Are most homes in Charlotte, NC built on slab or crawl space foundations?
I am in the beginning processes of relocating to Charlotte, NC by this summer. I have searched homes and had some sent to me by my realtor, but none of the houses have a crawl space. Is this the norm for the Charlotte area? I currently still live at home with my parents in SC (20 min from Georgia). Our house has a crawl space and so this is what I’m used to. What should I expect with a slab foundation? Is it anything to worry about as a first time home buyer?
I have lived in Charlotte and I think there is a mixture of both types. There are probably more crawl spaces, but this may not be true in a particular price range or particular part of town or housing type you are focusing on.
I have lived on both. I think they are both fine.
Flooring over a slab is often less springy, so it can be harder on bare feet. I always wear shoes inside (usually Crocs), so it is not a problem for me. A crawl space gives you access to the underside of the floor for maintenance purposes. This would obviously make some plumbing repairs easier. A crawl space can also be used for storage of some items, which can be handy.
The benefits of a slab are that the ground floor will never squeek. It will also never rot or get termite damage. It is an ideal subsurface for tile. And houses on slabs usually have no or fewer stairs to climb when entering (good for handicapped or elderly, etc.). Crawl spaces often have drainage problems, mold problems and sometimes animal infestation issues (possums in mine).
Overall, I would probably prefer a crawl space, but I don’t think a slab should be a deal breaker on a house that otherwise meets your requirements.
Slab foundation much nicer – don’t have to deal with creeky wood.
You feel much more secure you are not living on wood that can rot.
I also think it saves you on home insurance.
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LikeDislikeI have lived in Charlotte and I think there is a mixture of both types. There are probably more crawl spaces, but this may not be true in a particular price range or particular part of town or housing type you are focusing on.
I have lived on both. I think they are both fine.
Flooring over a slab is often less springy, so it can be harder on bare feet. I always wear shoes inside (usually Crocs), so it is not a problem for me. A crawl space gives you access to the underside of the floor for maintenance purposes. This would obviously make some plumbing repairs easier. A crawl space can also be used for storage of some items, which can be handy.
The benefits of a slab are that the ground floor will never squeek. It will also never rot or get termite damage. It is an ideal subsurface for tile. And houses on slabs usually have no or fewer stairs to climb when entering (good for handicapped or elderly, etc.). Crawl spaces often have drainage problems, mold problems and sometimes animal infestation issues (possums in mine).
Overall, I would probably prefer a crawl space, but I don’t think a slab should be a deal breaker on a house that otherwise meets your requirements.
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LikeDislikeI would agree for majority of people a slab or crawl space would not be the deal breaker;
But in a slab your plumbing is basically set without a very costly rehab job; so in the future if an owner wanted to change a first floor bathroom; change the kitchen layout etc it would be cost prohibited to do so with a slab house
Also any plumbing repairs are increased because of the slab
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LikeDislikeIf you’ve never had a sewage line collapse under a slab foundation you have not experienced frustration and extreme expense. You’re much more likely to have this happen with an old iron sewage line than with a properly installed plastic system. Iron will corrode and will fail eventually; it’s only a matter of when, not if.
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