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ICC Approves Low-Cost Foundations for Remodelers and Builders

Also under the NAHB proposal, unheated garages and porches with deep foundations can be attached to houses built on FPSFs.

FPSFs are approved in the 2003 International Building Code and 2000 and 2003 International Residential Code.

Building additions on Frost-Protected Shallow Foundations (this link is available to NAHB members only) can provide remodelers and commercial builders with substantial savings, and it disturbs less soil and landscaping. Where it is necessary, small FPSFs can even be dug by hand.

With the ability to build attached garages on deep foundations, builders have an alternative to insulating and heating the garages, or using unheated FPSF designs with thick insulation under the entire slab. Some buyers may prefer not having to heat their garages in the winter.

NAHB recommends that jurisdictions adopting the 2000 IRC amend their codes to include the proposals approved in the 2003 code.

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