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Basement construction can definitely be a do it
yourself project. Waterproofing is something you
need to pay close attention to. First lay a membrane
on top of a sand bed and pour the concrete slab on
that. This is your first line of defence against water.
Next run a perimeter footing drain. Some ground
conditions will require a sump pump in a sump pit.
Check the ground water table depth and soil type to
determine just what will be the right system for your
house.
Do it yourself basement construction is best
undertaken with either architectural concrete blocks
or insulating concrete forms. Insulating concrete
forms assist in waterproofing as well as helping to
keep your basement warm in the winter and cool in
the summer. Either of these methods of basement
construction allows you to go slower and be careful.
You should start by finding out what form style is
available in your area. Many companies have a
limited distribution and they may not be available to
you without transporting in.
Concrete Block or Insulating Concrete Forms, both
methods of basement construction, require that you
take care ensure the walls are staying level and
straight. Reinforcing bars will need to be used with
any concrete construction. As stated earlier,
insulated concrete forms will be helpful in
waterproofing but you will also want to apply a
membrane on the outside of the basement. You can
use a roll-on coating as long as you are really
careful to get it right. With the membrane you would
run it down and over the concrete footing leaving no
joints uncovered.
yourself project. Waterproofing is something you
need to pay close attention to. First lay a membrane
on top of a sand bed and pour the concrete slab on
that. This is your first line of defence against water.
Next run a perimeter footing drain. Some ground
conditions will require a sump pump in a sump pit.
Check the ground water table depth and soil type to
determine just what will be the right system for your
house.
Do it yourself basement construction is best
undertaken with either architectural concrete blocks
or insulating concrete forms. Insulating concrete
forms assist in waterproofing as well as helping to
keep your basement warm in the winter and cool in
the summer. Either of these methods of basement
construction allows you to go slower and be careful.
You should start by finding out what form style is
available in your area. Many companies have a
limited distribution and they may not be available to
you without transporting in.
Concrete Block or Insulating Concrete Forms, both
methods of basement construction, require that you
take care ensure the walls are staying level and
straight. Reinforcing bars will need to be used with
any concrete construction. As stated earlier,
insulated concrete forms will be helpful in
waterproofing but you will also want to apply a
membrane on the outside of the basement. You can
use a roll-on coating as long as you are really
careful to get it right. With the membrane you would
run it down and over the concrete footing leaving no
joints uncovered.