When determining what type of foundation is best for your new home, you need to take several factors into consideration. Going through the list of the pros and cons of each type of foundation instead of looking at one type of foundation at a time will help you determine which method is best for the area of the country you live in. Crawlspace foundations have a huge benefit over slabs and basements in certain regions, particularly in areas prone to flooding or areas with a large amount of red clay. Crawlspace foundations are also common in areas that get earthquakes because they are less likely to crack than slab foundations or basements.
Is a crawlspace foundation the right choice for your home? Here are some other benefits to consider:
Crawlspace Foundation Benefits
- Crawlspaces are good for sloped lots since the footers can be installed in "steps."
- Crawlspaces offer more access to utility lines.
- They are easier to inspect for termites or other pests.
- Depending on the type of walls and insulation in your crawlspace, the space can be used as additional storage.
- Crawlspaces allow you to build decks or porches off the ground.
- Crawlspaces can last 50 or more years if properly taken care of and not damaged by flooding.
- A crawlspace is less likely to suffer damage from tree roots.
- The subfloors are usually wood, which is more comfortable to walk on than the hard concrete in a slab foundation.
The Disadvantages of a Crawlspace Foundation
One major disadvantage to crawlspaces is that it's difficult for those with mobility challenges to access the area under the house. Also, unless properly insulated, they are not as energy efficient as a basement or slab foundation.
Additional disadvantages to consider:
- Crawlspaces require you to build steps up to your home.
- Crawlspaces can be more expensive and more time-consuming than other foundations to build.
- Crawlspaces allow pests to make their way under your home.
Valuation
When you decide to sell your home, the type of foundation you select could affect your home's value depending. Some people do not like the look of a house sitting on the ground and would be less likely to make a higher offer on a house with a slab foundation as opposed to a home with a crawlspace.
Additionally, if you decide on a slab and the rest of the homes have crawlspaces or basements, this could drop the value of your home, simply because it's not like the rest of the homes in the neighborhood. This also works in reverse - if the homes in you area have slabs and you elect a crawlspace, you could affect the valuation of your home.
Before making a decision, discuss your options with your builder and find out what he thinks is the best type of foundation for your area.