New Home Question

[novice333]

Hello,

I going to have a new home built in the Venice, Florida area and I have a question regarding foundations. In the development I am considering there are multiple builders. I noticed that some builders use a layer of poured concrete at the top of the foundation and others have block all the way up. From their specifications I think it's referred to as:

Form and poured concrete 16" lintels & bond beam.

Can someone tell me the difference between the poured concrete and the block and if one is better than the other.

Thanks,

Novice333

[Rich]

No difference in the grand scheme of things. Full cell filled block act very similarly to CIP concrete.

I think is what you're seeing is a block foundation with crawl space, hence no slab on grade on top of the foundation.

I personally like the crawl space as it allows me easy access to plumbing lines, and gives me space to run ductwork etc.

[mjpliv]

Good spot for the 'gaters to sleep!

[mjpliv]

When they say bond beam are they referring to the poured wall extension having rebar installed in it. This would "bond" the top block course together preventing cracks starting at the top. It would have a better effect than just using block lock like the rest of the courses.

We do pretty much the same here with a "quality" foundation wall by installing two continuous rows of 15m bar on top of the upper form ties prior to the pour.

[Rich]

Pretty much.. the bond beam is a block with the middle knocked out to accomodate the rebar... at least that's what I've always called it.

[jjcold]

I've noticed in other parts of the country they use concrete block to build the stemwall. In the Northwest, at least around Seattle area, pretty much all builders pour footings, then pour the stemwall on top tied together with rebar. Of course, commercial buildings are all slab, so perhapst that is more expensive but better?