10-03-2016, 07:10 AM
I have converted to "slab life" as I am getting bad knees and miss being high enough with post and pier to catch the trades, along with the storage/workspace below. But slabs tend to be a bit cheaper in the long run, as less wood framing is to be done, which creates a shorter build time. In my past "life" as a builder, Termites, and other critters are usually only found at piping penetrations, whereas a post and pier, termite infestation is every pier, and up the post, along with the pipes as well.
Inspection of a post and pier is easy, but a slab, most is hidden on the average slab home.
A way to solve this, is if you are building your own and choose a slab foundation is plan all your waste water along a single line main trunk pipe about 3 feet away from slab, then run your laterals (branches) over to the appropriate plumbing fixture. An example would be facing front of house, garage/lanai (laundry) next up would be kitchen sink, along entry way to bathroom lav(sink), toilet, tub. 90% of all your plumbing is now out from under your slab, so if replacement is necessary, no real disruption.
I have not had the chance to deal with the required Engineering for all house plans yet, but a slab is easier to pass as the seismic hardware is easier to place, for the positive earth transfer point is your slab. I believe post and pier with the new change would have to be a hybrid of a typical "T" footing where shear is needed with piers between.
Community begins with Aloha
Inspection of a post and pier is easy, but a slab, most is hidden on the average slab home.
A way to solve this, is if you are building your own and choose a slab foundation is plan all your waste water along a single line main trunk pipe about 3 feet away from slab, then run your laterals (branches) over to the appropriate plumbing fixture. An example would be facing front of house, garage/lanai (laundry) next up would be kitchen sink, along entry way to bathroom lav(sink), toilet, tub. 90% of all your plumbing is now out from under your slab, so if replacement is necessary, no real disruption.
I have not had the chance to deal with the required Engineering for all house plans yet, but a slab is easier to pass as the seismic hardware is easier to place, for the positive earth transfer point is your slab. I believe post and pier with the new change would have to be a hybrid of a typical "T" footing where shear is needed with piers between.
Community begins with Aloha