All three foundation types are usually constructed out of concrete, but can also use concrete masonry units or insulated concrete forms.

Concrete Masonry Units (CMUs) are hollow, concrete blocks. To create foundation wall, mortar is used between blocks to hold them together, forming wall.

Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs) are made of rigid foam insulation forms (a system of support assemblies, including mold, hardware, and necessary bracing to hold concrete) into which concrete is poured. Once concrete has gained its full strength, outside forms, inside forms, or both are left in place to insulate wall. ICFs are common in regions in which local building code requires foundation to be insulated. Another benefit is that homeowner or builder is able to finish basement immediately, without adding studs.

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Mark Mathis is a building designer and publisher of several stock house plan websites and informational resources including http://www.HousePlanCentral.com and http://www.HousePlanGallery.com. Be sure to subscribe to both site's eNewsletters to receive special offers, promotions, and subscriber-only features.

The choice of foundation is also affected by personal preferences and costs. Basements can add thousands of dollars to cost of a home compared to cost of a crawlspace. However, when you consider extra useable space created by a basement it is some of cheapest square footage space of a home. If you are tight on funds and can't afford basement then it may be a good idea to find a slightly smaller plan and use savings to create a basement. You'll end up with a lot more storage space and potential living space by doing this.

============================================= Be sure to read Part III of this article at: http://www.houseplancentral.com/articles.php?id=11 =============================================

Mark Mathis is a building designer and publisher of several stock house plan websites and informational resources including http://www.HousePlanCentral.com and http://www.HousePlanGallery.com. Be sure to subscribe to both site's eNewsletters to receive special offers, promotions, and subscriber-only features.