Slab or Crawlspace?

Choosing Type of Foundation

If you are building a house without a basement, your foundation will either be a concrete slab or a crawlspace.

Concrete Slab

This is the simplest type of foundation. A crushed stone base is applied directly to the ground,

which serves as a base for the concrete. The slab foundation has advantages, the primary one being cost.

 

A slab foundation is significantly cheaper than a crawlspace.

 

In my own experience, I have found slab foundations to be between five to ten thousand dollars cheaper than a crawlspace on a three-thousand sq. ft. house.

 

 

Slab foundation houses are quite common in warmer climates.

There is no need for floor insulation.

The floor never squeaks or sags. A good slab foundation makes a very solid house.

 

 

  

Slabs may be formed with concrete block or wood framing.

I’ve found block framing to cost 10-15% more than wood framing.

Read more about Slabs & Crawlspace