Building Homes or Extensions/building a house

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Expert: - 5/12/2008


Question
hi Dan, i want to build a 28x48' house, I'm doing the whole thing myself, i wanted to know if you had any ideas on a a cheap, yet good foundation idea. how thick does the slab have to be? and can i even do it on a slab? i want the basement and then the main floor with a loft above the kitchen, so it will have to support a lot of weight.

Answer
Chet, I think you need to do a little more research.  Slab floors can be done over basements but they are a bit unusual and cost more.  ICFs have become quite popular and they can be done by a DIY, but many things can go wrong.  Regular basement walls are usually concrete or block.  Formed concrete and structural block walls are probably beyond the skills of most DIY types.

The founddation will be made up of properly sized footing with steel and walls on top of the footings.  The basement floor is poured after the walls.

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Dan Griffin

Expertise

I can answer almost all questions related to the total construction process. My expertise is in commercial construction, though I can field most any residential question. I have hands on experience in concrete, heavy equipment, masonry, all phases of carpentry, interior finishes, and I am fairly strong in mechanical and electrical.

Experience

I have over 20 years experience as a commercial carpenter and commercial construction superintendent. I have another 20 years experience in facility management for a major school district.

Organizations
My favorite hobby for he past 12 years has been singing bass in a The OkChorale men's barbershop chorus and the Mature Moments quartet.

Education/Credentials
I hold a Bachelor's degree in English and Math. I have completed many continuing education hours in the building trades. I hold a Master Carpenter card from the AGC, Associated General Contractors.

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