Expert: Dan Griffin - 2/16/2012

Question
QUESTION: Is it better, when building a house, to put the studded wall flush with the foundation wall or should you offset 1/2 an inch to leave room for OSB. What are the pros and cons for each? Thank you very much for your time.

ANSWER: Brandon, this is one that I've seen done both ways.  If you let the OSB hang down past the bottom of the base plate, it becomes a wind and weather seal.  If your walls are 8 feet tall, and you let the OSB drop below the bottom plate, it doesn't reach the top of the double plate.

I would keep it lined up with the bottom of the base plate.  Make sure to seal under the base plate and overhang the base plate with the tar/Tyvek/whatever sheathing.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: With all due respect, I believe you are very knowledgeable, but I have to fill out a source critique for my sources and so I was wondering what qualifications and or certifications you have.

Answer
Brandon, this is starting to sound like homework.  My credentials are listed on the web site.  You asked for my experience.  There are many issues that must all come together to give you an answer and there is probably no one answer.  Here are a bunch of professionals answering a similar question:
http://forums.jlconline.com/forums/archive/index.php/t-56174.html

Some issues that must be determined:
Exterior finish (brick, siding, EIFS, etc.)  Different materials demand different solutions.

This site offers typical details like I suggested, but does not address exterior finishes:
http://www.ci.medford.or.us/page.asp?navid=762
look at each drawing of typical footings.  They all terminate at the bottom of the base plate on the stem.

Insulation issues. It is becoming more common to apply exterior insulation which creates another series of complications with regard to termite proofing, insulation protection, and drainage. Reference:
www.ornl.gov/sci/roofs+walls/foundation/ORNL_CON-295.pdf
These, too, do not address exterior finish option.

Another major issue is remaining code compliant with hold down systems subject to seismic and hurricane/tornado requirements.  Some areas are really requiring substantial and extensive provisions.  Reference:
http://forums.jlconline.com/forums/archive/index.php/t-56174.html

The person you need to satisfy is your local AHJ (Authority Having Jusrisdiction).  They are the ones who can make you tear it back out.

You need a drawn plan that addresses the weather seal, exterior finish, etc that is buildable with the most time and material methods.