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Architecture/Building new home on old basement

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Expert: - 5/8/2008


Question
Property is rural in Northeast Washington state with an existing basement foundation on it.  Previous home burned down 20 years ago and someone had put metal roof on top of basement to use as storage.  Some water leakage on walls inside.  Can I water-proof old concrete-block basement then build new small two-story home on top?  I am trying to save money, and time, not to mention, old basement is on site where I want to build new home and would require removal if I build new  basement.  Also, having a steep incline (Hill, mountain,) behind your home(200ft. behind) require any special grading? Hill is 10/12 pitch incline. Your thoughts would be appreciated.  Thanks.

Answer
Hi Ruth - thanks for your question!

Sure, you can do this!  After all this time, the existing foundation has probably done all the settling it's going to do.

You're right to want to waterproof it - but don't skimp on that!  Excavate the outside of the foundation all the way to the top of the footer; repair any wall damage; waterproof (NOT dampproof) the entire wall; install a drain tile and a sump pump if possible; and backfill at least 3 feet with gravel.  You don't want to have to do this again - get it right the first time.

This should give you a reliable foundation to build on.

The slope is very steep, but unless you're going to be changing the grade, it is what it is.  Once you start moving dirt around you'll have to take some special precautions to stabilize the soil...the less you do of this the better!

Sounds like a great little project - good luck with it!

Hope this helps,

Richard Taylor, AIA
www.rtastudio.com
www.rtaplans.com

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Richard Taylor, AIA

Expertise

Ask me about all aspects of house, remodeling. , and room addition design and construction. Ask me about historic homes, renovation, and restoration. Ask me about materials and techniques, and about how you can get the best value for your design and construction dollar. Ask me how you can make your home a very special place. I can't, however, answer specific structural engineering questions in this forum - that's something you'll need on-site observation for.

Experience

I own a full-service residential architectural firm, and have been designing custom homes, remodelings, and room additions across the country since 1983. Check us out at Richard Taylor Architects and RTA Plans. I have written and been published extensively on the subject of residential architecture.

Organizations
American Institute of Architects, City of Dublin Architectural Review Board, Vice Chair of City of Dublin Planning and Zoning Commission, American Planning Association, Board Member Historic Dublin Business Association, Past Editor of SPLASH (a software forum), Past Editor of Open Directory Project, Assistant Scoutmaster, Boy Scouts of America

Publications
Business First of Columbus, Suburban New Publications, About.com, Cleveland Plain Dealer, Columbus Dispatch Residential Architect Custom Home Architect Remodeling Architect

Education/Credentials
Bachelor of Environmental Design (Architecture) Miami University 1983
For more about home design, check out my blog at Sense Of Place and join the conversation on our Facebook Page.

Awards and Honors
2010 Dublin Chamber of Commerce Business Person of the Year

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