PHRC Webinars

Beyond the Basement: Understanding Foundation Options for Modern Residential Construction

10/29/2026 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM ET

Instructor: Darrin Wright (High-Performance Housing Specialist, Pennsylvania Housing Research Center)

Handouts

Link to Webinar: https://psu.zoom.us/webinar/register/8417836833167/WN_Z1IasAx9S2uNLGupg72nFg

Description

Residential foundation systems continue to evolve as builders seek improved energy performance, moisture resistance, affordability, and resilience. This course provides an overview of traditional and emerging foundation solutions, including full basements, conditioned crawlspaces, slab-on-grade construction, frost-protected shallow foundations, helical pile systems, and other innovative approaches. Participants will evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of each system and learn how foundation design decisions affect structural safety, occupant comfort, moisture management, indoor environmental quality, and long-term building durability.

Learning Objectives

1. Compare common residential foundation systems and identify their advantages, limitations, and appropriate applications based on site and climate conditions.
2. Evaluate how foundation design influences moisture management, indoor environmental quality, structural safety, and occupant health.
3. Identify foundation insulation, drainage, and waterproofing strategies that improve durability, energy performance, and long-term building resilience.
4. Assess emerging foundation technologies and construction methods that support sustainable, healthy, and resilient residential construction.

Cost

Free to attend; $25 for continuing education credit in live webinar

Credit Hours

Live Webinar: 1.0 PA L&I Contact Hour, 1 PDH for engineers in Pennsylvania, 1.0 AIA LU|HSW, 1.0 ICC Contact Hour (0.1 CEU)

Tags: 2026-27