Tuesday, December 23, 2008

How to Save Money and Stress with Your Foundation



One of the not so glamorous things about building a home is spending alot of time talking about the foundation. You don't get to pick from any colors, it doesn't light up and won't have your friends talking about it at dinner parties.

However, your foundation is the single-most important element of the home. This is where you'll probably spend the biggest part of your budget, and it is so important it is warrantied the longest. Let me give you so quick things to think about when planning your foundation for your home.

Make sure it is engineered. We get all of our slabs engineered and stamped so that all things are considered when getting started. The engineering company will not let us pour unless we pass their inspection.

Make sure the lot is prepared properly. This is huge and really separates the good contractors from the bad. There are so many things you can do to help avoid large slabs that have a lot of stairs and slopes for the driveway. We spend more time prepping the land than just about anything.

Make sure you string the lot beforehand. This is a must so that you can get a feel for what trees will be saved, and where you're house will lay in reference to the lot. It can also help you understand where your finish floor is.

Make sure you get a form check survey. Just after you set the forms for your foundation, make sure you have a survey company draw the forms on the site plan. This helps to ensure your home is not encroaching on any setback lines or easements. It will also give you peace of mind.