Stephanie Dailey walks through an active slab-on-grade build in Utah, explaining how frost depth requirements and a high water table shape the construction approach. Unlike a crawlspace, this method buries all plumbing and HVAC beneath the slab — a trade-off that comes with significant structural fill costs, around $35,000–$40,000 on this job. The process involves subgrade rough plumbing, underground PVC ductwork, radiant heat tubing tied to wire mesh, and a vapor barrier before the concrete is poured. Fluid-applied waterproofing covers the foundation walls, and both two-car garages are prepped with compacted three-quarter unwashed gravel ahead of their respective pours.

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