Foundations?

[bretstep]

In preperation for the course which I am anxiously awaiting taking. I have been reading due to the wonderful recommendations by the awesome LHBA members and the website itself. I was wondering about foundations. From what I can tell and the research that I have done. the home itself can be built on any kind of foundation. My question comes in on the different styles of basements done so far. I am really intrigued by the "SLIPFORM" style of foundation. Albeit I live in Michigan and to my knowledge there isn't rock just lying around. I am sure I can come up with a few ways of procurring some field stone and I am sure those on the member side have done some of it. I am wondering the cost effectiveness of the different methods of pouring a basement. If I am overstepping a boundary "members" kindly tell me so, and I will wait for class. If not, I would love to hear what you have to say.

[Timberwolf]

Slipforming, is really just method of building a concrete foundation. You can face it with or without stone. The book "Living Homes" details the process pretty well.

[bretstep]

I read that entire book already. I know the slipforming is just one method of doing it. I do like the old rustic "I have been here for a while" look.

[bretstep]

Congrats on your home build. I loved the progress pics. Did you like the foam quad lock system?

[Timberwolf]

Boy, I must have been tired last night while reading your original post (watching the federal elections) and missed you original question(s). Let's clarify/answer a few things.

While technically you "could" build a LHBA style home on any kind of foundation, there are a few basic recommendations you should follow.

1. Strength, these homes are heavy. Very heavy. You need an adequate base (footing) and re-enforcement (rebar) to match your local conditions.
2. Clearance from the ground. You want to keep your bottom logs dry and away from insects.

These 2 things tend to rule out slab foundation.

You can break down a foundation costs into 3 things, concrete itself and the excavating and the forming. Depending on where you live, this will vary, but it's still pretty much true. Slipforming, being DIY, MAY be somewhat more cost effective, since you are handling the labour component. IF you are in a remote area, getting concrete delivered may be really cost prohibitive or impossible, and you may have to mix it on-site. Despite that, it will not likely be cheaper. It's costs me about the same amount to mix my own 'crete, as it does to have a truck deliver it, never mind the labour! And believe me, you need a LOT of concrete to form an 8' basement wall!

A good crew can form, pour and strip the forms in about 2 days...

So if you are working on a tight budget, have loads of time, and don't mind a lot of work, slipforming can work. The bonus is, it looks really cool, and that's reason alone to do it. However, if you want the rock foundation look, there are other options that are probably quicker and possibly cheaper, such as drystack, or rock mortered on a brick ledge, etc etc.

However, some members have gotten poured basements for seemingly very little money (all relative) and got on to building the log part of their house.

Really it's up to you, and after class you will be able to adapt a bunch of possibilites to your unique situation.

Thanks for the complements. I really liked working with the Quad-Lock stuff. Super simple (lego for dummies) and about the same (for me) as getting a crew in to pour a foundation, except I get the added bonus of insulation and water proofing all in one shot. Lots of options to think about. Foundation is the first, most important step. It has to be right, so it doesn't pay to skimp here.

[bretstep]

I hear you on the foundation choices and recommendations. I am in the MItten. I assume about the same kind of conditions as you, being in Canada. Although site specifics will be different but weather and climate somewhat being similar. Your suggestions and insight was exactly what I was looking for. There are always a lot of options when customizing a project to your needs. I am looking forward to the class and more recomendations. I know whatever I choose the foundation will have to be bulky to withstand the weight. You used some healthy sized timber for your home project. I do like the foam locking system. it offers a few birds being dropped in one shot, and like you said you can get to building. If you dont mind me asking...start to finish how long?

[Timberwolf]

Yup, you'd be right, although you probably get more average snow than we do here (some years, like this one, very little other years, like 2008... Holy Crap!).

I broke ground June 2009. Not finished yet, but i've pretty much been working alone, with as much help from friends as I could beg for ;)

I intend to be in (in some fashion) this Christmas.

Wish me luck... or drop by and help :D

[bretstep]

That would be a great christmas present. And too the helping hand. depending on your location in canada I would surely be up for getting some hands on. I am a hockey guy so a trip to canada would probably yield a few pit stops to see some old lineys from junior and college. Not a bad road trip in my book

[Timberwolf]

You're about 10 hours from me, most other members are that far away... by plane.

[bretstep]

thats just a trip to the western UP for me. not bad

[logsurfer]

Boy, I must have been tired last night while reading your original post (watching the federal elections) and missed you original question(s). Let's clarify/answer a few things.

While technically you "could" build a LHBA style home on any kind of foundation, there are a few basic recommendations you should follow.

1. Strength, these homes are heavy. Very heavy. You need an adequate base (footing) and re-enforcement (rebar) to match your local conditions.
2. Clearance from the ground. You want to keep your bottom logs dry and away from insects.

These 2 things tend to rule out slab foundation.

You can break down a foundation costs into 3 things, concrete itself and the excavating and the forming. Depending on where you live, this will vary, but it's still pretty much true. Slipforming, being DIY, MAY be somewhat more cost effective, since you are handling the labour component. IF you are in a remote area, getting concrete delivered may be really cost prohibitive or impossible, and you may have to mix it on-site. Despite that, it will not likely be cheaper. It's costs me about the same amount to mix my own 'crete, as it does to have a truck deliver it, never mind the labour! And believe me, you need a LOT of concrete to form an 8' basement wall!

A good crew can form, pour and strip the forms in about 2 days...

So if you are working on a tight budget, have loads of time, and don't mind a lot of work, slipforming can work. The bonus is, it looks really cool, and that's reason alone to do it. However, if you want the rock foundation look, there are other options that are probably quicker and possibly cheaper, such as drystack, or rock mortered on a brick ledge, etc etc.

However, some members have gotten poured basements for seemingly very little money (all relative) and got on to building the log part of their house.

Really it's up to you, and after class you will be able to adapt a bunch of possibilites to your unique situation.

Thanks for the complements. I really liked working with the Quad-Lock stuff. Super simple (lego for dummies) and about the same (for me) as getting a crew in to pour a foundation, except I get the added bonus of insulation and water proofing all in one shot. Lots of options to think about. Foundation is the first, most important step. It has to be right, so it doesn't pay to skimp here.

Hey TWolf, can you maybe elaborate on 'this rules out slab' foundation remark...We were chatting with a gal who has pictures in the Gallery who said that's what she did in WA...and said that's the way to go. I guess I need to get her to elaborate as well as to why she stated that~

[Timberwolf]

I'm not aware of any users who have built on a slab, with the exception of maybe Stressman, but i belive he built a stemwall to raise the logs, and i don't think he would recommend it, at least not for a first time builder. If there is someone else, she would be a small minority.