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A home’s durability, stability, and overall structural safety rely heavily on having a strong foundation. As one of the key areas thoroughly checked in a property inspection, an existing foundation must be in prime condition to prevent water leaks, basement mildew, and other structural damage. The type of foundation will typically depend on outside conditions, such as whether there’s a slope, climate, and soil composition. Below are several versions that are commonly constructed for homes. 

3 Foundations Built for Homes

1. Slab-On-Grade

This type of concrete foundation contains a solid slab that is installed directly on the ground. The term “grade” in slab-on-grade indicates the foundation’s ground placement. Homes in states with mild winters that don’t include repeated cycles of ground freezing and thawing may benefit from this type of foundation. Otherwise, cracks and fissures may show up in a property inspection report. The installation typically includes a single pour of concrete and post-tension cables for added stability. 

2. Stem Wall & Footing

property inspectionIf a home will have a crawl space beneath it, a stem wall and footing foundation is an option for room to install a furnace or air conditioning unit. The height of the stem walls will vary based on soil and other terrain conditions. Footings are generally dug and spaced apart according to the home’s size and dimensions. Like a slab-on-grade, a poured concrete foundation is the typical installation choice. Mortared concrete block is another option. The stem wall and footing foundation is also common in climates that don’t experience frost and repeated freezing and thawing. 

3. Basement

The foundations for a basement will typically fall into two categories, full and daylight. A foundation for a full basement has structural walls and footings that are located around the room’s perimeter. You’ll find in property inspection reports that most foundations are at least six feet tall and may align with an existing home foundation. Daylight basement foundations are constructed against a slope and will generally contain one or more sides, which extend from floor to ceiling. On the descending end of the slope, the foundation sides are left exposed to install doors and windows to bring in daylight. 

 

When it comes to the impeccable analysis of foundations, ACC Property Inspections in Virginia Beach, VA, is the firm homes and businesses continue to call. The team of licensed and certified inspectors has more than 40 years of industry experience and follows guidelines established by the Virginia Home Inspector Licensure Board and the American Society of Home Inspectors. From structural concerns to insect problems, you can count on receiving a thorough report of all the property’s areas. Call (757) 777-7002 or visit the website to schedule a property inspection. 

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