Foundation Walls

[incognito]

I need the advice of some of the southern and western appraisers out there regarding the entry used on the 1004 under "foundation wall". Ever since the new 1004 came out, I have entered "n/a" for foundation wall (when indicated), because 95% of what I do is constructed on a single pour monolithic slab (AKA slab on grade), with integral footers. There is no component foundation wall, it is a part of the slab.

I have NEVER had an issue with this, until recently. Some smarty pants underwriter from up north insists that all houses have foundation walls, and despite my explaining, sending photos, etc, she (yes she) insists I am wrong.



What do you enter for "foundation wall" when you have a monolithic slab foundation?

 

[Terrel L. Shields]

lie to them.... just put Concrete and go on.

 

[huntercharlie]

Definition for foundation wall:

Web definitions:A foundation (also called a groundsill) is a structure that transfers loads to the earth.
The sill plate is attached to a concrete slab foundation and the material is concrete - no?

 

[Mountain Man]

lie to them.... just put Concrete and go on.

Ditto! Dumbazzes have never seen or built a house don't know what they don't know.

 

[Tim The Enchanter]

Concrete/Average.

 

[Mr Rex]

Slab on grade or concrete slab on grade or CONC SOG or mono slab

 

[Mile High Trout]

Probably something else there about soil conditions may be helpful.

The foundation consideration revolves around moisture, bentonite, shifting soils, soft soils, sinking soils, seismic issues locationally, etc.

Spell out the details and typical characteristics of your specific location for soils and typical building trends. Finish with a standard for the area or typical per market expectations or something.

The underwriters are looking for admissions of proper process. Helping them understand that such a design is typical and does not increase risk due to a-typical building, is probably what they are looking for there.

 

[Rlong]

There is a foundation, it is just not conventional; it is described as footing in your image. They are correct in there is not really homes on "NO" foundation. (Framed walls staked to the dirt)
"Conc./Avg.

Bob in CO

 

[Nevermind 3]

I always put none for foundation walls for conc slabs. I don't care what she says. But, if you want to make it easy, I would do like the others have said and just put concrete

 

[sputnam]

All houses DO NOT have foundation walls. Ever been to the beach? However, a lot of houses with slab foundations do have a little foundation wall....that's primarily because good termite management in the building code requires 8" between the soil and any wood. I just report the material on the outside....brick, block, concrete, etc.