When you set out to build a home, selecting a foundation is one of the most important things you’ll do.
Foundations are important because they’re what your house rests on. The average house weighs 50 tons, so you need something well-engineered and solid for yours to rest on.
A lot goes into choosing a foundation – climate, soil conditions, location, etc. In this post, we’re going to tell you some of the benefits of choosing a pier and beam foundation for your home.
If you want to rely on your home’s foundation, keep reading, and you’ll see why pier and beam foundations are the way to go.
What Is a Pier and Beam Foundation
Pier and beam foundations support the structure of your home more than other types of foundations. They elevate the home by as much as 24 inches above the ground using rebar and concrete piers that are driven into the ground, as well as wooden beams that support the weight of the house.
This was the standard foundation method until the 50s and 60s, when it was replaced with more affordable concrete slab foundations. That said, there are many benefits of pier and beam foundations in certain climates and locations.
Pros of Pier and Beam Foundations
When you choose a pier and beam foundation, you’re getting something that accounts for the unpredictability of weather and soil conditions. Here in DFW, we deal with a wide range of weather conditions, so here are some of the pros of pier and beam foundations:
Flood Protection
DFW is no stranger to bouts of summer thunderstorms that bring plenty of rain. Flood conditions can occur, but a pier and beam foundation raises your home and protects it from flood damage.
Cheaper to Repair
Should you ever experience any damage to your home’s foundation, the pier and beam foundation is much cheaper to repair. The reason for this is that you can isolate the area that needs repair, whereas other foundation types may require a costly replacement.
Access to Wires/Pipes
With a pier and beam foundation, you essentially get a crawl space beneath your home. If you ever have any issues with your pipes or electrical work or simply want to make upgrades, your contractor will be able to get in there.
This is in contrast to a concrete foundation that sets plumbing and electrical work into the concrete.
Better for Uneven Land
If you’re having a new house built on uneven land, pier and beam foundations give you more flexibility. You won’t have to level the land to build a sturdy home.
Building On a Solid Foundation
Now that you know why you should have a pier and beam foundation for your home, it’s time to tell you how to get it. At FCS Foundation, we’ve been building and repairing foundations in the DFW area for 25 years.
To build a solid foundation for your new home or have your current pier and beam foundation inspected, don’t hesitate to contact us today for a free consultation.
