Industry
Fact-checked

At AboutMechanics, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

In Construction, what is a Raised Foundation?

Ken Black
Ken Black

A raised foundation is a foundation that, as its name would suggest, is the main floor of a home or business that is raised above the plane of the surrounding earth. Along with the concrete slab foundation, the raised version accounts for most of the foundation options used for homes in most of the world at least the industrialized world. These foundations offer some benefits, but also has some disadvantages.

Many things can be used to raise the foundation above the ground. Concrete blocks or poured concrete forms are often used to raise the foundation. Often around the outside of the home, the outer edges of the support are concrete, brick, or some other solid material. After the pylons are put into place, the next step is to bridge the pylons with another material, usually wood.

A raised foundation is raised above the ground.
A raised foundation is raised above the ground.

Many say that the aesthetics of a raised home are far superior to that of slab homes. In a neighborhood of slab homes, a home with a raised foundation usually stands out and is often a little taller that most of the homes around it. Still, when it comes down to aesthetics, this is more of a personal preference than a true fact.

Despite that, there are some true advantages to homes with a raised foundation. For example, there is less of a need for grading and leveling if a home has such a foundation. Also, in a flood-prone area, there is some additional protection against flooding.

Another benefit of a raised foundation comes when working under the home. Getting to plumbing or other areas under the home is easier with a raised foundation. Also, this type of foundation allows for the opportunity to put in a basement.

Building a home with a raised foundation will require less prep work than a slab.
Building a home with a raised foundation will require less prep work than a slab.

However, a number of disadvantages are also associated with a raised foundation. The maintenance required on them is usually more than is required for concrete slab homes. Also, the crawl space underneath the home provides an ideal living space for a number of undesirable animals. While there may be ways to keep such animals out, it may be a constant battle.

It is difficult to say whether a home with a raised foundation is a more difficult task to handle during home construction than building one with a slab foundation. In some ways, this may depend on the location. At a spot with level ground and compacted earth, slab homes may not be very much of a problem at all. Each type of construction presents its own unique opportunities and challenges.

Discussion Comments

Esther11

A family that I know, who live in the country, had started to re-do some of their house. They found a lot of dry rot the farther they went. By this time,there wasn't much house left, besides the concrete slab.

They decided not to spend the money to break up the concrete slab. Instead they decided to install a raised foundation on top of it. They talked to a professional and he told them that it would be a good idea. He gave some good reasons why. The house would look bigger, it would be easier to get to pipes and wires, and water would be less likely to get to the flooring.

If they needed repairs, it would be much easier to get down under to get to pipes, etc. When the house was finished, they were very satisfied with it.

live2shop

From personal experience, I would prefer a raised foundation. We live in a slab house now, and have had problems with water seepage into the house.

Now, part of the problem is that we live in a rainy climate, a hill runs down from the neighbor's house and our yard becomes saturated with water. So you really have to take into account the climate, hill terrain and the kind of soil you have in your yard. I'd still opt for a raised foundation the next time we buy.

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • A raised foundation is raised above the ground.
      By: Mitchell Knapton
      A raised foundation is raised above the ground.
    • Building a home with a raised foundation will require less prep work than a slab.
      By: thejimcox
      Building a home with a raised foundation will require less prep work than a slab.