There is an old adage that states; "Don't start off on the wrong foot". There is no better place to apply this proverb than to the foundation of your new home or addition. Amazingly, when building their home, most home owners leave this detail to their builder. Most residential builders have good intentions but sometimes get stuck in a rut when it comes to new and better building techniques.
In the last 50 years, homes have mostly been built using concrete block or concrete masonry units (CMU) for foundations. There are applications where this type of foundation works well such as foundations less than four feet in height or where there will be limited backfill. If not properly constructed and reinforced CMU foundations can crack or even fail. The worst case is where cracks develop and get worse over time leaving the home owner with problems long after the builder is gone.
Poured-in-place concrete foundations, like the one shown here at Lina and Charles Hart's home in Chattanooga, Tennessee, are the quality choice for the foundation of your new home or addition. Poured concrete foundations offer superior strength and are typically coated with a waterproof membrane which will keep your living space dry.
Communication is key. Ask your builder how he plans to construct the foundation of your project. Ask him to explan the details of the foundation system he plans to use. A quality home builder will be glad you asked and be happy to share the details of his plans for your new home or addition. If he resists, this can of worms was well worth opening!
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