monolithic slab foundation verses crawlspace

foxcar59

Besides the cost what are the pros and cons? I'm trying to decide which way to go. The soil is sandy and there is very little grade to the land. This is a house that my son plans to live in for the rest of his life and I am concerned about settling and durability of a concrete slab. Everyone I have talked to (licensed builders) have nothing bad to say about monolithic slabs. I have seen, cracks in slab floors, cracks in walls... Someone out there please give me some advise. Thanks......

jklingel

I'd say an engineer is needed. Softer soils needed bigger footprints. Also, what is your frost depth? Your foundation should fall well below that, and should be well insulated; "well" depending on your climate. Both types can work, but you need numbers. Concrete will be there forever if it is supported properly. NOTHING will work on a crappy foundation. BTW: Are you going to use radiant floor heat? If a cold area, it is the best system there is (in the long run, and it really does not cost too much to install it).