Choosing the correct option from various hillside foundation types to build a home on a hill is crucial and requires carefulness. The angled nature of hills demands for more sturdy and secure foundations, not to mention paid attention to limitations, size, and other determining factors.
To shed a light on this matter, here are some of the most common hillside foundation types and uses:
Pier and Beam
In case you’ve visited coastal areas’ communities, you might have noticed seemingly stilted house, which are potentially ones with a pier and beam foundation. This foundation involves circular or square concrete pads planted at the planned spot surrounding the structure of the building. The pads’ footing is set in the ground and penetrated into the soil for solid support.
Pier and beam foundation is known to be a versatile solution for various unique circumstances. For examples, it makes a great choice for properties around beach such as vacation homes and on sloped areas like mountains and hills.
Pile
Also commonly referred to as elevated slab, a pile foundation mixes pier and beam with slab system. It integrates pile foundation and support for extra resistant for damaging forces such as seismic activity, flood, or wind. The piles are embedded in ground as vertical support and dug until they reach a solid bedrock support layer. Then, the property is raised higher to resist storm or flooding.
This is one of the hillside foundation types that suit areas with high risk of water or flooding, or simply for homeowners who want to be rest-assured that their properties are safe from water damage potential. If you prioritize stability, then you may consider this type of foundation.
Permanent Wood
This foundation involves under-grade walls made of chemically- and pressure-treated wood that has great resistance to bugs, fungus, and mold. It’s designed to resist a lot of pressure from the nature as well, such as snow, rain, or wind. This foundation can include basement or crawlspace.
If you want an environmentally-friendly option that doesn’t require you sacrifice sturdiness, then look into permanent wood foundations. Moreover, if your property is located in remote area, it is practically the easiest type of house foundation to transport without massive vehicle.
Consider about your desired foundation and the circumstances of your property’s areas if you’re planning to buy and use pre-made house foundation. Aside from the hillside foundation types above, there are more types that you can select for, so don’t hesitate to look up more for them.
