The Slab Decision

We are excited about Helical Pier Foundations. However, for the purpose of Seed Home 2 - the slab has a distinct labor advantage in rollout - Phase 1. Here's why:

1. Overall house cost is comparable. A slab appears to be more expensive by itelf(estimated $10/sf based on $8k avarege + $1k gravel + $1k excavation) see Concrete Slab.
2. Owner-builder labor is reduced significantly. In our model, a foundation is outsourced (beyond the scope of a novice owner-builder) - whether helical pier or concrete slab. In the slab case - the labor savings is the floor. In the helical pier case - a framed floor module with 3/4" plywood is no longer needed! That is 1-2 days of work saved.