I'm trying to dig and build a foundation using 12"blocks.this is my first home building project?

Question

I'm just trying to add on to my house,and i need some information buliding or digging a foundation,using blockes? the rooms are going to be about 14'x14' please tell me the best way to start this project. I'm trying to save money,Idon't need a contractor.

Answer 1

You need to determine the depth you need to go down by knowing the frost line in your area. Dig your trench a foot below the frost line, and pour a concrete footer that is at least 12" wide and 18" deep. Put #4 rebar in the footer, 4 bars, 2 at 3" off bottom of footer and 2" in from the outside edges, and 2 more bars at 3" from the top of the footer, above the lower bars. You'll also need some vertical rebar sticking up from the footer on 24" centers to fit into the cells of the block. On the corners, put vertical bar so you have a bar in the corner and the first cell after the corner on each side (3 bar corner).
Build your block wall after the concrete footer has cured. If you need to extend the vertical rebar you installed, use wire ties and overlap the joints by a minimum of 6". When the block wall is finished, pour the cells in the block with a grout mixture, or concrete mix with pea gravel.

Answer 2

Not a civil engineer but it goes something like this. Lay out your site with a transit. Put up batter boards at corners. Dig a trench for a footer. Pour a footer with some bolts sticking up. Lay blocks. Put sill on last course of blocks and bolt down with the upright bolts you stuck in the footer. That is more or less what you have to do. Go to a book store or library for more detailed plans.