In a slab-on-grade foundation, also
known as monolithic slab construction,
the floor slab and footings are poured
simultaneously to form an integral unit.
The concrete slab is placed directly on
the ground, with plumbing pipes, electrical
work, and ductwork running
underneath. Slab-on-grade works well
with the passive solar designs and radiant
heat floors popular in Santa Fe,
where I build custom homes. And compared
with a stem wall with footings,
slab-on-grade foundations can save
money, especially for simple buildings
with few jogs or ells. The footing excavation
for a slab-on-grade is shallower,
the forms are simpler, and there's no
floor system to frame. If a building site is
level, and the soil is easy to excavate
but will hold