2006-10-11 06:05:36 · 7 answers · asked by harleyridnbiker 1 in Home & Garden ➔ Other - Home & Garden
Texas is such a large state and so geographically diverse, that it is impossible to provide a definitive answer based on the absence of any further information. You might want to provide the identity of the county and/or nearest town where you plan to build and repost your question.
Good luck with your search for information.
2006-10-15 04:58:52 · answer #1 · answered by exbuilder 7 · 9⤊ 0⤋
In the older homes - more than 30 years old - you will find pier and beam foundations. I haven't seen any newer homes with the pier and beam - they are all slab. I don't think that they generally use anything but slab unless it's a custom home. There are very few basements here. I was told by a geologist that is because the ground here shifts tremendously each year. And it DOES freeze in a good portion of Texas. And in some parts it gets really cold - Texas is big and there are a number of climates and subclimates.
I was curious about the comment of "rural" Arlington. I haven't seen any rural areas in Arlington in more than 15 years. I wish there were some but don't plan on finding it there.
You might check on line about the foundation issues and the pros and cons of each in the area that you move to in Texas. I helped with the building of a church/house thing and they had soil testing done with a machine that sent down into the dirt more than 40 feet. The company sent a long report explaining that the soil in this particular area of Arlington shifted 8 inches each year! So the concrete was made to adapt to this problem.
Good luck moving here - check on line the area that you are going to - you will find housing areas and community news so that you won't have too many surprises when you get here. Check on the weather year round in that area, too. Texas has a mountaineous area, pine forest area, prairie land, desert like areas and coastal areas - I'm sure I"m forgetting some. It's really diverse.
2006-10-11 06:37:58 · answer #2 · answered by MissHazel 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Slab more maintenance free but hard to add new water lines and drain if you ever remodel. They are more solid also, for large Aquariums and heavy objects and not squeak when you walk. But, in time they harder on your feet in the non-carpeted areas.
One with a Crawl space you can easily remodel and it better for your feet. Also, if it high enough it provides for some amount of storage. But, it can have moisture problems, like mold, if it not properly vented. Water pipes could freeze (I doubt in Texas). Small critters can make a home, most OK, skunks are not.
Both can have Termite problems so do not think one better on this.
That a little bit. I guess it more a matter of opinion. Myself I like a Pier and Beam. Squeaky floors can have a personality of their own. ;-)
2006-10-11 06:21:04 · answer #3 · answered by Snaglefritz 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
in most areas of Texas i think i would prefer a slab over most other types but if you are water front and fairly close to the waterline (with in 150 feet)i might start to look at pier and beam.
2006-10-11 06:12:58 · answer #4 · answered by oldslowchevy 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Nearly all homes built in Texas are built on slab foundation. So I'd say slab.
2006-10-11 06:14:24 · answer #5 · answered by Albannach 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I live in Hawaii and have found that pier foundations let fewer bugs into the house. And if they're high enough, breezes flow under the house to cool and de-humidify the air.
2006-10-11 06:15:33 · answer #6 · answered by lee m 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you are looking to be close to the lake and not mattering the price of the house then The Colony is the right place, but if your looking for a cheap good looking house in a good rural area then I would suggest Arlington.
2006-10-11 06:16:04 · answer #7 · answered by emily333l 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋