On Jun 20, 4:14 pm, "J.A. Michel" wrote:
"Gary KW4Z" wrote in message

...



I'm nearing the point of specifying the type of basement construction that
I
want to use in a 36x70 home that we hope to build sometime around August.
The area where the home is to be built is almost devoid of poured
basements
due to the fact that not too many builders in the area have the forms or
experience in working with poured basements. That said I am still
considering Poured walls as an option. Another option I am considering is
the use of pre-cast and pre-cured Panels brought to the site on truck and
lifted into place by crane. I have heard that there are two types of
these.
One that uses the typical concrete outside and the other that is a wood
form. Last is to go with the Cement Block and work to waterproof it as
best
I can by preparation of the area around the home to route water away from
the foundation and then coat the exterior of the blocks very well.

Being on disability I do have a cost concern to think about but I'd much
rather pay up front to get quality than to have to face very expensive
work
several years after the job has been completed.

Any comments on Basement construction techniques, poured vs. cement block
and thoughts about the newer technology of panels formed off site and
trucked to the site (either wood or a masonry product).

We did a poured basement last year for a 28x56 house and attached 26x30
garage. The walls are 8" think. The basement, front porch stoop, and
garage foundation wall were all done in one, single, monolithic pour. It's
built like a tank, and I like it that way. If you use ICF's you'll have
ugly Styrofoam visible on any portions of the basement that are above grade.

Codes in my area require exposed foam to be covered. Most people use
some type of stucco. There are synthetic stucco products that go
directly on the ICF's. Poured foundations (non ICF) have the problem
of not having insulation. Many ICF's have 5" of polystyrene--pretty
hard to get that with conventional poured.