Expert: Stephen Major (Owner--Major Design Group) - 7/10/2007

Question
I would like to finish the basement of our 1960s vintage rambler in Howard County Maryland using the "Best Practices" methods I have found on several websites like the Department of Energy's.  To really do it correctly, I would like to know the construction details of how the exterior of the block walls were finished, whether a vapor barrier was used under the slab, etc.  Is there a source of building codes for that time frame?  Thanks for any help.

Answer
Windsor,

Most municipalities have local versions of building codes, so you should start with the code/zoning office in your locality.  They may have archives of past codes, or they may be able to point you in a direction.

But, just because something is in a code book does not mean that it is in the house.  

Both of the things they you are looking for can be ascertained with a little intrusive investigation.  For the slab vapor barrier, you can drill a hole in the slab and check for the presence of a vapor barrier.  For the foundation coating you can hand-excavate in an inconspicuous spot and see for yourself.  Be advised, though, that older subsurface drainage structures can fail in this time span, so you can't necessarily count on their ability to properly divert water, especially during periods of heavy rain or high water table.

Best of luck with this and please do not hesitate to ask additional questions.  

--Steve Major