I have a piece of land and would like to start self building a house. What i am interested the most is how to dig for foundation, build it and then raise the walls. The rest is not such a big problem. But I would like to do it by my own.Thanks
2007-11-23 06:52:59 · 10 answers · asked by mircea r 2 in Home & Garden ➔ Do It Yourself (DIY)
After you get the final print for the design of your house, you will also get the print to dig the foundations. You have to follow the sketch, and mark the lines with paint or chalk on land just as drawn on sketch and start digging. the depth of digging N the widht is also mentioned on sketch as it varies with the design of your construction
2007-11-23 07:03:16 · answer #1 · answered by iveaquestion 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, you hire a foundation contractor. I've been in construction for about 15 yrs, and most builders hire a sub. Several reasons. First, it is very labor intensive. Second it requires heavy equipment, backhoes and dump trucks, to do the job efficiently. Finally, this is the basis for the entire house. You screw up the foundation, the whole house is screwed up. Unless you are a foundation contractor, then leave that to the professional. I strongly encourage people to work on some of the aspects of their house, like trim, drywall. This isn't one of those aspects.
Let's backtrack a bit. Do you have a good plan? Next do you have a budget? Perhaps you the plan, but not the budget. I strongly suggest you get that together before you proceed, so you know how much you are going to spend on paper first. It would be a shame to get started and realize you don't have the money to finish.
2007-11-23 07:31:46 · answer #2 · answered by robling_dwrdesign 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Assuming a "foundation", I might assume you mean a basement? If not; it may be easier; relatively speaking; as a SLAB.
Considerations: Substance of the soil/ referencing Code enforcement and Zoning agencies. Structure and design. matreials you choose for the structure.
Digging for a basement isn't strictly a DIY shovel and wheelbarrow experience, and again is guided by codes; etc. I find Slabs and/or daylight basements so much easier.
If a wood frame; building the walls and "raising" them is certainly a way to proceed; but not knowing if you want wood frame or not, other options mean other methods.
"Not such a big problem" certainly leads me to believe you have some skills and knowledge about the process DURING the initial phase; especially with regard to plumbing/sewage; electrical issues/ impact fees/ etc.
In 2007; even a sunken basement needs a Slab; and support structures for block; etc.
With all due respect "Self Build" is something we can't determine here with regard to much, in detail; at any great length. How much will you SELF build? How many SUBS have you assumed you'll need? What kind of budget do you allow? What time frame do you allow from this moment, to occupancy? Finally but not dismissing a very valid Q... how do you define BIG Problem? Anyone; pro or not, encounters issues; even OOOPS, in construction.
Steven Wolf
2007-11-23 07:09:52 · answer #3 · answered by DIY Doc 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
After you get the final print for the design of your house, you will also get the print to dig the foundations. You have to follow the sketch if you are doing it by yourself i always hire someone for that part now once you do your walls you have to make the frames this is a very easy process if done right, http://www.buildeazy.com/plans/helpfiles_wallframes.html go to that link it has a GREAT diagram its very helpful and it gives you step by step instructions you will see aplace for a window above that it will be a thick peice of wood kind of thats what it looks like you HAVE to put that there or else it will fall apart its an easy process also just make a box to fit in the frame and nail it in tight i am assuming you will not be using rough lumber ( your own wood unsanded) so if your buying wood it makes things a heck of alot easier something i suggest is if you have a son BRING him its a good cahnce for you to get to hang out and he will learn thats how i learnt EVERYTHING i hope i helped good luck!
2007-11-23 12:09:31 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You need to submit a design by a qualified architect to your local council who may or may not grant you planning permission.
The foundation you have will depend on the design of your house. check out this site for the simple concrete slab design,
http://www.home-plans-homeplans.com/foundations.html
Also check out the Walter Segal site, he is an architect famous for his simple house designs aimed at people with little or no building experience.
http://www.ecohub.co.uk/pages/selfbuild_segal.html
good luck!
2007-11-23 10:51:38 · answer #5 · answered by purest s 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Check your local building codes before doing anything.
2007-11-23 07:00:11 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
start a wish list, (roofs, applicances, etc.) then what you can afford. There many options you do stay within budget. Speak with the lender to learn what the rules are. Then you start doing the fun part is planning.
2007-11-23 07:06:16 · answer #7 · answered by Ken H 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you have to start by asking here, you're better off leaving it to the professionals.
2007-11-23 09:22:25 · answer #8 · answered by sofisintown 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you will have to pile for the foundation and you need to get someone in to do that for a start
2007-11-23 07:05:52 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
clean the site where your house locate
2016-01-16 17:37:01 · answer #10 · answered by king 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋