It has often been my experience that houses with foundations properly designed and constructed in accordance with recognized procedures still develop evidence and/or consequences of differential foundation settlement. A house constructed on well compacted, non expansive fill, with large grade beams and subterranean piers have the least likelihood of foundation movement becoming evident. Even these houses should be constructed with the foundation not attached to the tops of the piers. The foundation slab should be allowed to float up and off the piers if the soil expands or contracts. For best performance of most foundations, it is recommended that the recommendations provided in our Foundation Care Document be followed for foundations resting on expansive clay soil.