At Biggs Construction INC, we are new home builders in Greenville, NC who have been building custom, quality homes in Eastern NC for over 20 years. If you are interested in building your dream home, you can contact us for a free consultation, face-to-face, the old-fashioned way.
When it comes to building your new home, there are a number of decisions to be made, but one of the first things that you need to figure out is whether you want your home built with a raised foundation or on a slab. Each option has its own advantages and disadvantages, which we’d be happy to walk you through.
Slab Homes
Homes built on a slab are placed on a slab made of concrete, that’s usually between 4 to 6 inches thick. This slab is placed over a layer of sand which acts as a cushion for the concrete and allows drainage to take place.
Some of the advantages of a slab home include:
- No stairs leading into home, which is ideal for those with mobility issues
- Cheaper to build than raised foundation homes
- Easier and quicker to build than foundation homes
Some of the disadvantages of a slab home include:
- Slabs can crack over time, and the repair costs can be pricey
- Slab homes don’t heat and cool as efficiently as raised foundation homes
- Heating and cooling units must go outside of the home, and air ducts must have extra insulation
Raised Foundation Homes
Homes built on a raised foundation, or crawl space foundations, are made of a wall raised several feet from the ground, upon which the home is then built.
Some of the advantages of a raised foundation include:
- Crawl space allows room for HVAC, plumbing, and electrical to be housed and easier access for future maintenance and repairs
- The raised foundation provides extra protection from flooding
- The resale value on a raised foundation home is typically higher than that of a slab home
Some of the disadvantages of a raised foundation include:
- It’s costlier to build than a slab home
- The crawl space provides a space for unwanted critters to make a home
- The crawl space, if improperly sealed or maintained, can breed mold and mildew
As you can see, each of these options come with their own pros and cons. The beauty of building your own home means that you get to choose which type of home is right for your family’s needs and budgets. If you’re unsure whether you’d like a slab or a raised foundation home, we are happy to discuss your options with you. Just give us a call at Biggs Construction in Greenville, NC today.