Boy I wish I had a picture, all the ones on the web are not like we are talking about. Jerry disregard it being attached to an exterior foundation wall. Also Jerry when I said top plate I am referring to the plate 4" above the slab plate, not THE upper top plate at the top of the wall. Jim the footer, and foundation dont really move (here it could be block, or most likely a poured wall.) It is more the interior footprint of the basement. I suppose the reason for that is with a large slab, a little bit of soil movement is going to be transferred to a large piece of concrete. Also if their is a post in the basement, it is on its own pier foundation so if the floor heaves it does not move the post. There is also issues with gas piping, and solid copper plumbing because they dont like to move. When you see a picture you will say oh ok I get it now.

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Paul Kondzich
www.altitudehomeinspection.com