Foundation Information

Not all plans have all of these options.

Basement
A below-grade space that can be left unfinished for storage or utilities or
fully finished as additional living space with the addition of window wells for emergency egress.
Combo Basement-Crawl
Combo Slab-Crawl
Crawl
A raised, partially enclosed space beneath the house. Crawl spaces provide ventilation and easy access to utilities while protecting the house from ground moisture.
Daylight
A partially below-grade basement featuring windows to bring in natural light. This design is common on sloped lots but doesn’t include direct walkout access.
Joist
Monolithic Slab
A single, continuous pour of concrete that serves as both the foundation and the floor. It’s typically reinforced with rebar or wire mesh and is ideal for level lots in warmer climates.
Pier
Vertical supports made of concrete, masonry, or steel, strategically placed to bear the weight of the structure. Piers elevate the house above the ground, commonly used in flood-prone areas or where soil conditions require minimal ground disturbance.
Piling
Long vertical members (often made of timber, steel, or concrete) driven deep into the ground to transfer the building load to stable subsurface layers. This type is frequently used in coastal or sandy regions with poor surface soil stability.
Post/Beam
Vertical posts support horizontal beams that bear the weight of the structure. This design creates an elevated foundation, often used on sloped sites or areas requiring minimal ground contact.
Post Frame
Post/Pier
A combination system where vertical posts are anchored into concrete or masonry piers. This provides added stability and is commonly used in soft soil conditions or areas with seismic concerns.
Raise Island
Slab
A single, continuous pour of concrete that serves as both the foundation and the floor. It’s typically reinforced with rebar or wire mesh and is ideal for level lots in warmer climates.
Stem Wall
Concrete walls (stem walls) constructed on footings to create a raised perimeter foundation. These are often paired with crawl spaces or slabs and are ideal for uneven terrain or areas with frost concerns.
Walkout
A below-grade space that includes a door providing direct outdoor access. This type of basement is typically used on sloped lots, where one side of the house is at grade level.