Drawings show horizontal floor beams supported by discrete vertical piers rather than a continuous perimeter bearing wall. Which listed label best describes this support arrangement?
Correct Answer
C) Pier and beam foundation
Horizontal beams resting on separate vertical piers describe a pier-and-beam foundation. A mat or slab spreads loads through a continuous concrete element, and a basement uses continuous foundation walls. Pier depth and bearing depend on the actual design and soils.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
Option C is correct because horizontal floor beams resting on separate vertical piers describe a pier-and-beam foundation. The loads are carried at individual points rather than through a continuous perimeter bearing wall or a continuous slab. Pier depth and bearing depend on the actual design and soils.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option A: Mat (raft) foundation
Option A, a mat (raft) foundation, spreads building loads through a single continuous concrete element under the structure. That is the opposite of support at discrete piers.
Option B: Slab-on-grade foundation
Option B, a slab-on-grade foundation, is a continuous concrete slab placed at ground level that spreads loads over the slab. It does not use beams supported on separate vertical piers.
Option D: Full basement foundation
Option D, a full basement foundation, uses continuous foundation walls enclosing a below-grade space. The stem specifically says there is no continuous perimeter bearing wall, which rules out a basement.
Points versus continuous support
Piers carry loads at points; slabs, mats and basement walls carry loads continuously. If the description says discrete piers, think pier and beam.
How to use: Use this when a question describes how loads are supported rather than naming the foundation.
Exam Tip
Read the support description literally. The words discrete vertical piers and no continuous bearing wall point to pier and beam.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- -Confusing a crawl-space pier system with a slab-on-grade
- -Calling any raised floor a basement
- -Assuming pier depth without reviewing the actual design
Concept Deep Dive
Analysis
This question tests recognition of foundation types from a description of how loads are carried. The clue is horizontal beams resting on discrete vertical piers instead of a continuous wall or a continuous concrete element. That support arrangement is the defining feature of a pier-and-beam foundation.
Background Knowledge
Foundations transfer building loads to the soil, either through continuous elements such as slabs, mats and foundation walls or through discrete supports such as piers. A pier-and-beam system raises the floor on beams carried by individual piers, often creating a crawl space. Appraisers identify foundation type because it affects condition analysis, functional utility and comparability.
Real-World Application
An appraiser inspecting an older home notices the floor system sits on wood beams carried by masonry piers over a crawl space. The appraiser reports the foundation as pier and beam and notes any visible settling or moisture concerns. Comparable selection then considers whether buyers in the area treat crawl-space homes differently from slab homes.
More Property Description Questions
A local zoning ordinance allows these maximum densities: R-1, 4 units per acre; R-2, 8 units per acre; R-4, 20 units per acre; PUD (with approval), 12 units per acre. Which category allows the highest density?
What design advantage is commonly associated with post-and-beam construction?
A hypothetical local ordinance permits either a single-family house or duplex on the site. The existing single-family house complies with all current rules. Which statement is supported?
A zoning variance allowing a reduced side setback is granted for a parcel. After the parcel is sold, who generally holds the benefit of the variance, subject to its conditions?
Under ANSI Z765-2021 as applied by Fannie Mae, a staircase runs from the second floor down to the first floor. Its area is counted as part of:
Under ANSI Z765-2021, as Fannie Mae requires for a detached house, where are exterior dimensions taken on a brick-veneer wall?
A building's HVAC system would be classified as which type of building component?
A home on a large tract is valued at $620,000 including the land it needs. The remaining excess land could be sold separately and contributes a net $95,000 after separation costs. What is the total indicated value?
A covered sale concerns a residence built in 1965. Which hazard is the subject of the federal pre 1978 housing disclosure rule, without assuming its actual presence?
Which site characteristic is most likely to reduce site utility by restricting where a typical dwelling can be placed?
People Also Study
Real Estate Market
13.6% of exam
Land or Site Valuation
4.5% of exam
Sales Comparison Approach
16.4% of exam
Cost Approach
13.6% of exam
Income Approach
8.2% of exam