I'd like to have my 1st floor sit ~18"-24" above ground level in order to allow for a view of the lake over the neighbor's house. "Ground level" where the hose will sit is actually ~9' higher than the road, so I could add a full basement if I choose that route. However, I'm attempting to build this house with cash, so doing a full basement, while adding value, is an extra expense I don't need at this point. I'm not crazy about crawlspace basements in general, especially since they're more expensive than a slab, but less than a full basement. Is there another alternative that I'm not aware of?
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- Choosing Foundation Type
What types of soil do you have? What is the water level? What is the climate?
And also what is common practice(s) in your area.
These will all affect the choice of a foundation.
For example if you are in the colder part of the country the footing need to be down 4ft, then add the 2ft above ground and you are already at 6 ft so a couple more would be minimal extra expense.
On the other hand in a wet sandy location like FL trying to do a basement would be very, very, very expensive.
And in other places soil conditions are such is that they have to put in pilings or piers to get solid support. Then beams betweent he piers and a slab on that.
Best to talk to a couple of local contractors that know the area and practaces.
And also what is common practice(s) in your area.
These will all affect the choice of a foundation.
For example if you are in the colder part of the country the footing need to be down 4ft, then add the 2ft above ground and you are already at 6 ft so a couple more would be minimal extra expense.
On the other hand in a wet sandy location like FL trying to do a basement would be very, very, very expensive.
And in other places soil conditions are such is that they have to put in pilings or piers to get solid support. Then beams betweent he piers and a slab on that.
Best to talk to a couple of local contractors that know the area and practaces.
Soil is hard pan, water is deep, and the types of foundations in the area vary, even in the same conditions. On my right side is a neighbor with a full basement, on my left is a crawlspace. The house across the street on on block, and the house next door to him is a slab.
The frost line is hard to put a number on, as I've read that a foundation needs to be anywhere from 18"-36" below final grade, per state regs. I'm in a "Marine" climate in the Pacific Northwest, 30 miles north of Seattle.
The frost line is hard to put a number on, as I've read that a foundation needs to be anywhere from 18"-36" below final grade, per state regs. I'm in a "Marine" climate in the Pacific Northwest, 30 miles north of Seattle.
