When building a house, two main types of foundations are used: slab-on-grade or below-grade foundations with a basement slab. Climate, including high water tables, frost lines, harsh winters, and ...

Q: I’m thinking of buying a dilapidated old frame house in the country. It has a stone foundation that seems to me to be too close to the ground. Are stone foundations adequate and strong? Is it ...

Q. I’ve been researching foundation types for both new homes and room additions. I’ve narrowed it down to either poured concrete or concrete block. Many websites say poured concrete is better than ...

Q. I'm building a deck and have discovered that the wooden posts can't rest on the soil. I need deck piers. What are they, and how are they installed? A. There are very few situations in which you can ...

Q: I’m concerned about the concrete deck base that is fully above ground at my new home. The other decks in our development have the concrete piers below ground. Shouldn’t the concrete be completely ...

Q. I’m concerned about the concrete deck base that’s fully above ground at my new home. The other decks in our development have the concrete piers below ground. Shouldn’t the concrete be completely ...