Replies

1. 
   BobKovacs | Nov 23, 2003 05:04pm | #1

   Why don't you call a cassion contractor and a concrete contractor and get some estimates?   Caissons are usually more expensive, especially if they need to be drilled very deep- the equipment is costly.   The best way to find out is to call the local contractors.

   Bob

2. 
   andybuildz | Nov 23, 2003 05:58pm | #2

   why not install a theromastically controlled dehumidefier in the cral space along with a sump pump and french drainage system. Its actually not all that expensive to do as long as you're building new anyway.

   BE a dry well

                      andy

   My life is my practice!

   http://CLIFFORDRENOVATIONS.COM

1. 
   Bunky | Nov 23, 2003 07:10pm | #3

   Thank you for your response. I have thought of a french drain but the property is practically level. I have no place to which I can run the water.

3. 
   artacoma | Nov 23, 2003 07:54pm | #4

   Another idea might be to go with the foundation and fill it up wth sand to grade then pour a 2"ground seal on top of a vapour barrier and stil have 2 and half feet or so for a crawl, your only moisture concerns would be in flood season.maybe

   ........Rik..........

4. 
   Piffin | Nov 23, 2003 08:13pm | #5

   Where is the water?

   Dealing with a flood plain refers to the ten year and the hundred year water levels in flood conditions. The foundation issues you adress are more concerned with ground water which would seep to this foundation on a continual basis.

   To answer your Q, you need to know where the level of the ground water is.

   If it is near the surface, then a foundation hole will be just a large well for it to seep into.

   Our ground water level here fluctuates about seven feet in the seaasons so it would not be continually below all the time here. We waterproof the cellar and use perimeter drains to lead to daylight. If your site is too level, then you would want to use a sump poump to send it out at least a hundred feet. You would need to have an idea of the volumn of water to design sumps to work.

   You will need to do grading immediately around the house anyway to lead surface water off

   Gravel soils will let water run to your foundation faster. Clay soils will slow movement of water more.

   A builder or engineer would need more information than this to design around the variables. A local guy will probably be able to give a thimbnail idea off top of his head form past experience.

   .

   Excellence is its own reward!

1. 
   BillHartmann | Nov 23, 2003 09:05pm | #7

   I would also see where the 500 year flood level is.

   And while not raise the house to the 500 year level move it up somewhat.

   From what I have seen around here those numbers are not always to be trusted.

   I know of a guy that built a house in Texas that the whole first "floor" and maybe a little more is part of the flood plane.

   The whole thing was a couple of storeys of concrete if I remember correctly and the first floor was a garage with an elevator (passengar) that could be parked in the upper levels.

   I think that the lower level(s) where all sealed concrete, etc. Very serious flood area.

5. 
   Rechollmann | Nov 23, 2003 08:59pm | #6

   Don't know your situation but you may consider going above the 100 year flood level.  A few $ spent raising your new home can be a wise investment when the water's at your foundations.  We live near the Missouri and it seems we have 100 year level floods every few years.