foundations?

[Builderguy]

I am hoping to attend the Feb class. I am totally Psyched. I am a builder/realtor now, and know construction pretty well. What type of foundations (in general principle) are these people using to keep the cost down so much. I know a block foundation (footing and block walls) backfilled with a slab, or a monolithic slab (footing and 4" slab poured at once) would seem to be very expensive in comparison to the cost I am getting for these log homes. Do you do some type of conventional foundation? Also, I cannot WAIT to see how you lift logs without a crain. (the only 2 videos I have seen from people on this site were using crains to lift the logs). I am a Dave Ramsey ELP in Memphis, and totally cost concious, so this is right up my alley. I want to build something small right now, but dont know where to start til I take the class!

[StressMan79]

The class will never tell you "you shoud do this". They do give you the information that will allow you to make an informed decision. Some people do block (filled with crete), some people do ICFs. Some do Piers. There is a reason for everyone's decision, the class goes over exactly how you should go about deciding for you. Only you can make the decisions. Climate, Location, budget, and even availability of a cement truck - will all play a role.

Enjoy the class. It will change the way you think about a great many things.

-Peter

[Shark]

Many ways to do it as Peter mentioned. Many members, including us, did the foundation ourselves. Not bad,we tried to keep it simple. If you are a Dave Ramsey fan you should fit in well :) We were on a strict budget throughout our build.

[Cruiser]

Builderguy...My wife and I will be attending the January class. We are in Olive branch, so maybe we can get together and share some ideas and help each other out when the time comes. Only 22 days until we leave for Vegas! It's good to know there is a fellow newbie so close by. Look forward to hopefully meeting you in the near future. Take care and Merry Christmas!

[Builderguy]

I would love to talk to you two. I am planning on Moving to DOthan AL in a few years, and this is planned for there, but I might do one around memphis if I can get in the class and get everything together. If you get started on your home I would love to Meet with you. I have been a home builder in Memphis and love all types of construction.

[2012 Hopeful]

I understand that you can have pretty much any foundation you desire. The foundations that are the most expensive in conventional construction will be the same for these log homes. I figure that we are saving BIG $$$ on building ourselves, I'm going for a full daylight basement. Square footage cost will be so small compared to conventional costs, you can afford to go bigger. However, bigger may not be what you want.