Pricing Pages

Foundation Estimates

Foundations can be loosely grouped into three types: slab, raised perimeter and basement. Many homes will have a combination of two or all three types. This concrete work is generally contracted to a professional. It is imperative the foundation be installed correctly, as it affects all the other parts of the home. Below we will briefly describe and associate some approximate prices with each type of foundation.

Slab	Raised Perimeter	Full Basement	Daylight Basement

SLAB FOUNDATION
The typical slab foundation consists of a perimeter "footing", and a concrete "stemwall" with a 4" slab of concrete placed directly over top of the footings and stemwall and the area within the perimeter. The concrete "slab" layer can be poured at the same time as the footings, or it can be poured later. A compacted base layer of rock or gravel is usually laid under the slab area. Slabs lend themselves to flat building locations.

Slab foundation costs can include the following: (other items may be necessary

- Form materials
Some contractors have their own forms.
Some form materials can be re-used in the home.

- Excavation (footing trenches, pier holes, light grading, gravel dispersion
Generally will run $800/day for a backhoe
Typ. 2000 sq. ft. house should budget $1500-$1700 for excavation

- Foundation - Materials and Labor
For simple slab: $6.00 - $8.00 per sq. ft. for materials and labor
This rate breaks down as approx. 1/2 materials and 1/2 labor
Includes normal steel reinforcing bars - special conditions will be extra

Among the other items to consider with a SLAB FOUNDATION are:

- Yes, a log home can be built on a slab
- In-slab ductwork and piping
- Deck footings and piers
- Sidewalks, exterior stair landings, porches and patios
- Driveway and road encroachment
- Retaining walls
- Landscape items such as planters
- Slab perimeter insulation


RAISED PERIMETER FOUNDATION
The typical raised foundation consists of a perimeter "footing", and a concrete "stemwall" upon which the house floors and walls are built. The footings and stemwall can be stepped to accommodate sloping lots and permit the utilization of underfloor area in some cases. Once the stemwall is sufficiently above ground, a wood wall can be constructed upon it extending up to the floor system. This is often less costly than extending the concrete or block all the way up to the floor.

Below ground stemwalls can be built of placed concrete or block. If block is utilized, form material is kept to a minimum. Concrete stemwalls can be poured with the footings or later.

Raised foundation costs can include the following: (other items may be necessary)
- Form materials
Some contractors have their own forms.
Some form materials can be re-used in the home.

- Excavation (footing trenches, pier holes, light grading
Generally will run $500/day for a backhoe
Typ. 2000 sq. ft. house should budget $1600-$1900 for excavation

- Foundation - Materials and Labor
For simple raised: $6.00 - $8.00 per sq. ft. for materials and labor
This rate breaks down as approx. 1/2 materials and 1/2 labor
Includes normal steel reinforcing bars - special conditions will be extra

Among the other items to consider with a PERIMETER FOUNDATION are:

- Site drainage if sloped lot
- Deck footings and piers
- Sidewalks, exterior stair landings, porches and patios
- Driveway and road encroachment
- Retaining walls
- Landscape items such as planters
- Foundation perimeter insulation




BASEMENT FOUNDATIONS

Basement foundations will generally be one of two types: the enclosed hole in the ground, and the daylight basement. The enclosed basement is similar to a slab foundation but with stemwalls extending up as required to retain the soil.

A daylight basement has one or more outside walls at ground level. This type of foundation incorporates elements of all three foundation types. The floor of a daylight basement is a slab. The retaining portion is built like a basement. Raised foundation methods such as stepping the stemwall are used for the "daylight" walls. The "daylight" walls are often built of wood and incorporate windows and doors.

Basement foundation costs can include the following: (other items may be necessary

- Form materials
Some contractors have their own forms.
Some form materials can be re-used in the home.

- Excavation (footing trenches, basement cavity, grading, pier holes
Generally will run $800/day for a backhoe
Typ. 2000 sq. ft. house with basement should budget $10,500-$13,000 for excavation

- Drainage
You should allow for drain rock, wall sealant and drain piping
You should allow for drain rock delivery costs

- Foundation - Materials and Labor
For basements: $10.00 - $14.00 per sq. ft. for materials and labor plus excavation
This rate breaks down as approx. 1/2 materials and 1/2 labor
Reinforcing bars will be dictated by engineering and could increase your labor costs

You should review the site preparation page of this section for additional site
costs that may pertain to your foundation

Among the other items to consider with a BASEMENT FOUNDATION are:

- Basement cavity and site drainage
- Deck footings and piers
- Placement of window wells for basement windows
- In-slab ductwork and piping
- Sidewalks, exterior stair landings, porches and patios
- Driveway and road encroachment
- Retaining walls
- Landscape items such as planters
- Foundation perimeter insulation

FOUNDATION VENEERS
Basement foundations can be finished with various sidings and/or veneers. Wood framed walls of daylight basements are generally sided to complement the upper floor walls. Concrete surfaces can be left plain, finished with stucco , decorative rock or brick.

- Rock Veneer such as Stucco Stonetm can be applied for $10-$15 per sq. ft. of wall area with 50% being labor and 50% materials.
- Real Stone facing can be applied for $18 - $30 per sq. ft. of wall area with 25% being labor and 75% materials.

These items should always be quoted by a professional, especially fireplaces, hearths and tall surfaces.

ALTERNATIVE FOUNDATION SYSTEMS

Foam Block
Many types of foam block forming systems are available. Some have structural properties and some simply enable quick forming and have insulation value. Aspen carries two of these alternative products. A typical installation will run $2.50 - $5.00 per sq. ft. of wall area. Please call for additional information and specific pricing if you are considering this type of product.

These costs and prices are not quotes. They are simply cost benchmarks developed over time through experience and the use of national averages. These values are adequate for determining initial budgets and project feasibility. All prices must ultimately be validated using final plans by your realtor, suppliers, builder and contractor(s).