NEW CONSTRUCTION, Slab on grade VS conventional crawlspace

[Tristan Brenner]

I'm currently working on converting my first single family rental into a duplex in Washington State. I will be keeping this project in my portfolio for years to come. I'm trying to figure out best practices from more experienced investors and builder for constructing a high quality and low maintenance rental, so no better place to start then with the foundation. My question is, If you could build a portfolio of multifamily rental properties to hold for long term, would you build a slab on grade concrete floor (no crawl space) or standard conventional wood framed floor (has a crawl space) There are pros and cons to both but just hoping to get some people who might have other insight on it. Appreciate any and all feedback! Newbie from Washington State

[Dominic R.]

Here in Connecticut resale value of a slab homes is terrible.  No matter which foundation up here you need to go down about 4 feet to get below the frost line.  So why not go an additional 4 and have a full basement?  That way they have storage and a place for the washer dryer without the expense of a laundry room.