Expert: Stephen Major (Owner--Major Design Group) - 5/11/2007

Question
We recently had our foundation poured three days ago in WI.  We are having a walk out basement, so the back exposure will be partial cement wall and partial wood/siding.  The problem is that the contractor can't read a print and did not pour the partial wall in the back, so we now have a total exposure.  What should be done about this?  Is this going to cause problems with leaking because of the 'seam' that will now exist when they pour the missing wall?  Should this be torn down and started over?  HELP!!!


Answer
Bob,

I'm sorry to hear about your situation.  

An even more serious issue is frost protection for the footing.  In WI, I believe your footing needs to be at least 42-48" below finished grade so it will not be subjected to frost heaving, etc.  A LOT of contactors make this error and there are a lot of incorrect walkouts out there that have the footings right at grade.  

First off, your contractor should certainly correct the problem, and also insure that the footing is properly frost protected.

If the poured wall was to be, say 4' high, then it should also be backfilled (which is impossible if it is framed of wood).  Also, the portion of foundation under the actual walkout door should step down so the footing is well buried there.

I you give me your e-mail address I can shoot you over a sketch showing this.  Also, feel free to send along photos of the work to date to my email info@majordesigngroup.com .

I look forward to hearing from you.

--SteveMajor