Why Foundations Matter
A home built on a new foundation offers long-term strength and reliability. With modern construction standards, improved waterproofing, and no hidden structural concerns, you gain peace of mind and lower maintenance costs for years to come. When comparing homes, remember: a solid new foundation is the base for lasting value.
Connecticut adopted the 2021 International Residential Code (IRC) and other model codes, with CT amendments, in the 2022 Connecticut State Building Code (CSBC).
The foundation chapter (Chapter 4 in CSBC) gives detailed, more consistent requirements for footings and walls of foundations (wood, masonry, concrete, precast) including minimum dimensions, proper reinforcement, materials, etc.
How This Directly Helps Homeowners / Buyers
These improvements translate into several concrete benefits for those owning a home or purchasing a new one:
1. Stronger Structural Integrity, Fewer Surprises
New foundations built under newer codes are less likely to have issues with settling, shifting, or cracking.
Code updates account for current knowledge about soil conditions, freeze-thaw cycles, moisture, etc., so foundations are designed to better resist those forces.
2. Reduced Maintenance and Repair Costs
Fewer unexpected foundation issues → fewer repair bills down the road. Buyers know the foundation was built under more modern, tested standards.
Less risk of major remediation (which can be very expensive) because foundations are designed robustly from the start.
3. Higher Resale Value & Buyer Confidence
When a home has a foundation that meets newer codes, appraisers, lenders, and buyers are more likely to view the property as lower risk.
Less worry about hidden structural issues. This tends to show up as better appraisals, better ability to get financing, and less discounting due to perceived risk.
4. Safety, Health & Code Compliance
The updated code also considers environmental and safety factors (moisture, insulation, accessibility etc.), improving overall habitability.
Fulfilling current code means fewer issues during inspections / when getting permits / when passing building or resale inspections.
5. Long-Term Energy & Efficiency Benefits
While foundation is often thought of just as structure, better foundations (especially basement or slab foundations), in newer codes, better integrate with insulation, sealing, and energy conservation standards. That means less heat loss, better energy bills, etc.
Also risk reduction for water damage, which can damage insulation, cause mold, cause energy inefficiencies.
As developers, we know that peace of mind starts from the ground up. A strong foundation isn’t just concrete—it’s an investment in the future.
