Concrete Foundation Cost Factors
By ProMatcher Staff
How Much Does a Concrete Foundation Cost?
The cost of building a concrete home foundation depends on several factors. Use the article below to get a better idea of how much your project will cost. If you’re ready to start your project now, ProMatcher can help you get free cost estimates from local contractors.
1. Your geographic location. Where you live can affect the cost of building your foundation. If the cost of living in your area is high, you can expect to pay higher prices for materials and labor. Additionally, local building codes will determine the type of foundation you can build. For example, the frost line in your region may impact the depth of your foundation footings.
2. Planning and permitting. Do you already have plans from an architect or designer? Do you need to consult with a structural engineer? Have you already secured a building permit? While the cost of securing a permit should be included in the estimate, hiring an engineer or an architect for the project will cost extra.
3. Project size. What will the foundation support? Are you building a new home or home addition? Is the foundation for a mobile home or large, outdoor shed? The size of the foundation will seriously impact the cost of the project.
4. Foundation type. There are several types of concrete foundations: 1) slab-on-grade foundations, 2) basement foundations, 3) crawl spaces, 4) pier foundations, and 5) concrete block foundations. Slab foundations are very budget-friendly, but they are not allowed in some places. Digging out a basement or constructing a pier foundation can get pretty expensive. Additionally, if you live in a remote location, far from a ready mix plant, it may not be possible to build a poured concrete foundation. You may have to opt for concrete blocks or another material.
5. Site preparation. Basic site preparation should be included in the foundation contractor’s estimate. However, land clearing and major excavation projects will come at an additional cost. Also, difficult soil conditions may increase the cost of construction.
6. Footings. There are several types of footings for concrete foundations, including integral footings, spread footings, strip footings, and T-shaped footings. In colder climates, you may pay a little extra to have the footings placed below the frost line. To learn more about frost-protected foundations, check out this article.
7. Concrete reinforcement. How will the foundation be reinforced? Foundation slabs can be reinforced with rebar and wire mesh, or they can be reinforced with post-tensioned cables (called tendons).
8. Waterproofing. It is much easier to install waterproofing systems during the installation of the foundation than after the completion of construction. A solid investment in waterproofing upfront can help you avoid costly repairs down the road. You can install sump pumps, french drains, moisture barriers, and other protective systems to prevent water from seeping in from outside.
About the Author
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| ProMatcher Staff, ProMatcher
Orlando, FL 32803
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