New foundations and slab-on-grade
The first step to Green home design and construction is deciding what sort of base you will rest it on. The Guide pages below help choose between slab-on-grade construction, traditional strip foundations with crawlspace and basement foundations - then show step by step how to build them better.
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New foundations and slab-on-grade
Traditionally in North America, home construction starts with a crawlspace or concrete basement foundation. Depending on the situation there are other options that can be more durable and affordable that will better protect your home air quality and energy efficiency - especially important for LEED, Passive House, ZNE or in the future Net Positive Energy homes.
The first factors to consider when designing the foundation of a home are lot size and soil conditions. When space is limited (with total footprint or height restrictions) a basement foundation may be the best option, but if space allows there is a strong case for avoiding basements altogether with a slab-on-grade foundation design.