Slab or Basement? What to Consider When Building Your Home in Michigan

Slab or Basement? What to Consider When Building Your Home in Michigan

At Buffum Homes, one of the early decisions we help our clients make is whether to build on a slab or include a basement. For homeowners relocating from out of state—especially from regions where basements are rare—this might feel like an unfamiliar choice. But in Michigan, basements are not only common, they’re often required depending on the area.

Let’s explore the pros and cons of each option and where each one might be possible.

◦ Basements: The Michigan Standard

✅ Required in Many Areas
Certain municipalities and developments in West Michigan require basements for all new construction—this includes our own Buffum Homes neighborhoods like Planter’s Ridge and Kingsfield Estates, where we exclusively build homes with basements to meet local codes and maintain consistency in the community.

✅ More Usable Space
Basements offer additional square footage for storage, future living space, or specialized areas like a home gym, theater, or guest suite—all without needing a larger footprint.

✅ Mechanical & Utility Convenience
Basements provide a practical location for furnaces, water heaters, electrical panels, and more, keeping your main living space clean and uncluttered.

⛔ Higher Upfront Cost
Including a basement does raise construction costs, particularly if it’s finished or includes additional features like egress windows or bathrooms.

◦ Slab Foundations: When and Where They Make Sense

While we don’t offer slab builds within our developments, we’re open to building on a slab when you bring your own land, especially in more rural locations where local codes allow it.

✅ Budget-Friendly
Slabs cost less upfront due to less excavation and simpler foundation work, making them an appealing choice for homeowners wanting to stay within a tighter budget.

✅ Accessible Layout
Single-level slab homes are great for aging in place or anyone looking for a stair-free lifestyle.

⛔ Not Always Permitted
As mentioned, many townships and subdivisions in Michigan require basements. If you’re considering a slab, we’ll help verify whether it’s an option on your particular parcel of land.

⛔ Less Flexibility for Future Use
Slabs offer no below-ground space for storage or mechanicals, so everything needs to be thoughtfully designed into your main floor layout.

◦ Every Home, Intentionally Different

One of the things we take pride in at Buffum Homes is not building copy-and-paste homes. Whether we’re working on one of our own lots or on your personal property, we love the opportunity to diversify and personalize every house. Each home is a reflection of the people living in it—and we design accordingly, inside and out.

Curious about what’s possible?
◦ Check out our gallery to see some of the creative, custom features we’ve built.
◦ Explore our featured projects to dive into some of our favorite builds and learn the story behind each one.

Need help deciding between a basement and slab—or finding a lot that supports your vision?
Let’s talk through it together. Whether you’re looking in a Buffum development or have your own land, we’ll help guide the process so you can make the best decision for your future home.