House Foundation