Concrete Slab vs Crawl Space

Learn about concrete slab foundations and crawl space foundations. Let us know which one you would like to see on our spec house!
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[@RealLuckless]

A friend recently built a new house on a crawl space, but did a neat and surprisingly simple thing while framing up the floor over it: He put trap door hatches all over the place. Rather than crawling through a tiny access hole and wiggling his way the length of the house, he has a comfortable access spot almost every ten feet. Hatch below the kitchen? - Wine/root cellar. Hatch below the living room? Access to shelves for the Christmas decorations. In front of a bedroom closet? Bonus closet space. For essentially the price of an afternoon or two extra labour, some hinges, latches, and weather sealing, he is getting ten times the useful storage space out of an otherwise normal crawlspace. I do like many of the benefits of a slab, such has using it as part of a thermal mass storage and in-floor heating, but its also pretty hard to store stuff in a slab and still get it out easily.

[@RambozoClown]

Kinda a mini basement. That is an interesting concept. True, the only thing to store in a slab is a body.

[@DanielinLaTuna]

Rambozo Clown 😂 😆 it’d be best not to store evidence so close to home.

[@RealLuckless]

Those skeletons used for education can apparently aren't that expensive, and real bone ones can be bought for a few grand... No crime, therefore no evidence for anyone to come looking for, but some VERY confused contractors during renovations at some point in the future?

[@AkatarawaJapan]

Common in Japan now to have slab with stem walls of generous height around perimeter and under structural walls, with hatches in floors, like you say. Best of both worlds: forgiving floor, dry, strong, bug & snake free, with clean crawl space for cool storage and utilities/renovation.

[@DanielinLaTuna]

Akatarawa Japan, that sounds like a wonderful idea. Too often houses are built for the convenience of the builder rather than the comfort of the buyer. Nice to see Scott considering how the owner will live in the house. He’s building it like his family would inherit the house. 😀

[@leapnlarry]

This guy is a perfect example of an excellent application of youtube, somebody with decades of experience sharing his knowledge articulated well, good on camera, good voice, which is why he is very successful. Larry

[@ArlenMarlin]

As a civil engineer, great content as always. Wonderful explanation of residential foundations.

[@aserta]

Yup. Top work.

[@Daynaleo1]

When I built my parents home 30 years ago, I chose pier and beam construction with a minimum 30” height to the bottom of the floor joists. I did that consciously as sitting on my backside, my head is 29” off the dirt. I knew as the builder and their son, I would spend quality time in the crawl space and I have spent days down there leveling the house as it settled; adding structure for remodeling, swapping floor vents for the HVAC system. I love being able to sit upright in a crawl space. Most tradesmen do, and a happy tradesman does much better work than those lying on their back in cramped quarters where they can’t see the snake or spider coming to play. Crawl space is the only way to go, but it needs to be generous.

[@DanielinLaTuna]

Daynaleo1, I agree 100% !

[@rylonjerome]

Great points, I've worked in a few crawl spaces and only one small portion was I able to sit up. It was much better!

[@pamelaspooner8335]

I very recently asked my civil engineer niece slab or Pier and beam? Her instant reply was pier and beam .....reason being you can fix that if you have settling issues, etc. really not much you Can do w a slab in our shrink and swell soils (both sand and clay here) in N. Tx.

[@tjinnes]

Yep. We set up our place so it is comfortable underneath. I don't mind going under to fix or add things.

[@joshcowart2446]

As a plumber I’ve seen quite a few terrible ones. I’ve been under a couple where you had to dig as you go and others where there was almost just enough room to get stuck. Luckily I’m skinny and unluckily I’m a bit claustrophobic and arachnophobic.

[@chrismaldonado535]

Recently found this channel. Love it for tons of reasons. I’ve worked in new construction all over Southern California for 30 years as finish carpenter/ cabinet installer. Majority of homes are built on slab foundations. Many post tension. In the lower desert areas, Palm Springs , Indio , many of these slabs are poured over super sandy soil. Think super fine beach sand. I asked a superintendent once if they were required to do anything special or different because of this beach sand they were building on. He replied , no , the slab kinda floats on the sand. Couldn’t help but think of famous teacher who said “ the foolish man builds his house on the sand, wise man builds his house on a rock””

[@davidbartholomew8543]

As a homeowner, I appreciate the access that a crawlspace can provide even if it requires more maintenance over the life of the house. It's very difficult to identify leaks or defects in concrete slabs after construction, where as with a crawlspace, all you have to do is look. From a learning perspective, I'd love to learn how plumbing and electrical is done with a post-tension slab.

[@RUaCEO]

I would personally love to see a crawl space poured and framed because it is seldom covered in modern day construction manuals. While I understand that it may be cost or time prohibitive for this project, it might just be a good follow up video to explain the time and dollar spend differences between crawl spaces, rebar slab on grade, and post tension slab on grade. As always, amazing job!

[@Blueshirt38]

Oh yeah, I almost forgot people even do those. In Atlanta, I think I have only seen maybe two or three poured crawls. They are so much better to work in than a regular dirt crawl.

[@DanielinLaTuna]

Blueshirt, Out here on the west coast I’ve done my share of crawling in dirt, not fun. Nowadays I wear a dust mask, a cap, and a disposable jumpsuit. I think the concrete floor crawl space is popular in the northeast. Would love to have one.

[@samt5663]

@@DanielinLaTuna love to see concrete floor crawl space or at least a tall crawl space with drainage material. Dry storage area for new owner with multiple floor access hatches, hidden in cupboards closests walk in robes etc.

[@jeffcampbell9133]

I too would like to see crawl space.

[@MadScientist356]

Guys. I’m not even a builder or contractor. I do software for christ sake. And I love watching these videos. Listening to this man, by far the smartest wisest daddest guy I’ve heard.

[@dylan-5287]

New video? Hell yeah! Nothing better than getting off work and seeing there's a new essential craftsman video.

[@dylan-5287]

Andrew Harry haha same here, what kind of construction?

[@vincentlopez1932]

I think all crawls needs to be a minimum of 4ft

[@kevindearing2315]

As a contractor for 25 yrs., I've been a part of virtually every aspect of residential construction. But I've never experienced post-tension concrete work. Would love to see the informative and dynamic way you bring such topics as this to life.

[@jakeparr4532]

Please do the crawl space for the love of anyone that has to make a change in the future! I'd rather crawl in a crawl space than crawl in an attic space! I love you videos, keep em coming.

[@DanielinLaTuna]

Jake Parr, absolutely! Attic spaces get really tight where the roof rafters meet the ceiling joists; plus, the attic gets really (I mean really) hot in the summer! I’d rather be on my back in the dirt of crawl spaces than sitting upright in an attic.

[@jakeparr4532]

DanielinLaTuna best thing I found for tight spaces like crawl spaces is called a bump cap. Its a baseball cap hard hat. Doesnt get in the way and keeps me from hitting my head on pipes etc

[@elrolo3711]

Retired building inspector...Excellent informative explanation of basic fundamental factors to consider. Type of desired heating should also be a factor. Finished floor slabs with integral hot water heating, (radiant slabs) are high quality comfort and efficient operating costs for colder climates but are also more expensive to build. If air conditioning is desired, then forced air heating/cooling should be the type for which a crawl space is the best choice to accommodate the larger ductwork. Love to see tradesman who try to make good informed decisions and give good advice. Keep up the good work.

[@Goober1944]

My favorite notification by far

[@KarlMcCleve]

I raised my family in Mesa Arizona and did quite a bit of framing in the Gilbert Arizona area. In the 70s and early 80s they had a lot of problems with slabs moving downward and cracking. They eventually went to post tension floor framing. One of the greatest things they ever did. Thank you so much for your knowledgeable and intelligent videos

[@Bwatts1138]

Do the post-tensioning! As a civil engineer I took a prestressed/post-tensioned concrete design class, but we never talked much about residential applications. I think with the standards of production and presentation on your channel it would be extremely useful (and interesting!) content. Keep up the great work

[@bearriver685]

Ben Watts post tension would be fascinating to watch.

[@stoutlager6325]

Agreed. Whether or not it's the most suitable choice for the site I don't know but it would certainly be the most interesting for the video series.

[@bluenadas]

Post tension is an engineers game. Not a builders game. Go with an enclosed crawlspace.

[@timslowey4379]

Unless you have a post and beam type foundation there would be zero benefit to post tensioned concrete foundations and considerable expense. A normal foundation is under compressive loads only which concrete is more than capable of supporting.

[@eron17]

I have nothing to do with construction but I really enjoy your videos. No BS, someone nice who knows what he is talking about and takes his viewers seriously. Thanks!

[@nerfisbest]

Post tension or a crawl space sounds like like something where we all could all learn a lot Ps I am a young man entering the trades in a year or so and your videos are great for getting ready for trade school and helping me get the base idea Thanks

[@orionbound1]

I second this vote

[@mugshotmarley]

Here in Hawaii, we call them "Post & Pier" type foundation. Essentially, the lot is graded, and special concrete support blocks are placed every 10 or so feet in a grid patteren. A Y' suppprted 4x4 or larger are placed vertically to hold the horizontal floor joists. Its a little cheaper since you dont have to pour and concrete (besides garage) and the plumbing is easily accessible post construction. When I built my home, we decided on post & pier w slab garage because we live in a wet, tropical environment and also helps keep out the bugs/insects (IMO) since its elevated.

[@dlconstruction5255]

GB USA check out the video in the link cool construction walkthrough knowledge is power kzbin.info/www/bejne/bIjEqJujop6KrtE

[@laureanog1]

best video ever. No long intro with the music and jib jab. Just the straight facts. Thank You

[@Mishkola]

I've watched two of your videos so far, the one about sharpening and this one. Things my dad knew but never taught me, and I'm going to rectify that error for the next generation.

[@prestonthomas9406]

My 2 story home is 25 years old with a post tension slab and full brick veneer with absolutely no cracks in the brick or the slab. We live in a very dry climate here in Texas and have noticed only a couple times during extreme dry summers that the house would settle some evidenced through interior doors not closing properly. This was remedied through laying perimeter soaker hoses around the house and allowing them to run for a few days, problem solved. We live in a neighborhood of about a 1000 homes and have never heard of or seen any evidence of foundation issues since all of the homes used post tension. I would highly recommend the method or crawl space foundation having just recently been involved with a large antebellum home build. Great informative video, makes me feel super knowing I made the right decision with both of these homes. Thanks again.

[@garybrightbill4881]

As an electrician I would go with a crawl space for future renovations and repairs.

[@FishFind3000]

Gary Brightbill just give it a drop ceiling. Perfect.

[@FrankKittchnerIII]

I've dealt with Foundation issues post tension is the way to go do it once do it right

[@Rocketninja200]

You mean you don't want to run wires through my attic in San Antonio this coming August?

[@FrankKittchnerIII]

Zac Crow I've seen a wood version of a drop ceiling before that came out really nice instead of ceiling tiles they had panels made of tongue and groove boards

[@stevenreid3190]

@@FrankKittchnerIII I agree. Thinner slab & less shrinkage. Just have to get your embedment depths correct if post-installing ABs, or bye bye tendon. Lol.

[@MikeDayConcrete]

A lot of good information. We do a lot of slabs and crawl space foundations. Both have good points. More retired couples are building on slabs, no stairs to climb.

[@bl116]

I may be a little late for this thread but here is my take anyway. I am thinking crawl space with rat slab, thickened where any posts need to be for the floor structure. Let this space be conditioned as needed for the thermal value of the living space. The slab is just for pest control and ease of sliding storage boxes and of course not needing to work in the dirt when maintaining electrical, plumbing, HVAC systems. PT slabs are the way to go for elevated concrete work. In my almost 30 years working up in the Seattle area I have yet to put in a PT slab on grade. Worked on many above grade. I think you will find that there are many more cost friendly choices than a PT on grade. That said I would like to see your channel take on some unique concrete projects. There are so many lessons in building forms that you have only scratched the surface with in your retaining wall build. Thank you for such great content.

[@chrisblume]

As a carpentry teacher, my students and I are closely following your build. I have been, and will continue to use your videos for instructional purposes. You’re extensive knowledge and professional insight have been a great asset to me in the classroom. I would love to see you put the house on a crawl space and cover the floor framing process . Either way I look forward to watching and appreciate what you’re doing.

[@PatrickParsonWorkshop]

Crawl space. It's pretty handy to have that access when you need to run wire, fix things, etc.

[@samtaylor6385]

This!

[@Sunleyantiques]

This!

[@xander563]

This!

[@ecsciguy79]

I'm interested in a crawl space design because I want to build a house with a basement and I assume a basement shares many more similarities with a crawl space than with a slab. Also your homeowners might appreciate the accessibility of utilities and not walking on concrete.

[@elcajoia619]

Almost at 40 yrs. in the Cement Finisher Union, this ↑↑↑

[@zeedevil4409]

I love the crawl space from the service side of our industry. A lot easier to effectively do repairs when pipe and vents are accessible. I also love it when the siding is spaced significantly off the ground as this helps prevent rot if you go with a wood siding. Love the series and it is always a joy listening to such wisdom

[@virgilkelly6991]

Scott is the Mister Rogers of construction. I mean that in the best way possible.

[@bonanzatime]

Virgil Kelly Are you trying to say he's wearing slippers inside his Classic Sears macho-ismo work boots?. 😐

[@maleficentcop2752]

Now that's funny stuff... rotflol....😂🤣👍

[@bruce-le-smith]

omg #truth

[@MrPsqB]

Virgil Kelly 6

[@bluenadas]

+1

[@josephverbosiii5764]

Been a builder for 30 + years and built my own house a couple years ago chose a slab on grade with radiant gas boiler powered heat have built several homes this way and is by for the best choice I ever made most comfortable heat you can have and most durable choice for sure. Used wood look porcelain tile for most of the house.

[@johnjones7829]

Crawl space. 4 foot minimum. I think of access to supports, plumbing, electrical, and modifications. Possible storage and multiple other possibilities.

[@bushwhackermo]

Why not 8'-9' basement and get living area?

[@keithrosen1139]

Essential Craftsman you and I are the same.. I am life long concrete contractor and a welder and fabricator. I can build anything just like you. We have the same set of skills. You and I old skilled guys who are a relic of the past..

[@StannisTheMannis305]

@Keith Rosen I never get tired of listening to the old guys stroke their egos lol.

[@Derkensteino]

crawlspace for sure! as time goes on and technology improves, we'll want more and more amenities in our homes, leaving a crawlspace means leaving room for modification. it'll make life a hell of a lot easier for electricians like me!

[@jestempies]

I would love to see you do a passive or at least a very efficient house on an insulated slab.

[@AustrianAnarchy]

Post-tension would be interesting. Yes!

[@hpd633]

Good luck cutting into a postension slab later!!

[@geraldkthomas339]

Live watching ur videos and hear ur explanations as to why something needs to be done a certain way! One thing I would like to mention is that u can use stripes of 1" wide by 1/8" by what ever length to install once concrete has been floated by steel. Its a good trick.

[@trigunnn2]

I love crawl spaces just for the simple fact of when things and when things always go wrong you can repair them although a nice slap is great for how cool it keeps the house especially in the summer not to mention how much stuff you can do without worrying about hurting your floor

[@wardprocter2371]

My vote is for crawl space. I find post tensioning a really interesting idea that I'd like to know more about in a residential slab on grade situation but I just don't think s-o-g is the best application for the site you're building on. Plus, I bet there's plenty of interesting things you could teach us about crawl space foundation. No matter which you choose, please keep up the great work!

[@scruffy6151]

Another vote for post tension. I have never seen or poured one. Thank you EC for the information.

[@ThumperLV]

The only crawlspace house I've lived in...there was a significant amount of noise associated with the floor - either walking on it or amplifying ambient sounds (like an alarm clock). We built an addition to that house, which had a slab on grade (don't remember if it was post tension, it probably was). There was a huge difference walking down the hallway when they transitioned. I do remember a difference in the feel of the floor as well - subtle, but definitely softer with the crawlspace. I would think a post tension slab, properly installed (which of choose you will), would provide the greatest longevity and the least long-term cost to the owner. I would think a crawlspace, properly built (which of course you will), would be the most fun to watch you build - as we've already seen concrete poured, and there's only so much you can watch about tightening cables. Thank you for sharing - watching you is like watching my father. I think you two should get along tremendously if you ever meet (we're in Las Vegas).

[@danielford5027]

If you go with the crawl space then maybe you could do post tension on the garage so we can see the process. And thank you guys for doing this project, it is really awesome!

[@jonathandavis903]

My father built the house I grew up in on a slab. I thought it was the best foundation after seeing the water/moisture issues in basements around our town on the east coast of Canada. I'd like to see more on the post tension foundation. That said your content is always educational and whatever you choose will be useful for learning.

[@OlivierCR]

4 years late, but I would like to comment that moisture issues (rising damp) can be prevented by using a vapor barrier under the slab. Some of them offer between 15 and 20 years warranty, while others have lifetime warranty.

[@greenley77]

In my mind it's so important to be able to access failed plumbing in at least a crawl space.

[@andrewtrushinski3848]

I like the crawlspace. You have more options to work with it in the future. Placing the hvac under the house will be a smaller load on the system compared to the attic, plus floor registers with heat on on a cold day is wonderful. Thanks for the video.

[@DurMan667]

A crawl space I think would be most interesting. Also good to have that extra storage space if you need it

[@erichaskell]

I have always liked crawl spaces as they allow access to fix or add. I have remodeled extensively and having a crawl space is a godsend.

[@adamgall8960]

Crawl space. Access when needed. Greater elevation from ground for features such as porches and decks. More benefits in my opinion than slab. I'm interested in the cost comparison.

[@JRMoritz]

Adam Gall Knowing the cost difference would be valuable

[@danduane1413]

I like the idea of a slab. The post tension type sounds interesting. One of the things I like about it, other than the noise when walking is you can have in-floor heat. Don't have to hear forced air.

[@vampiregirl32]

I never get bored listen to his video he's a great guy a great father and a great grandfather awesome guy 💯😍😘😊😇

[@vampiregirl32]

Miguel Moreno you sick person 🤢

[@strongholds12]

?

[@NaveenKumar-oj7xh]

Hmm. You figured all that out just by watching him teach construction stuff?

[@vampiregirl32]

Naveen Kumar yes I do but he's a good teacher knows about blacksmith work now I like to learn blacksmith work from him one day but for now my daughter is more important for my life blacksmith it's just a Hobby for me

[@christhebrickman3796]

Can you talk about some of the problems with slab on grade like if you want to remodel the difficulties that come with that. And some of the benefits of the crawl space simplicity of remodeling.

[@cncwoodworxroc6881]

I think this series alone adds value to the future purchasers of this home. They see , without waiver, the quality of the build and will be able to reflect upon it in the future with family and friends, and their potential purchasers.

[@endemiller5463]

I haven't heard of post tension being used in a domestic situation - that would be very informative. Vote 1 PT.

[@masonpauls]

I agree. See lots of post tension in commercial use but not residential here in Central Texas. Vote 2 PT.

[@masonpauls]

Hey wpattison, you're absolutely right... My interpretation of a PT foundation was off and limited to larger commercial structures. It never occurred to me that they were extensively used here in residential applications (I obviously know very little about foundations). I suspect when I drove by an in construction residential foundation I just thought it to be rebar... Texas gumbo? Maybe black gumbo if you're in Wharton County... I'm just west of you in Drip. Thanks for the picture and shedding light on what a residential PT foundation looks like in construction!!

[@scruffy6151]

I cast my vote for post tension

[@masonpauls]

I swear I learn more from this channel than I could from a library or anywhere else for that matter. ... Except maybe from Google... :) I honestly wished I had more "gumbo" on my property. ...Anything else but more rock... I'm sure you know what I mean. Thanks again!

[@stevevandermeer1958]

Here in the Las Vegas area, it's used a lot for residential construction. Not many, if any basements here. Mostly slabs. The desert doesn't move much, well, except for those pesky little earth quakes.

[@justinnor3332]

I’m so glade you have chosen to share your experiences and know. So many people like you are bitter and cold. Thank you for helping future generations and me.

[@GadgetBiker]

I would be interested in seeing how the post tension slab is done, but you guys will have to decide what will work best for your house.

[@luisnieves8219]

Wow!! Great explanation!! I'm having some doubts on a slab I have to build in a humid, yet rocky, yet inclined terrain 😬. I will continue watching your videos!! Thanks! 🙏🏻

[@HFKoets]

Hi, I’ve started watching the house build series yesterday and subscribed immediately. I can’t wait to see more content... the expertise and experience you have, combined with your calm and detailed narration make it a joy to watch this build come along. Thank you so much for starting this project for build enthousiasts all over the world... Henk Koets from The Netherlands

[@THE_PeglegSwantoon]

I must say that no matter which one you choose, we'll be here waiting and watching. I personally would prefer to see you go with the least expensive or most advantageous for the project. You are making this house for your loyal viewers, but that should be secondary to your needing to hopefully more than break even on the deal. Either way, I hope you will let us in on the justifications for whichever you choose. Keep up the great work!

[@John_Montgomery]

Crawl space is my vote. insulate, vapor barrier, gravel. you'll add potential storage, and will always have access to mechanicals for repairs, not to mention it is easier to run conditioned air to the first floor rooms.

[@honumoorea873]

You can insulate under the slab.

[@boblswaggert4515]

Crawl space, as a buyer I think that would be a deal breaker not having access to plumbing , and not being able to add any additions without breaking the bank. Love the channel!

[@eeguy77]

I'm most interested in a crawl space first, then post-tension second. Not really interested in just a standard slab.

[@salbadorruizalvarez]

thank you for this explanation, I'm taking my contractors test and this was super helpful

[@BrentVdz907]

More interested in a footer with stem wall crawl space. Growing up in the Southwest everything is slab. Moved up north to Alaska and everything “crawl space” blew my mind.

[@michaellecompte1889]

Sealed Plenum, insulated and conditioned Crawl Space FTW! The floors are cool in the summer and warm in the winter.

[@Joe-fi4hv]

Every crawl space I've ever seen is like the drivers seat in a 1950's sports car. It gets built and Then someone looks and say, " yeah, I think a human might be able to fit in there."

[@workingcountry1776]

Good info! Here in NY we generally have a full basement because of frost and soil conditions. Plus people expect it. That's where ppl have laundry, weight rooms, workshops and such

[@trikebum5]

ANOTHER important set of considerations. With a slab there is NO steps and much LESS expensive and is ideal for older people!!! Also only ONE or two holes in a corner or midway on the edge of the slab for water gas and electricity if needed. Run everything overhead after that. Great access in the attic for repair or modifications.

[@aliciaolivas797]

Good point, but if anything happens to the pipes it’s more costly to fix. My grandma lives in a manufactured home (mobile home) my dad added ramps with rails for her years ago. Adding a ramp is an easy fix compared to breaking the foundation to get to pipes. Just wanted to add my thoughts since people do a lot of research on KZbin (myself included) and might not have considered installing a ramp.

[@chrisgreen6059]

Youre a construction genius and your level of explaining what things are and how they work is incredible.

[@paullavoie8087]

I would like your thoughts on a crawl space that has a cement floor in it, in other words a short cellar. So that there is no dirt to deal with when have have to go in crawl space.

[@zschudrowitz155]

Crawl space would be my 1st vote. Slab on grade 2nd. Tensioned 3rd. I'm just a homeowner and I think apply more for me. Anything you do though will expand my knowledge. Thanks!

[@Junior_Jackson]

Plumbing problems in a slab are a nightmare. And very expensive. Crawl space for ease of repairs.

[@Howie47]

@P C So your drains to showers, tubs and toilets have to be well above floor level. Which seems a bit awkward. Do able, but awkward.

[@trikebum5]

All plumbing /sinks/ tubs/ showers is built on an Outside wall. Easily accessible from the outside with a slab. It doesn't take a genius to figure that out. Lived in this slab house 30 years NO problems. Very low maintenance. In a large expensive multi-story house this would be more of a problem but then again you would have big bux to hire anything done, but we only had two children and one bathroom three bedroom slab house. Everything worked out well!!

[@Howie47]

@@trikebum5 So it limits the house design. Mind as well have an outhouse. LOL

[@erics3886]

@@trikebum5 shouldn't put plumbing in outside walls here due to freezing

[@protectork9831]

What kind of problems

[@BillSchimmer]

I do a lot of my own DIY being trained by my Dad how to save money. I would want crawl under the plumbing areas for sure. the rest could be slab but I prefer the soft wood floors for health as stated by another for his back. My mother-in-law also had 3 knee replacements. Thanks for the entertainment. Bill

[@azcochise]

Slab makes me feel like I'm not in a trailer.

[@edwaggonersr.7446]

After having grown up in Phoenix AZ where 99% of houses are built on concrete slabs and spending another 35 years in Oregon where 99% are wood floors with a crawl space I like the wood floors for a number of reasons. 1) Easy to move or add plumbing, electrical or HVAC. 2) Nice to walk on and fall on. 3) Warmer. 4) A squeak or two just adds flavor. 5) Easy to re-level if needed.

[@michaelcuff5780]

Basement every time! Store all your junk and tools. Make a shop down there!

[@SamTheEnglishTeacher]

@Pyra Gorgon my basement has a hole cut in the concrete and a water pump that starts automatically when the water table reaches a certain level.

[@seanm3226]

If money is no issue.

[@wolfsoldier5105]

Don't you people have sheds? LOL

[@michaelcuff5780]

@@wolfsoldier5105 sheds are for lawnmovers!

[@0UR0US]

@@michaelcuff5780 Aye to that! I'm not walking outside to get my wrenches!

[@yanhu2011]

Love to see how a crawl space is done. We are looking to build an addition about 300 sq ft two story in te back of our current small house. Love to know more about foundation building.

[@PhiloSage]

How about post tension slab on grade for the garage and crawl space for the main house? Then we get the best of both worlds!

[@keanantemple7622]

I'm an HVAC Technician that lives in Northern Michigan, and I see a lot of crawl spaces. I really like a nice spacious crawl and believe that's the way to go. I would like to learn more about post tension though.

[@bryanc531]

Your my hero Scott! Keep the great videos coming, watching from glen Burnie Maryland

[@terrysullivan1992]

I'm coming a little late to the party, but loving everything about these videos. About putting the pipes etc. in the ground under a poured slab. A few years ago a rental property I owned had serious corrosion problems with the under slab water pipes. Seems it was becoming a problem throughout this housing tract. Tearing up the slab to replace the defective leaking pipes was not a viable option. Solution was to reroute all pipes through the attic and down through the walls. Made much easier with PEX flexible water pipe. Beats the heck out of stiff copper and sweating joints. Especially in a cramped attic.

[@timmills3823]

I would like to see a hybrid of sorts... a crawlspace with a thinner slab to eliminate rodents and insects, but still give convenient access for the mechanicals, a conditioned crawlspace and attic would be interesting too... Matt Reisinger has a channel that does a lot of building science I would be curious to see how his techniques of building in central Texas can be adapted to the challenges of your region. Collaboration would be fun to see.

[@accounter11]

Tim Mills it's called a "slush coat" or mud mat. Do it all the time on high-rise foundations. One or two loads of concrete for a house this size is well worth it.

[@janderson8401]

In CT a crawlspace is required to have a thin layer of concrete over the dirt and vapor barier. We always called it a “rat slab”

[@maleficentcop2752]

This is one I've not even consider.....I would imagine a drain tile system would be a must in this area though...??? I really like this idea...👍

[@timmills3823]

J Anderson yeah... rat slab, I saw tom Silva do it on TOH for a porch to room addition... seems logical enough to me.

[@bluenadas]

Awesome to see Risinger mentioned on EC! I say enclosed crawlspace. Closed cell insulation on exterior walls, foam board under floor of crawlspace.

[@alm7707]

Just building our basement. 18 inch footings on undisturbed clay. we are using wood walls, 2x8 on 12in centers with triple top plates and 3/4 in plywood, all pressure treated. we poured the slab today, 3.5 in of concrete over 1 1/2 in rigid foam insulation which was on top of 5 inches of radon rock then rebar and pex heating pipes. Wood was $10,000 less than poured concrete walls and $20,000 less than ICF blocks.

[@peterv1436]

This makes me think of how footings were done before concrete. I live in North Wales and my house was built sometime in the mid 1800s. The walls have no signifigant foundations at all. They just dug a shallow trench to the subsoil and placed the largest stones they had to hand in it and built the wall on top of that using uncoursed quarry waste. These were homes intended for the miners so they weren't going to build them out of expensive cut stone! No DPC or anything like that, just slate and lime mortar from dirt to roof. As far as I know where Georgian and Victorian era brick houses where built, the footing would usually just be a few courses of hard engineering brick built one and a half or two bricks thick to support a wall one brick thick. Onto this there might be a slate DPC. We do have the relative benefit in this part of the world of not having signifigant earthquakes although you see plenty of old buildings here that have moved signifigantly in their lifetime with barely a square angle anywhere on them but they still stand. I understand this is largely due to the soft lime mortar which can allow for quite alot of movement while still holding the masonry together.

[@austinpatrick2682]

I knew nothing about post-tension before this video... However, as a repairman I know as well as anybody the great value that comes with accessibility to the systems that make up a home. Frankly, most homes need repairs sooner than later both large and small. Even if a top-notch contractor like Scott builds the perfect house it will be met with unforseen occurrences and residents almost always change their mind over the years about what they want in their house and where they want it. Case-in-point, someone has a post tension slab, years down the road they build onto the back of the house, new hurdles are presented in supplying water and evacuating waste. Plus, when the new addition perhaps moves there will be an intense strain on the plumbing. All of this of course can be remedied with creative solutions, however, at a certain cost. Simply put, my money would buy a crawlspace. The value a crawlspace adds to a house in "changeability" makes a crawlspace a no-brainer for a house that is built to sell.

[@scottjenkins4613]

I'm interested in all 3. I currently live in a house built by a developer w/ slab floor and I'm planning to build my first house in the next few years. My main concern is comfort and durability, but I also have my eyes on the budget. I need to weigh the cost benefit for my build so any tutorial will be appreciated. In your experience, for the house you have planned, are the costs for the three different foundations similar or widely varied? And are the necessary skills similar or is one much easier than the others for a novice to build? Since you're speculating, I think you should build the one that is smart for the budget and will attract a buyer with quality.

[@walterlane8890]

In southern NC a lot of houses are built on raised, floating slabs. They pour the footers, then block up three or four courses, then back fill, then pour a floating slab on top.

[@erikupvall3367]

Keep it simple and flexible. Post and beam with plenty of crawlspace for remodeling later.

[@robertharker]

Radiant heat in a slab on grade foundation is really nice. I grew up in an Eichler house and it is really nice in the winter to put your feed down first thing in the morning and have a warm floor.

[@karljkknapp]

what is norm for the area? crawlspace is my choice.

[@josephhaddakin7095]

I have a crawlspace. It's an older house & it sure is nice when I have to fix plumbing problems.

[@Ikantspell4]

Love to see a crawlspace. Lots of value added for the new home buyer, especially in the Pacific Northwest where a chilly dead floor is a big disadvantage above and beyond the ability to run lines below the 1st floor. I'm sure cost is, as always, a factor. Any clue as to building cost difference to the crawlspace and the slab? I'm sure for a skilled concrete man like you pouring a slab is probably easier. For a guy like me who would have to sub out all the work what's the dollar say?

[@Chillituber]

Living in Minnesota, we usually get a basement. There are houses that are built on slabs, but they are not desirable (Tornado shelter, storage, extra living space). A Post Tension slab would be interesting to see, but for future work and repair, I'd go with a crawl space.

[@rjtumble]

I’d vote for the post tension idea. But, to be honest, its partly because it sounds cool and i might like to do it on my own house in a couple of years. Also, did you get to say hi to the neighbor and two dogs walking by?

[@noellwilson1273]

My 50 year old house in Georgia is on a slab with cera!mic tiile floors. No real problems so far except we didn't put enough expansion joints in the tile. "Next time" we'll use stamped concrete As the finish. As you say, the pipes are all buried and I don't like to think about the copper water line needing replacement. I had a friend build on a slab and he put oversize plastic pipes under the floor with a 90 up where service was needed, installed the other pipes inside the oversize plastic, and sealed the space at the ends with low grade concrete that can be broken out of needed.

[@namelesscynic1616]

We don't have crawl spaces in the UK. Is this not a security risk, providing more potential access points into the house from underneath?

[@frankenz66]

Your typical crook doesn't want to leave that much evidence and proof of intent to saw a hole up out of your floor to break and entry. Sure, if you have things like a bunch of diamonds or something, but typically, no, I wouldn't think.

[@UserNameAnonymous]

Most crawl spaces can only be accessed from inside the house

[@frankenz66]

@@UserNameAnonymous Not by me. It's code that a structure has an outside access.

[@UserNameAnonymous]

@@frankenz66 - interesting. Where do you live? I'm in Illinois, US and I've never seen around here with outside access.

[@ridinrancher9443]

I’m 2 years late but I’m definitely interested in the crawl space foundation. Gonna search through the videos and see if you did one. Great information! Thank you.

[@christopherhill1685]

Made my day to get this notification.

[@eagle21scout]

I would vote for crawl space. More to see and learn with that type of construction. Thanks for the education!

[@hughedavid1]

I like the versatility of a concrete slab. However I have been on concrete must of my life and now after 3 back surgeries I can no longer tolerate concrete. I can go to any store that has concrete slab floors and can not spend more than a few minutes literally on it before I have to sit down or just leave due to the pain it causes me. I can not have a concrete floor in a home anymore. All most any Neurological Surgeon will tell you that it is hard on joint and the spine. Just a thought to consider.

[@apparition9146]

I stay at a forest service cabin a lot that uses Styrofoam blocks as its foundation. It works surprisingly well. As for what type I would like to see, I prefer a crawl space. I think it makes long term maintenance infinitely easier, and I imagine it would also make demonstrating how the various components of the project fit together.

[@mochs3869]

Having lived in a slab house the last 25 years, I would never do it again for one simple but big reason: Storage. This house has no basement and no usable attic space, so everything people would normally store in their basements ends up out in my garage, or pay for a mini-storage unit every month for years. One other big reason would be remodeling. With plumbing buried in the concrete floor, wherever sinks, drains and vent lines were put is where they always have to be unless you bust up the floor, so kitchen and bathroom layouts will always have to be exactly where they were when the house was built.

[@user-lm1jo4qx9g]

The absolute perfect speaker for these videos! It is a blessing to have the experience and the knowledge, and to share it with all of us in video land is an awesome god send. I personally think he should be teaching a trade school the trades , so that are future trades can carry on in the same fashion with the same care and professionalism that Scott exudes.👍

[@JonathanKnighton961]

Just make those manholes big enought for us extra wide guys. Dam things gets smaller every year...

[@gatekeeper84]

Jonathan Knighton what is an extra wipe guy does it have to do with toilet paper?

[@steveredenbaugh9058]

Extra wipe usually refers to an Over filling of something

[@JonathanKnighton961]

Whoops Typo. WIPE=WIDE

[@steveredenbaugh9058]

we knew what you meant.. just pullin` yer chain

[@bigMACDavey]

That's right, the holes are getting smaller...

[@yodaiam1000]

As a structural engineer, I have to say that your explanations of the different types of foundations and the advantages and disadvantages of each type are excellent. In our area, we have to add rigid insulation below an SOG. It would be worth mentioning that could be a requirement. There are height restrictions for crawl spaces in many areas. If you build it too high, you have to include in the floor space calculation. I have seen PT cables snap which can be dangerous. This can happen when the live end of a PT cable is not a water proof as it should be. I have never designed a PT SOG but the thought of putting a live end of a cable close to the ground makes me a bit nervous.