Slab on grade single story SFR?

Question

Found a lady looking to sell her rental that is slab on grade. Not too many of these in our area. Most everything has basements under them.  Property manager that I know told me to stay away from slab on grade homes. What are your thoughts.

James H. · Answer

We have SOG and no basement almost as a rule in Texas. I guess up north I'd be concerned with frost heave damaging the slab. Others not accustomed to the SOG will talk about utility maintenance. Meh, not a big deal. You can't get to plumbing, but then again, it's encased in concrete and you probably won't need to get to it.

BUT, you are talking about a method of construction that is discriminated against in your area. Whether the method of construction is sound or not, really is irrelevant. This propert will always be sold at a discouint because it doesn't have a basement or crawl space. I'd only buy it if you got an absolutely SCREAMING deal. (and if it was structurally sound). You might have a hard time finding someone in your area qualified to objectivly evaluate a slab foundation.

Chad McDaniel · Answer

Thanks for the advise. I told the lady I was going to pass on that property.

Bill Gulley · Answer

I suggest you listen to you PM and have them explain. A slab is not so bad, but in colder climates like yours if not insulated below they can sweat and cause mosture issues and mold. They are common in the south and I have owned them, but if they are not common in your market it will also show up in the appraisal process with less value. Another issue, a slab floor can cause chin-splints for some people, you'll notice a factory floor will usually have thick rubber mats for worker positions where they need to stand for hours. Good carpet can cure that but then you could have the mositure issues under the carpet.

Maybe in your market you should avoid a slab.....