We have found all the people we need to get the project done.  Now it is time to make decisions on different parts of the renovation.  When we had our plans drawn we had to have a basement.  This was due to the slope of the land.  We had a large slope on the left side of our property. My wife and I had to make a decision on what kind of foundation we would want for our new basement. The two choices were poured or block foundation.  There are advantages and disadvantages to both.  We researched the two types of foundations, talked to the builder, and then looked at the budget and the costs for each one.  I even reviewed the foundation codes for Smyrna GA at the city government website.  Did I need to do that?  Probably not, but it is always good to know as much about the renovation process as possible.  Below is a description and videos of each type of foundations.

What are Poured vs Block Foundations

• Poured Foundation – is a continuous wall of poured concrete that is used to construct a foundation wall.
• Block Foundation – is a continuous arrangement of concrete blocks that are typically 8″ high and used to construct a foundation wall

  Poured Foundation                                    Block Foundation          

Advantages of Poured vs Block Foundations

Poured Foundation

• Stonger
• More water resistant – The strength, density, and being a joint-free construction – poured walls dramatically reduce basement water problems.
• Fire resistance – more fire resistant than hollow core block
• Flexibility of design – poured walls can be adapted to most house designs
• Maintenance – poured walls are potentially maintenance free

Block Foundation

• Cheaper
• Quicker
• Easier to install – forms are not needed
• Can be strong – if steel re-bar is used and filled with concrete

Disadvantages of Poured vs Block Foundations

Poured

• Curing time is longer
• Cracks are harder to repair
• Harder to do in winter because of temperatures
• More expensive

Block

• Possible structural failures
• Water can penetrate block
• If not done correctly can be weaker – you must add in steel re-bar and fill all holes on block with concrete.
• Block can chip

When we looked at the estimates the difference between a poured wall versus a block wall was about $1600.  My wife and I feel that a poured wall was a better fit for what we needed and we decided we could cut costs in other places.  Make sure when you are deciding on a poured wall versus a block, do all you research and talk to everyone involved.  What it really comes down to is cost.  Our basement was only about 600 square feet the rest was a crawl space.  If we were having a full basement under our home that might have changed our thought process.  The more concrete that needs to be poured the bigger the difference in cost between poured and block.

Renovation Information

• We are renovating Step 1:  A step-by-step guide to renovating your home
• Renovating our home step 2:  Hiring the right architect
• Renovating our home step 3:  Hiring the right contractor
• Renovating our home step 4:  Finding a lender

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