Pros and Cons of Slab/Post n' Pier

[Chili]

I could sure use some feedback from those of you who are knowledgeable about concrete slabs and post n' pier foundations. My lot is being cleared in Mountain View next week, and these two very different foundation types are going to be my option to have installed by my contractor. I can go with either one completely or, a combination of the two. I would fully appreciate any info about this. Since I've never been involved in the business of having a house built, I'm just not sure which would be the best way to go. I'll learn more about what type of sub-surface I have after the the machine goes in to take down the trees, haul them away, and then "level" the lot. I can read all about these two types, but I feel that I would be getting better insight from members in this forum who live in these two types of foundations, that I wouldn't get get from articles read online. So.....Any comments or experiences would be great.
Aloha and Mahalo,
Chili

[Kapohocat]

Being a California girl at heart (earthquakes), even after 20 years here, I like good solid foundation under my feet (so a slab).

That said there is arguements for both sides and what it comes down to IMHO is personal preference.

[Royall]

Hi Chili,

Cathie and I have lived here just over a year now in two slab homes. The first one had a few centapedes and other "critters" wander through and the one we are in has a large crack in it already. The biggest thing I don't like about slab homes is they plain hurt my feet! I end up wearing my slippers all the time because of it. The house we're building is on P&P and looing forward to being off the ground again as it was in all my prior homes have been. The were not P&P but were standard foundation type.

Royall

What goes around comes around!

[Chili]

Thanks Cat and you to Royall, for the feedback. Ok, I get it that there will probably be a few more critters gettin' in on the concrete slab than with post and pier. However, looking at the pictures of homes damaged after last Sunday's quake, I noticed most were of the post and pier type. I read about walls cracked and things like that, but nothing about the homes concrete flooring. Now I know that some of the piers were damaged, and bridges and such, and they are concrete. Does this mean a house has a better chance of escaping damage from a quake if it is on a slab rather than p + p? Is it more likely to buckle under the piers? Basicly, I just want the safest structure to protect my seven year old son.....Still confused,
Chili

[Bill]

Hi Chili

Our home is post and pier, and the house is elevated eight+ feet off the ground. We love the huge covered area to hang out clothes to dry and all the storage too. Much easier to check the condition after a quake, to work on plumbing and electrical and to keep the bugs at bay. The trade winds breeze through the house, another pleasant plus.

The stairs will someday become a pain perhaps, but for now its OK.

Will it survive a quake better than a slab? I think an argument can be made either way; there are a lot of variables that come into play. We came through this last quake with no discernable damage, and the house was built in the late '70's.

Better view from up here too!

Aloha,

Bill

"Be kind whenever possible; it is always possible"
-Dalai Lama-

[Chili]

Bill, I'm glad your house survived relatively unscathed. 8' is a good ways off the ground. For a structure 36 years old and that high, and not being damaged is impressive. I like the idea of being able to get to the plumbing and electrics to. And I'm sure a little extra breeze from any distance off the ground would be a plus, both for bugs and ventilation. Thank you. This is exactly what I'm looking to find out about. I'm extreamely happy that no one's life was lost, and most properties were minumally damaged. I think I liked Royall's comment about the sore feet after walking on concrete. Even though I have one foot missing, walking on it is still a pain in the "foot". Sorry about the pun. Thanks again, it will give me more to think about before I need to decide which way to go.
Aloha,........Chili

[Andrew]

Hi Chili:

My house is post and pier. I have heard that post and pier is actually better for an earthquake because a slab is more apt to crack since it isn't as flexable. Our house came through the quake with no dammage at all. Thanks God. Also I have heard that post and pier is better for tropical climates because there is better airflow and fewer bug infestations. Also I agree with Bill about the convenience of accessing the plumbing and electric. Our house is only about 2 1/2 feet off the ground though unlike his 8 footer.

Good luck with your construction.

Andrew

[haoleboy]

I like post and pier for the same reasons I like air cooled VW's.

Aloha
Richwhiteboy

"Nothing happens by itself... it all will come your way, once you understand that you have to make it come your way, by your own exertions."

-Ben Stein

[Chili]

Thanks Andrew and Haoleboy. It looks like more people seem to be leaning toward post and pier, and whats being said is making sense. Lots of good reasons to go this route. Thanks for your contributions.
Aloha and Mahalo,
Chili

[Carey]

Chili, I think the question is not so much which is better (most of the failures I have seen from the photos from recent & earlier quakes have more to do with the over-all reinforcing & how much the building is integral (a lot of pictures from Sundays quake are of suspended ceilings that failed & a lot of people are asking 'why?' - take a structure like the ceiling that is made to move & sway & attach it to a light fixture or wall that is not moving or at least not the same way, and you get a place where a failure occurs) Everything in the structure that does not have the same dynamic could be a place of resistance (usually cracks, bends or breaks).
One of the first questions to answer is which is better for the site. There is a lot to the planning of a structure for earthquakes. A well reinforced slab & a well tied in post & pier should both be good choices (Bugs can come in either, and having lived in both in the last couple of years, I would look at potential entryways in either construction & make sure they are sealed - almost treat the entryways like you are in a freezing environment trying to keep out the cold)
We chose a slab mainly cause the house was available & fit what we wanted, but it comes with the benefit that it doesn't have stairs that make it easier for in-law visits.(depending, this could be a plus or minus)
So, no matter which you choose, make sure it is well made, and is good for the lay of your land.
Have fun diving into this project!
Carey