Messages and Online Forum Q&A

Re: foundation question

From: info@builderswebsource.com
Category: Foundations and Basements
Remote Name: 63.198.181.43
Date: 03 Oct 2001
Time: 09:16 PM

Comments

Since regional variations in labor rates vary so much and actual quotes will depend on specific engineering drawings (including steel, foundation depth and thickness, footings, drainage, seismic or hurricane reinforcement, etc.), Builders Websource cannot provide a meaningful price for a foundation.

However, here are some tips to help:

1) We recommend starting with a proper set of engineering plans that carefully specify the foundation design.

2) With this set of plans, any competent foundation contractor can provide a competitive bid. We recommend at least 3 bids. We've seen bids as much as 50% apart, depending on assumptions.

3) Only use a licensed contractor. Check with the state license board to be sure the license is valid and that there are no pending complaints filed against the contractor

4) Your foundation is the wrong place to save a few dollars. Make sure that a drainage plan is part of the foundation design. Dig deep enough to be well below the frost line so as to avoid ground heaving, which can result in costly structural damage over time.

5) Make sure a comprehensive basement waterproofing plan is shown, including foundation insulation (if required in your area), water diversion and waterproofing membranes, etc.

6) Be sure the foundation design has provisions for any special framing anchoring that may be required for hurricanes or high wind loads. Use plenty of anchor bolts -- they're cheap.

7) Consider adding Fibermesh to the concrete prior to pumping it into place. This helps to provide secondary crack reinforcement, which can reduce shrinkage cracks during curing, as well as improving the overall tensile strength, which can help to prevent future water leaks. If your foundation wall is just for an unconditioned crawlspace, the Fibermesh isn't necessary, but it won't hurt either.

8) Check references on your contractor just to be sure you're getting a good one....and always get everything in writing.

We hope these tips help!

Builders Websource

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