In home foundations, can you please explain the difference between...?

slab and continuous masonry foundations? What is the foundation if the home has a full basement? Which foundation is more common? Thanks

I believe that a contiunuous masonry foundation is one where you have a basement. A concrete slab isn't really a foundation but rather a pad that the house sits on. The framing of the house is secured to this pad. There is no basement when a concrete slab is used. I can't say that one is more common than the other. It's cheaper to go with a slab but I've seen houses built both ways.