DIY Builds
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What is the longest lasting foundation for a house?

While it's not always the first choice, a pier foundation is one of the sturdiest and longest-lasting solutions. It provides excellent support and doesn't come with some of the potential negatives that are associated with basements and crawl spaces.

What small businesses make the most money?
What small businesses make the most money?

Most profitable small businesses Food trucks. ... Car wash services. ... Auto repair. ... Personal trainers. ... Newborn and post-pregnancy...

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Is wood carving hard?
Is wood carving hard?

Wood carving is not very difficult to learn. Beginners will only need to learn the basic skills and have the basic supplies to get started. There...

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Can I build my own shed?
Can I build my own shed?

Yes, with the right plans you can build your dream shed.

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The Four Common Types of Home Foundations

While there are dozens of different techniques and approaches to building foundations, we’re going to narrow all home foundations into four categories. In order to provide you with an unbiased and informative look, we’ll include some of the pros and cons of each so you can develop an in-depth understanding of what each one looks like.

1. Concrete Slab Foundations

Pros of Concrete Slab Foundations

Let’s start with the standard concrete slab foundation, since this is the most commonly utilized foundation in modern home building. The term, “” does a pretty good job of explaining exactly what this foundation is. It’s nothing more than a slab formed by a block of concrete. Slabs are typically anywhere from four to eight inches thick and are reinforced with steel rods and drainage pipes. Once the foundation’s prepared, the home is built directly on top of it. If you’re building a home, a concrete slab makes sense because of its low cost. It’s the cheapest option available, and, comparatively speaking, it’s the quickest solution. The right crew can lay a concrete slab foundation in a short period of time, and the drying process doesn’t take much longer. Another benefit of a slab foundation is the fact that there’s no airspace in between the home and the foundation. As a result, there’s no room for mold or termite infestations.

Cons of Concrete Slab Foundations

However, slab foundations aren’t without fault. Homes built on slab foundations are susceptible to warming due to a lack of ventilation between the home and the slab. It’s also challenging to repair leaking and damaged lines that are embedded into the slab itself. Furthermore, the low-lying nature of slab foundations offers little in the way of protection against floodwater.

2. Basement Foundation

Basement foundations are common in many parts of the country and are beneficial for a number of reasons. Homes with basement foundations are built using a concrete perimeter of pillars that support the building’s above-ground structure. As a note, these foundations are typically dug at a minimum depth of eight feet above the home’s footing.

Pros of Basement Foundation

The biggest benefit of building or buying a home with a basement foundation is obviously the added square footage and space. It allows for extra living space or storage and can offer an excellent opportunity for future renovations. Basements also provide natural ventilation underneath he house, which can serve as an effective cooling mechanism during hot summer months.

Cons of Basement Foundation

While a basement comes with a number of advantages, you can expect to pay a hefty price for these features. A basement foundation is by far the costliest option and, ultimately, can lead to more maintenance issues if not properly cared for. Basements are notorious for having issues related to flooding, moisture, and mold.

Why do they call it 57 stone?
Why do they call it 57 stone?

A crusher breaks down the rock into various sizes. Crushed stone varies in size. The number “57” is a number that refers to the size sieve that was...

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Can carpenters make 6 figures?
Can carpenters make 6 figures?

Now, if you decide to get in business for yourself, you can definitely experience six figure a year income. Of course this includes having your own...

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Can I build my own shed?
Can I build my own shed?

Yes, with the right plans you can build your dream shed.

Learn More »

Can you temporarily live in a shed?

Generally speaking, living in a shed is not allowed. This is because your standard shed is classed as a 10a building making it non-habitable. Sheds, carports, private garages and similar structures fall under this category.

Question: Am I allowed to live in a shed?

Answer: Maybe

There are a number of reasons why you might be considering the idea of living in a shed. These include: You’ve bought a block of land and are waiting for your main house to be built. You have a block of land and are looking for a cost-effective housing option. You are looking to expand the living space of your current property to accommodate guests, teenagers or elderly parents. You are looking to build an investment shed to accommodate holidaymakers and supplement your income. Sadly, there are also people living in sheds who were left homeless after the Black Summer Bushfires. Whatever the case may be, a livable shed is a smart solution to a myriad of housing problems. Here’s what you need to know about building and living in a shed home.

What is the gravel that hardens like concrete?
What is the gravel that hardens like concrete?

Decomposed granite Decomposed granite is a type of gravel made from 100% pulverized granite. This type of gravel is ground into fine particles and...

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Is it worth making your own furniture?
Is it worth making your own furniture?

Yes, building your own DIY furniture can and should save you money. However, it can be easy to purchase things you don't need. Especially for...

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Can I build my own shed?
Can I build my own shed?

Yes, with the right plans you can build your dream shed.

Learn More »
How much wood do I need for a 2 hour fire?
How much wood do I need for a 2 hour fire?

You need approximately 4–5 logs per hour of burn time for a campfire. This is equivalent to one bundle, or less than one bundle, per hour. If...

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Can you put a heater in a shed?
Can you put a heater in a shed?

If you want to heat your shed, you can add insulation, bring in different types of heaters, and/or bring in different kinds of stoves. The best way...

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