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Foundation Cost Estimator: Slab vs Pier vs Strip

Compare costs for different foundation types. Accounts for regional price variations, labor, and materials (concrete, rebar, excavation).

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Category Foundation & Concrete
Estimates based on flat terrain with standard soil bearing capacity.

Monolithic Slab

$0
Range: $0 - $0
  • + Cheapest option
  • − Pipes in concrete

Crawl Space

$0
Range: $0 - $0
  • + Easy utilities access
  • − Moisture risk

Pier & Beam

$0
Range: $0 - $0
  • + Good for slopes
  • − Floor insulation needed
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About

Choosing the right foundation is a balance between soil conditions, climate, and budget. This estimator provides a side-by-side financial comparison of the three most common residential foundation systems: Monolithic Slab, Strip Foundation (Crawl Space), and Pier & Beam.

Construction costs vary wildly by location. A cubic yard of concrete in New York costs significantly more than in Texas. This tool applies Regional Multipliers to a national average database, adjusting for local labor rates, frost line depth requirements, and material availability.

construction cost home building foundation concrete slab pier and beam

Formulas

The Total Cost Ctotal is calculated by multiplying the Base Cost per SqFt B by the Area A and the Regional Multiplier Mreg.

Ctotal = B × A × Mreg

Base Cost B is an aggregate of:

B = Labor + Concrete + Rebar + Excavation

Reference Data

FeatureSlab-on-GradeCrawl Space (Strip)Pier & Beam
CostLow - MediumMedium - HighMedium
ExcavationMinimalModerateDeep (localized)
SuitabilityFlat ground, warm climatesSloped lots, plumbing accessFlood zones, steep slopes
MaintenanceLowMedium (Moisture control)Medium (Insulation)
Avg Cost/SqFt$6 - $14$10 - $20$8 - $16

Frequently Asked Questions

Generally, a Monolithic Slab is the most affordable option because it requires less formwork and is poured in a single event. However, on sloped terrain, the cost of grading (leveling the ground) can make a Slab more expensive than a Pier & Beam system.
Labor and concrete prices are local. We use a Regional Multiplier (e.g., California = 1.45x, Alabama = 0.85x) to adjust the national average base costs to reflect your specific market conditions.
No. This tool calculates costs for standard shallow foundations. Full basements involve significantly higher excavation and waterproofing costs which are outside the scope of this specific calculator.