Concrete slabs as foundations: 4 frequently asked questions

You’ve probably seen houses built on concrete slabs. You’re probably thinking that this is the best solution for saving time and money.

However, the slab foundation option is more complex than it may seem. It is also less common in Quebec due to insulation difficulties.

Here’s why Maison Usinex does not deliver its houses on this type of foundation!

The importance of choosing the right foundation

Choosing the right foundation is one of the most important decisions in your construction project. The foundation is the point of contact between your house and the ground, so it is essential to the integrity of your home. That’s why you need to choose the most appropriate type of foundation.

Why we don’t deliver on concrete slabs

A concrete slab is simply not an option with a prefabricated house. Why? Because unlike traditional on-site construction, the plumbing is already in place. The positioning and connections of plumbing fixtures require perfect precision. Essential fixtures such as toilets could therefore have a significant impact when installing your home.

Some manufactured home builders will say that they deliver on a concrete slab, but it is actually a lower crawl space. You can opt for a crawl space, but make sure that it is high enough. A plumber or electrician must be able to make connections there.

Frequently asked questions: concrete slabs as a type of foundation

Now that you know how important it is to choose the right foundation for your home, let’s take a closer look at the subject by answering a few questions that are often asked about concrete slabs.

Is it more expensive to install a traditional foundation than a concrete slab?

Yes… but the price difference between the two is really minimal, because the work involved is almost identical.

Did you know that a traditional foundation doubles the surface area of your home?

That’s right! Even though traditional foundations cost (slightly) more, they have a real advantage: they double the living space in your home without doubling the cost! Think you don’t need the extra space? Think again: everyone who says they don’t want the space offered by a foundation ends up appreciating it… especially for storage!

A foundation also allows you to create different areas in your home, such as a family room or a playroom. And if you eventually need more space, you can choose between an extension or an addition with complete peace of mind.

Is the value of a house with a foundation higher than that of a house built on a concrete slab?

Yes, without a doubt! In our experience, 9 out of 10 clients prefer to have a basement. That’s a huge number of potential buyers when it comes to resale. So you can see that even though a traditional foundation requires a small additional investment up front, it will cost you much less than if you have to replace your concrete slab with a footing later on!

Do I need a concrete slab to install underfloor heating?

Not at all! Nowadays, there are several alternatives on the market. So it is entirely possible to have underfloor heating on the ground floor of a prefabricated house.

A solid foundation in the best conditions

At Maison Usinex, we do everything we can to ensure that your home is installed in the best possible conditions.

Upon delivery, your prefabricated home will be placed on a foundation that will ensure its strength and stability over time.

Do you have any other questions? Feel free to ask your local representative!