New Construction

by Lynn S. Hayward

Even if the foundation is not square or level, getting the mudsills right will get you back on track by Jim Anderson

Although it's healthful, low maintenance, and easy on the environment, this Texas home is also lots of fun to live in by Peter L. Pfeiffer

Carpenter Joseph Truini offers construction details for four types of basic, on-grade foundations suitable for backyard buildings by Joseph Truini

Establishing a sound connection between the house, the foundation, and the earth is crucial. These foundation fundamentals can help get you started. by Larry Haun

by John Spier

by William B. Rose

Waterproofing the foundation walls is only the first step; you also need a system of drains around the foundation that silt won't render useless by Larry Janesky

The bones beneath concrete's muscle, rebar has to be cut, bent and tied properly to do its job by Howard Stein

Dry-laid walls reinforced with steel and filled with concrete make a weathertight, bugproof house by Fred Leadbeater

Assembled with regular building skills, ICFs form airtight, insulating concrete walls that finish with standard materials by Andy Engel

They hold up the house, hold back the earth and keep out the water. If they're not level and square, you may end up custom-cutting every rafter. by Rick Arnold, Mike Guertin

Fill up a trench with concrete -- what's to know? If a house is going to stand on those little sidewalks, they'd better be straight, level and correctly placed. by Rick Arnold, Mike Guertin

by Thor Matteson