Foundation Options for RTM Homes in Alberta
Choosing the right foundation is one of the most important steps when preparing for a Ready To Move home. Your RTM home arrives fully constructed and is placed directly onto a completed foundation, which means your site work needs to be done before delivery. In Alberta, there are several foundation options to choose from, each with different benefits, timelines, and cost ranges. Understanding these choices will help you plan confidently and ensure your new home is supported for decades to come.
Basement Foundations
A full basement is one of the most popular choices for RTM homes in Alberta. It offers extra living space, storage, and long-term value.
Benefits
- Adds significant square footage
- Can be finished immediately or later
- Provides excellent insulation and energy performance
- Ideal for rural properties that need extra storage or mechanical space
Timelines
Basement foundations require more excavation and concrete work. Homeowners should allow several weeks for digging, forming, pouring, curing, and final prep before the RTM home arrives.
Cost Range
Basements are the most expensive foundation option, but they also provide the greatest resale value. Costs depend on soil conditions, size, waterproofing, and whether the homeowner plans to finish the basement in the future.
Crawlspace Foundations
A crawlspace sits between the ground and the bottom of your RTM home. It offers many of the practical benefits of a basement without the expense of a full lower level.
Benefits
- Lower cost compared to basements
- Easy access to plumbing, HVAC, and utilities
- Less excavation required
- Provides insulation and energy performance
Timelines
Crawlspaces take less time to prepare than basements, which can help move your project forward faster. Most projects only require a short excavation and foundation forming period.
Cost Range
Crawlspaces are moderately priced. They cost more than helical piles but less than a basement. Costs vary based on height, insulation type, and site conditions.
Helical Pile Foundations
Helical piles (commonly known as screw piles) are steel foundation posts that are twisted in the ground using specialized equipment. This option has become increasingly popular in Alberta for RTM homes because they provide support without the need for concrete.
Benefits
- Fast installation with no wait time for curing
- Ideal for homeowners who do not need extra storage or mechanical space
- Resist frost heaving over time
- Works well for challenging terrain or uneven ground
Timelines
Piles can often be completed in one day because they require no excavation or vertical foundation walls. Weather considerations in Alberta may impact installation schedules, but piles are generally the fastest of all foundation types.
Cost Range
Destiny Homes includes spray-foaming of the floor system on homes built on piles to improve insulation and energy efficiency. While this is an upgrade compared to many builders, piles remain the most cost-effective foundation option. Overall pricing depends on soil conditions, terrain, and the number of piles required.
Choosing the Right Foundation for Your RTM Home
At Destiny Homes, your RTM home is delivered directly onto the foundation you choose, so selecting the right option early is essential. A few factors to consider include:
- Your long term need for living or storage space
- Soil conditions and drainage on your property
- Your project timeline
- Your overall budget
- Whether you plan to finish a basement in the future
Basements offer maximum space, crawlspaces balance cost and functionality, and piles are efficient and budget friendly. Each option is fully compatible with a Ready To Move home as long as the foundation is completed properly before delivery.
Plan Ahead for a Smooth RTM Delivery
Foundations must be finished, cured, and inspected before your RTM home can be transported to your site. Beginning the planning process early ensures there are no delays when your home is ready.
If you want help deciding which foundation is best for your property, Destiny Homes can walk you through your options and help you prepare your site for a successful RTM home delivery.