Energy-Efficient Timber Frame & Modular Homes

How to prepare a plot for a frame house construction? Foundation slab vs traditional foundations

Geotechnical soil study – the first step before construction

Before you even think about an excavator, you must invite a geologist. Saving 1500–2000 PLN on a geotechnical soil study is a risk not worth taking. A stable foundation for a frame house begins precisely with knowing the state of the ground.

What does the geotechnical soil study show?

  • Groundwater level: If the water is high, traditional footings will "drink" moisture, and the basement can turn into a swimming pool.
  • Soil bearing capacity: Checking if there are peats or fills under the soil layer that could settle under the weight of the house, causing cracks in the structure.

In System-S, we do not start talking about the foundation without a geotechnical opinion – this is the basis of safety.

Foundation for a frame house – why is it worth betting on a foundation slab?

Traditional strip foundations still reign in Poland, however, in frame and energy-efficient construction, the foundation slab takes the lead. Here are the main technical advantages:

  1. Even settlement: The foundation slab acts as one monolithic reinforced concrete element – the whole house "works" together with the foundation, minimizing the risk of cracks in the rigid wooden structure.
  2. Thermal insulation: The slab is insulated from the cold ground by a layer of XPS from the bottom and sides, which eliminates thermal bridges, difficult to obtain in traditional footings.
  3. Realization time: Pouring the slab takes a few days, while earthworks price list covers traditional foundations even 3–4 weeks of work.

Foundation slab cost – does it pay off?

At first glance, the foundation slab cost may seem higher than traditional footings. But beware – this is an illusion. In the price of the slab you receive:

  • Ready structural foundation.
  • Complete thermal and damp insulation.
  • Distributed underfloor installations, including sewage.
  • Often underfloor heating and a ready floor ("zero state").

In the case of strip foundations, the initial cost covers only concrete in the ground. Further stages – backfilling, plumbing, insulation, and screeds – significantly increase total expenses. After summing up the stages, it turns out that the foundation slab costs the same or less, and gives better thermal parameters.

Earthworks price list – what to include?

Before the crew arrives with prefabricated walls, the terrain must be properly prepared. Prefabrication does not like improvisation, so it is worth knowing the approximate earthworks price list and ensuring:

  1. Access road: Large trucks (often with cranes) must safely reach the plot.
  2. Construction electricity: Generators are a last resort – an earlier connection saves money and work comfort.
  3. Water: Necessary for foundation and social works.
  4. Toilet (Portable): Legal and hygienic requirement for the crew.
  5. Geodesy: Staking out the building axes by a licensed surveyor.

Summary – solid basis for success

A foundation for a frame house is an element that cannot be cheaply replaced or repaired later. Choosing a foundation slab pays off with lower heating bills, minimal risk of wall cracks, and comfort of use for years. Prepare the plot, perform a geotechnical soil study, and let us put your house on solid legs.

FAQ - Frequently asked questions

Concrete reaches full strength after 28 days, but assembly of the frame structure (anchoring foundations) can usually start as early as 7-14 days, depending on weather and concrete class.

Yes, although it is more difficult and expensive. A stepped slab or special retaining walls/underpinnings are used then, which level the terrain slope.

We usually cooperate with proven foundation crews or provide a precise foundation design for the investor's local crew. This is a matter of individual arrangements in the contract.

Then traditional foundations are completely out. Often the only salvation is soil replacement (very expensive) or a specialized foundation slab on micro-piles.

No. Water and sewage approaches are poured in concrete permanently. Therefore, the design stage must be 100% thought out. Moving a toilet after pouring the slab involves chipping concrete.
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