Expert: Dave Johnson - 4/24/2007

Question
i ope to build a home with a walk out basement at one end but need to learn
about the concrete work and footings for the walk out end.  the other half will
have the second floor on ground level.  could you suggest some books or
WEB sites to do this research?  thanks for your help

Answer
Hi Lee,
Lets assume the building is 26 x 40 and the open side is 40'.
the concrete foundation needs to "return" 2' - 4' on both sides of the open side. Also, there needs to be a frost wall under the open side and the concrete floor poured out over it. (All this assuming you are in a cold climate.)
I use a lot of "icf's" (insulated concrete forms) for all my foundation work. They are very easy to use and are homeowner friendly.
go to  www.nudura.com  their site will give you the address of a local dealer.
Best of luck, and if this isn't clear, please mail me again.
Dave