Slab v crawlspace in Overland Park KS. Thoughts?

[David S.]

Can anybody with building experience and knowledge of the KS City climate give me some feedback on buying a home on a slab in Overland Park? The realtor I've been working with was quick to point out that a particular home I was eyeballing was worth considerably less because it was on a slab rather than a crawlspace. 

I understand that slabs are not a good fit for cold climates as they can crack if the ground freezes, but then this house has been around for decades already. 

Looking for some feedback on a slab house in this area. Does it really impact the value that much? Is it the wrong region for a slab based on climate? Would you buy a house on a slab in Overland Park? 

To me, so long the slab isn't a significant risk/liability, it would seem that such a purchase would still make sense since the typical renter doesn't care if there's a slab or a crawlspace. Obviously a full basement is a benefit, but that's apples to oranges. Only when it comes time to sell it down the road is this a possible detractor. Right??

Thanks! 

[David Cruice]

David, keep in mind that you don't know that "a home that's been fine for decades".  Older homes are going to have more problems, especially if they have cast iron pipes and are older that 40 years (the expected life span of cast iron).  A house on a slab is far more difficult to replace sewer/waste lines than a house with a crawl space.  If you're going to buy an old house on a slab, see if you can get a plumber to inspect the lines with a sewer camera. It will cost you about $250.  Don't worry about the climate issue.  If the slab was going to crack, it would have done so long ago.