Expert: Dave Johnson - 2/8/2007

Question
We are looking to buy a resale home in an area (central Texas)where about 75% of the homes are concrete slab foundations and the rest are pier and beam.  If we think we might want to do any kitchen/bath remodeling that involves moving plumbing (such as moving a sink location/ adding a 1/2 bath, etc) should we avoid the slab foundation houses since one would have to jackhammer the slab to move the plumbing?          Also, we moved from Oregon where it was almost 100% peir and beam to Central Texas where its 75% slab -is that because slab is cheaper and perhaps less termite invasive?

Answer
Yes, if you are thinking that a plumbing move is inevitable try and find a home that has a basement or a crawl space.
If the plumbing is only going from one wall to the other side of that wall, you might possibly be able to go with a slab home.
To answer your 2nd question, yes again...And because Texas doesn't have a frost problem and they don't worry about slabs heaving.

good luck,
Dave