US News recently ranked Myrtle Beach #1 in the top 25 fastest-growing places in the US. With its laid-back atmosphere and housing costs well below the national average, it’s no wonder the Grand Strand draws steady droves of yearly newcomers.
But whether you’re new to the beach or a local planning for your next home, chances are you’ve wondered which foundation option is best.
This topic can be daunting, but don’t worry! Today, we’ll cover the pros & cons of the 3 most common home foundation types. That way, you can make a better-informed choice for yourself and your family.
Let’s get started!
Full Basements
Full basements are entirely underground, usually in deep holes of 8 feet or more. Their walls may be poured concrete, stacked concrete blocks, insulated concrete panels, or pressure-treated wood and plywood.
Pros:
- Offer convenient storage for water heaters, plumbing structures, and other utilities.
- Can be used as additional living spaces.
Cons:
A full basement is a rare home foundation in the Carolinas due to high humidity and water tables. Nonetheless, there are drawbacks to consider:
- Their greater risk for mold and mildew.
- They’re a poor choice for the clay-based soils found in South Carolina. Over time, this soil can cause water to gather around basements, leading to cracks, leaks, and other structural problems.
- They’re one of the most expensive foundations to build.
Crawl Spaces
Think of a crawlspace as a shallow basement around 1.5 to 3 feet high. As the name suggests, the crawl space is between the ground and the home’s main living area.
Pros:
- Elevate the home off the ground.
- Allow easy access to utility areas such as air conditioning, heater, ductwork, insulation, plumbing, and electrical wiring.
- Can be very convenient in areas with high moisture.
Cons:
- Take longer to build than a slab foundation.
- Unlike basements, cannot function as living spaces.
- Only allow room for utility access and limited storage.
- Are the perfect petri dish for mold and fungus. If left untreated, these can cause severe structural issues like wood rot. Mold can also cause many health issues. That’s why it’s vital to have crawl space inspections every 6 months.
Concrete Slabs
A concrete slab home rests on a flat of concrete about 4-6 inches thick in the center. Despite its low positioning, a concrete slab home has benefits that may surprise you.
Pros:
- The cheapest of the house foundation types since there is no crawl space or basement to budget for.
- Less risk of flooding.
- Less risk of gas leaks from a basement or crawl space into the house.
- No open spaces mean excellent protection from termites and other insects.
Cons:
- Force installation of heating and cooling units on the ground floor. In turn, this takes up living space.
- Cracks can form in the slab, compromising the home’s structure and upping the odds of expensive repairs.
- Many people consider a slab home’s on-the-ground profile unattractive.
Get in Touch
At Odom Design, we remove the headache from even the most challenging home projects. We build and renovate the highest-end properties in Myrtle Beach, and they testify to our craft and integrity.
We look forward to building together. Contact Odom Design for your home planning needs today!