Foundation Costs
Most homeowners spend between $250 and $7,425 nationally. Get free estimates from local foundations contractors.
One of the most important parts of a house is its foundation. When constructing a new home from the ground up, the cost of building a foundation will vary depending on the region and market in which the foundation is built as well as the complexity of the job. There are several different foundation types from which individuals who are constructing a home may choose.
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Full Basement Foundation
Typically the most expensive type of foundation, the full basement variety consists of a slab basement floor with stem walls that extend from the basement floor to the main level of the building and footers. Homeowners who choose this type of foundation will incur higher costs due to the need for deeper excavation. Grading and forms are also needed in addition to drainage, waterproofing and concrete reinforcements in the basement walls. People who choose a full basement foundation may pay as much as $30,000.
Slab Foundation
While less expensive than other styles, slab foundations lack a basement or crawl space. This type of foundation consists of a flat concrete slab that sits on a perimeter stem wall, which rests directly on a footing that is below grade. Construction costs include excavation, grading and the addition of a base layer of gravel that lies beneath the slab. Homeowners can expect to pay approximately $7,000 up to $16,000 to construct a concrete slab foundation for a home that is up to 1,800 square feet.
Perimeter Foundation
Consisting of perimeter stem walls that sit on below-grade footings, the walls and floor of a perimeter foundation rest on the stem walls. This type of foundation is also known as a crawl space foundation because the structure is built above ground and allows just enough room for a person to crawl underneath. Construction costs include excavation, grading and the cost to build the forms that are used to cast the stem wall and footers. Overall cost can be as much as $21,000; however, using precast concrete blocks can eliminate the expense of using forms.
Location
Oftentimes, the cost of a foundation type will be influenced by the frequency with which it is used in a given area. Some options may be more popular than others due to climate constraints. As a general rule, choosing a type of foundation that is common to the area in which the house will be built has two major benefits: not only will it be easier to find a contractor who is experienced and has a proven track record in successfully constructing the particular type of foundation, but the price will generally be lower than other varieties. Foundation types that are not as popular locally may require contractors to utilize special equipment, which will often lead to a higher overall cost.
When it comes to choosing a foundation, consumers should conduct their own research and consult a trustworthy contractor. Consumers should also understand that while most foundations are built according to the local climate and topographical features of the land, there are also exceptions to the general trends.
Last updated on May 2, 2017
