E-Mail 'A Memoir On One Family’s Move To The American Redoubt- Part 3, by X. Liberal & China Doll' To A Friend

5 Comments

1. Did the author, X Liberal, have this construction knowledge & skills from his previous life in CA? Or did they have a general contractor guiding them thru the process? I ask, because this seems to go beyond what the average do-it-yourself’er can do.

   1. My thoughts exactly. I certainly wouldn’t attempt this for a first time. You are likely to cost yourself far more in mistakes than you will save from trying to DIY.

2. Any DIY’er can do all of the above after they learn the “slang” of the skillset….which he obviously has. Good job!

3. I agree with Chris. Although this is fascinating reading, my brain is spinning round and round.

   Just_AC

4. Couple of observations: 1) no mention in the article about compaction of the substrate under the perimeter footings or the gravel beneath the slab itself. Utilize a non-organic substrate compacted with a vibratory compactor to a minimum of 95% of its’ maximum density. 2) vertical rebar should be tied into the footing prior to the footing pour, otherwise there is nothing (certainly not glue!) to resist the lateral pressure of the soil when backfilling of the foundation walls, and thereby pushing the block off the footings.

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