That's right, you guys don't do basements huh? So the slab is sitting on what? Just pilings and grade beams? Or is there some sort of shallow footer/spread footer with small wall?

 

No basements. Generally, a mix of sand and soil is built up and leveled about 12 inches or so above ground level. The plumbing is laid in trenches with sand then spread over it. Forms are built around the perimeter. Then concrete is poured. If the future home owner pays for it, piers are drilled and poured as part of the slab.

 

I see. Engineered floating slabs w/the option of pilings. Interesting.

 

yes, I think you have it. Good ones will not crack much, but those that are done by shady contractors tend to crack. Also depends on the soil composition and how much shifting is going on.

 

Yeah, re-bar not installed correctly or not enough steel will compromise the integrity especially when climatic conditions play a role which they always do sooner or later.

Check this out. I'm estimating a 4 unit townhouse right now on Lake Erie, about 7000 sq ft, slab construction on a 4' x 8" wall on 3' spread footer and it's going to take 210 tons of re-bar!!!! That my friend is a lot of steel for a unit this size.

 

Yes, that's a lot of steel! With the price of steel now, I'm sure a lot of contractors give in to the urge to reduce the rebar when they shouldn't.

 

Him or her? Must be her!

 

Just giving you a hard time. Attempting to anyway.

 

I got half the yard mowed. I'll do the other half tomorrow.

 

MMMmmm, liverwurst sandwiches.

 

I just puked in my mouth a little

 

He'll eat anything.

 

I have a hard fast rule if I cant stand the smell I wont eat it.

it goes for food, and something else I wont mention 'cause I dont wanna get a bad boy note

 

Both!

 

got done working in my garage, made a badass shelf in my garage that straddles my truck, ill take pics later this week once i get the garage all cleaned up.

Im tired, gonna go hit the shower in a minute, then crash