Where conventional four-foot deep frost footings are required a trench is needed around the house perimeter to install the footing and foundation system. Since this excavation has to be done for the footings, it is not much more expensive to dig a large hole and create a full basement. The below-grade space is inexpensive to build and can be used for anything from rough storage to living space.
Basements commonly house the mechanical and electrical systems. Disadvantages of basements include the susceptibility to water leakage and lack of natural light. Basement ceilings are often low, and even if there is no water leakage, they can be cool and damp.
Where a trench is dug for the foundations, and the earth under the house floor is not removed, a crawl space is created. It may have a dirt floor, although a concrete slab is more desirable for storage and moisture control. Since they are often hard to get into and poorly lit, crawlspaces can be left without inspection for long periods. When moisture levels are high, structural damage, due to rot and termite activity, can go unnoticed over time.
Contact us at Home Logic Inspections today for your new home inspection in the Calgary, Okotoks, Airdrie and Greater Calgary area.
