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What Is Buying a House on a Concrete Slab?
The foundation that your house is built on can have a major impact on the structural integrity of your home. A slab foundation is made of concrete that is typically 4″ to 6″ thick in the center. The concrete slab is often placed on a layer of sand for drainage or to act as a cushion.
Houses built on a slab lack crawl spaces, and there is no space under the floor. If you are considering building or buying a home on a concrete slab, there are a number of benefits and drawbacks that need to be considered.
Key Takeaways
- Concrete slab foundations are more common in states with warm climates where the ground is less likely to freeze and cause the foundation to crack.
- There are good reasons for building or buying a house on a slab, such as cost savings and less risk of damage in certain instances.
- The disadvantages include that heating and cooling units may have to be installed on the ground floor, which takes up living space. There is also a potential for cracks.
What You Need To Know About Buying a House on a Concrete Slab
Some houses don’t have a basement or crawl space under them but are simply built on a concrete slab—perhaps because the house sits on bedrock or a high water table. The concrete is poured onto the ground all at one time. Some foundations have post-tension cables or are reinforced with steel rods called rebar so that the slab can bear the weight of the house. The house is then constructed on top of this concrete foundation.
Slab foundations are more common in southern states with warm climates, where the ground is less likely to freeze and cause the foundation to crack. Here’s a look at the pros and cons that come with a slab foundation.
Advantages of Concrete Slab Foundations
Here are five reasons to select this type of base for a house:
1. Less Time To Dry
It takes less time for a concrete slab to dry. Less downtime means that construction can move along without delay. There is no need to wait the several days it takes for the concrete in a poured basement to cure and dry.
2. Less Risk of Damage From Flooding or Leaking of Gasses
Slab foundations minimize the risk of damage from flooding or the leaking of gas, such as radon, from a basement or crawl space into the house.
3. Protection From Pests
A concrete slab can protect a home from termites or other insects as there are no open spaces underneath the house that provide access to wooden joists or supports insects could chew. Slabs can also be pre-treated with insecticides to be sure they do not nest underneath.
4. Cost Savings
Cost savings is one of the biggest advantages. In many cases, the home buyer can shave as much as $10,000 off the cost of the house. If it is built on a slab there is no crawl space or basement to budget for. This is particularly true when a builder has to carve a basement out of solid rock—a very expensive proposition.
5. Less Steps
Slab homes are often built closer to the ground than homes with basements or crawl spaces, thus reducing the number of steps required to enter the home. Easy access is advantageous for those who are less physically able.
The decision to buy or build a home on a concrete slab depends in good part on the climate where the house is located and on your budget.
Disadvantages of Concrete Slab Foundations
Despite the advantages of this type of construction, a concrete slab is not for every house site or homeowner. Here are five reasons to consider passing it up:
1. Pests Can Still Enter Through Walls
Although termites and other pests cannot gain access directly beneath the house, they can enter through the walls since the house is typically closer to the ground. This is particularly true if the siding is made of wood and sits on the ground.
2. Ductwork Requires Insulation
Ductwork for heating and air conditioning is usually run through the ground-floor ceiling, which means that it must be heavily insulated to retain the proper temperature.
3. Heating and Cooling Units Use Above-Ground Space
An air-conditioning unit and furnace may also have to be installed on the ground floor, which means that they will take up room that might otherwise be used for other purposes.
4. Slab Cracks
One of the most significant potential disadvantages is if the slab cracks. This can substantially compromise the structural integrity of the house and be difficult and expensive to repair. Among the factors that can result in a slab cracking are tree roots, soil displacement, earthquakes, or frozen ground.
5. Some Consider a Slab House Unattractive
Some people find the lower-to-the-ground look of a slab house unattractive.
Pros and Cons of Concrete Slab Houses
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Concrete slab takes less time to dry than other foundations.
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Slab foundations minimize the risk of water or gas leaks.
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Slab is less susceptible to termites or other pests because there are no open spaces.
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Slab foundations cost about $10,000 less than those with a basement or crawlspace.
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A lower foundation is more accessible for residents with limited mobility.
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Pests can still enter through walls.
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Heating ducts must run through the ground floor ceiling, with insulation.
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Heating and cooling units are above ground, taking up floor space.
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Slab foundations are susceptible to cracking.
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Some consider slab foundations unattractive.
How Much Does It Cost to Buy a Home in 2024?
The median listing price for houses in the United States is $412,000, according the Federal Reserve. However, prices depend heavily on geography, with homes in high-demand locations listed for several times more.
Which Cities Have the Highest Housing Prices?
In 2024, the most expensive houses are in Manhattan, New York, with a median home price of $2.7 million, according to Kiplinger. This represents a 411% premium over nationwide housing prices. San Jose, Honolulu, and San Francisco also have high housing prices.
Which City Has the Lowest Housing Price?
In 2024, the cities with the lowest housing prices tend to be in rapidly-growing midwestern states. Decatur, Ill. has the lowest average housing prices. The median home price is $92,000, 21% lower than the national average. Other cities with low housing prices include Edinburg, Texas, Kokomo, Ind., annd Jonesboro, Ark.
The Bottom Line
Slab foundations provide an affordable alternative to homes built with a crawlspace or basement. While they offer savings, there are also tradeoffs because there is less space for the heating and cooling equipment. Homebuyers and builders should carefully consider the benefits of a concrete slab house when they start planning for home ownership.