I recently read an article on the CBC website that sparked some thoughts about slab-on-grade homes.
As a realtor, I’ve had the privilege of exploring countless homes over the past five and a half years—thousands, though I’ve lost track of the exact number. Each one showcases a variety of designs and features, but my favorites have always been slab-on-grade homes.
My appreciation for this architectural style dates back to my childhood, when I first encountered it in Florida, a region that’s largely swamp, Florida rarely offers the stable ground needed for basements, unlike here in Northern Ontario, where basements are a beloved staple. I still vividly recall stepping into a model slab-on-grade home in the early ‘90s and thinking, “This is such a cool design.” Back then, my young mind saw it as an ideal solution for seniors—no stairs to navigate. You’d simply pull into the garage with your groceries and step right into the kitchen.
Compare that to my current home, where six stairs lead up from the driveway to the entryway, followed by another six stairs to reach the main floor or six more stairs down to the basement. Eighteen stairs might not sound like much when you’re young and healthy, but as you age or face challenges like knee or hip replacements, those steps can become a daunting obstacle. For some, it’s the tipping point that prompts selling a beloved home and moving into an apartment.
Now, with a housing crisis unfolding, a new case for single-level homes is emerging. Our aging population, coupled with declining health and limited housing options, might just create the perfect storm for a surge in slab-on-grade development. Could this practical, accessible design be the solution we need?
Hello again Spaces Family,
I recently read an article on the CBC website that sparked some thoughts about slab-on-grade homes.
As a realtor, I’ve had the privilege of exploring countless homes over the past five and a half years—thousands, though I’ve lost track of the exact number. Each one showcases a variety of designs and features, but my favorites have always been slab-on-grade homes.
My appreciation for this architectural style dates back to my childhood, when I first encountered it in Florida, a region that’s largely swamp, Florida rarely offers the stable ground needed for basements, unlike here in Northern Ontario, where basements are a beloved staple. I still vividly recall stepping into a model slab-on-grade home in the early ‘90s and thinking, “This is such a cool design.” Back then, my young mind saw it as an ideal solution for seniors—no stairs to navigate. You’d simply pull into the garage with your groceries and step right into the kitchen.
Compare that to my current home, where six stairs lead up from the driveway to the entryway, followed by another six stairs to reach the main floor or six more stairs down to the basement. Eighteen stairs might not sound like much when you’re young and healthy, but as you age or face challenges like knee or hip replacements, those steps can become a daunting obstacle. For some, it’s the tipping point that prompts selling a beloved home and moving into an apartment.
Now, with a housing crisis unfolding, a new case for single-level homes is emerging. Our aging population, coupled with declining health and limited housing options, might just create the perfect storm for a surge in slab-on-grade development. Could this practical, accessible design be the solution we need?
REG