How Deep Should House Foundations Be?

Building a house is a big investment not only in materials and construction costs but also in the time and effort expended by the home builder. The last thing you want is for that investment to be undermined by a faulty foundation. There are many things to consider when determining the right foundation for your home, but one of the most important is its depth. So, how deep should house foundations be? This article will tell you everything you need to know.

A Full Basement

The full basement extends the full perimeter of the house and is generally at least 8 feet tall. The depth of the foundation should be appropriate for the type of soil present and the house’s configuration. The foundation may need to be deepened in areas with a high water table to prevent water from seeping into the basement.

However, most foundations should be at least 3 feet deep. The benefits of having a full basement include increased storage space, improved safety in severe weather, and increased resale value. 

It’s important to note that excavating a full basement can be expensive and disruptive, especially if you’re planning on living in your home during the process. So, be sure to weigh the costs and benefits before deciding to add one to your home.

Crawl Spaces

Crawl spaces are a common feature in many homes, and they can serve a variety of purposes. In some cases, crawl spaces are used for storage, while others may house mechanical systems or be left unfinished. Regardless of their intended purpose, all crawl spaces share one important characteristic: they tend to have at least 36 inches clearance, if up to code and accessible.

However, some older crawl spaces may be inaccessible and have less clearance. There can really be a lot of variation when it comes to crawl spaces, with many only being about 18 inches high.

Slab-on-Grade

Slab-on-grade foundations are popular in many parts of the country due to their affordability and simplicity. A slab-on-grade foundation consists of a concrete slab poured at ground level. This gives you the shallowest foundation depth, at about 6 inches thick, as it puts it directly below the main level of your home.

Slab-on-grade foundations are often used in homes that do not have basements. However, one downside to slab-on-grade foundations is that they can be susceptible to flooding if the ground around them does not drain well. 

As a result, it is important to ensure that the soil around a slab-on-grade foundation is properly graded and has good drainage before construction begins.

The Bottom Line

So, how deep should house foundations be? Well, it depends, so it’s important to do your research. Although it is tempting to save money by skimping on the depth of your home’s foundation, doing so can be costly in the long run. A well-constructed foundation will provide stability and protection for your home against weather damage and other issues. And you certainly don’t want to miss out on that!

Need excavation services for your home’s foundation? We’d be happy to help! Click here to get in touch with a member of the J Bond Construction team today.