Foundations in HILLSBOROUGH , DURHAM, CARY, RALEIGH

Basement Foundation
A basement foundation begins with excavation at least eight feet deep, creating underground living space that matches most or all of the home’s ground level. Structural foundation walls are lined up on concrete footings, placed at least 12 inches below undisturbed soil and the frost line. Afterward, beams are poured, foundation walls are erected, and a cement slab is poured inside the walls.

The main advantage of a basement foundation is the extra living space—it can nearly double a home’s square footage if finished. Basement foundations are durable, fire-resistant, and can withstand extreme weather.

However, they are the most expensive foundation type. Unless you build a daylight basement (built on a slope with at least one open side), the space can feel cave-like due to limited natural light. Basements are not recommended in flood-prone areas. For homes built on a hillside, a daylight basement is a practical alternative, even allowing for a separate entrance.