Understanding your house's foundation type is important when it comes to home insurance. Premiums paid by the homeowners are partially linked to the type of foundation that is in the home. Different climates have their own issues with foundation, and because of this, the type that is most likely in your home is one of these 3 most typical kinds of foundation:
Concrete is used in a slab foundation, and it's basically just poured concrete on the ground. This kind of foundation is a very economical choice. These do not take a lot of physical labor, there is minimal formwork, and the site is quick to prepare. Creaky floors happen less often with slab foundations, and the issues that happen with doors that open and close improperly are much less likely to happen as well.
A basement is built in a hole dug 6 to 8 feet into the ground to provide a stable foundation. Enough head space will allow for below grade rooms can be built in basements, and there are other advantages like space for utilities like the heating units as well.
Another type of foundation is a crawl space, which is raised just above ground, with just enough space to crawl underneath the home. This kind of foundation has the advantage of having plumbing, wiring, and heating ducts underneath the home, and pest control is also aided because the house is not directly on the ground.
The kind of coverage that may be available to you is directly related to kind of foundation that your home has. Inquiries will be made by the insurance company about what kind of foundation your home has, so have some answers for them. Most insurers will ask if your house was built on a continuous concrete foundation. Another query will be if there are any cracks or any erosion on your foundation. If the home doesn't have a foundation, it will usually not be insurable. When there is no foundation for the home, a specialty insurance provider may be needed because of the risks that are involved in mobile and modular homes, or other older homes without a foundation.
For those with continuous concrete foundations, the insurance agent will do the necessary calculations that are the estimate to rebuild the home in case of some kind of disaster situation. Not everything is covered under home insurance policies, so as a homeowner, you need to look into exactly what is covered, and what is not. Some insurers do not cover loss or damage triggered by such causes as wear and tear, defect, corrosion, mould, condensation or contamination, to name a few. Other exclusions to be aware of include loss or damage caused by settling, sinking, buckling or cracking of the structure. Not covered in most cases are water or ice weight damage, and thawing and freezing issues as well.
What is really the big issue is making sure that your house's foundation is in good shape, no matter if it's a basement, crawl space, or a slab type. If it is not, you may find yourself in a situation where you may not be covered for any damage under your home insurance policy.
Concrete is used in a slab foundation, and it's basically just poured concrete on the ground. This kind of foundation is a very economical choice. These do not take a lot of physical labor, there is minimal formwork, and the site is quick to prepare. Creaky floors happen less often with slab foundations, and the issues that happen with doors that open and close improperly are much less likely to happen as well.
A basement is built in a hole dug 6 to 8 feet into the ground to provide a stable foundation. Enough head space will allow for below grade rooms can be built in basements, and there are other advantages like space for utilities like the heating units as well.
Another type of foundation is a crawl space, which is raised just above ground, with just enough space to crawl underneath the home. This kind of foundation has the advantage of having plumbing, wiring, and heating ducts underneath the home, and pest control is also aided because the house is not directly on the ground.
The kind of coverage that may be available to you is directly related to kind of foundation that your home has. Inquiries will be made by the insurance company about what kind of foundation your home has, so have some answers for them. Most insurers will ask if your house was built on a continuous concrete foundation. Another query will be if there are any cracks or any erosion on your foundation. If the home doesn't have a foundation, it will usually not be insurable. When there is no foundation for the home, a specialty insurance provider may be needed because of the risks that are involved in mobile and modular homes, or other older homes without a foundation.
For those with continuous concrete foundations, the insurance agent will do the necessary calculations that are the estimate to rebuild the home in case of some kind of disaster situation. Not everything is covered under home insurance policies, so as a homeowner, you need to look into exactly what is covered, and what is not. Some insurers do not cover loss or damage triggered by such causes as wear and tear, defect, corrosion, mould, condensation or contamination, to name a few. Other exclusions to be aware of include loss or damage caused by settling, sinking, buckling or cracking of the structure. Not covered in most cases are water or ice weight damage, and thawing and freezing issues as well.
What is really the big issue is making sure that your house's foundation is in good shape, no matter if it's a basement, crawl space, or a slab type. If it is not, you may find yourself in a situation where you may not be covered for any damage under your home insurance policy.
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