Homeowners Many Benefits of Building a Single Level Home

What is a single-level home?

A single-level house is what it sounds like: it is a house built on one level. It is often referred to as a “courtyard house” or “slab house.” Not to be confused with a crawl space type base that is commonly used with mobile and modular homes. They are finished and look the same as any home.

What are some of the benefits of a single-level home?

Single-level homes do not have steps on the inside and rarely have steps on the outside. People with physical disabilities are obvious candidates for a single-level home. Seniors or those looking to build for retirement can also benefit from single-level housing. Almost everyone can appreciate not having to climb stairs after a hard day at work. Not having the extremely dangerous danger of someone falling down a flight of stairs is an invaluable benefit.

Eliminating wet, humid, moldy, basement or basement space that is constantly at risk of flooding is another great benefit! Single-level homes do not require a sump pump or any type of mechanical drainage system for maintenance.

Crawling spaces and basements are known to house rodents, creatures, insects, snakes, and other reptiles. With a properly constructed single-level home, keeping Mother Nature’s little creatures out of your new structure is easily manageable. Stairs consume valuable square footage, as well as being expensive and complex to build.

A single-level home is an excellent match for a hydronic in-floor heating system. With proper planning, the slab can function as a “massive thermal storage system” that will store heat in the winter and provide natural cooling in the summer. This storage system is very energy efficient and generally qualifies for price reduction incentives from energy providers such as utilities.

How are single-level homes different from traditional homes?

Single-level homes are commonly built with a frost-protected shallow foundation (FPSF) “or” monolithic foundation. “This means that the concrete footings and the house slab are built as a unit, rather than the footing. traditional.

Additionally, an FPSF is insulated both horizontally and vertically at the perimeter of the base. The size of the insulation is determined by a table according to the depth of frost for each individual building area. Tea 2009 International Residential Building Code referenced to this in section R-403.3 of the codebook. As with any foundation system, it is extremely important to use quality construction materials and practices.

Understanding the characteristics of the soil and the environment is also vital. “Clay” or “water-saturated” soils are undesirable soils when built with a FPSF. Soil that has natural drainage properties, such as sand or gravel, is more desirable. Soils saturated with water tend to freeze and expand causing obvious problems with concrete and other building materials. A construction site with water-saturated soils can be easily and affordably rectified with a more desirable soil such as “fill sand.” One of the main benefits of an FPSF is the reduced cost compared to a traditional base, without compromising the integrity or longevity of the structure.

And the floods?

Proper planning regarding the slab height according to the high water table in the building area is a sure way to keep a single-level home safe from flooding. Using a good runoff plan is also critical. Keeping the slab higher than the ground and tilting the soil away from the house is vital. The use of “flashing” where the slab meets concrete walkways, decks, etc. is extremely important. Common sense will be of great help when planning and building a structure of any kind.

Worried about tornadoes and high winds?

With the climate we experience in the Midwest, the idea of ​​living in a home without a basement can be intimidating, if not terrifying, for some people. There are several different types of storm shelters that will work for a single-level home. A well-designed, above-ground, built-in storm shelter will protect you and your family, and alleviate some of the fear that comes from tornadoes and high winds that are known to have devastating results. There is also the option of a below ground storm shelter. These can be as simple as a mini basement that can double as an additional room.

Make your next home a single level home!

Single-level homes are becoming very popular in the housing industry. “Why?” You may ask, there are many reasons! The benefits are abundant and the costs affordable. The sky’s the limit when it comes to layouts, floor plans, and options. They are innovative but easy to operate and maintain. The conservative building practices used are aligned with green building. They truly are the home of the future.