Foundations under camp

chocophile · 07-26-2017, 11:17 AM

Have you talked with your town's Code Enforcement Officer? If not, I suggest that you go in-person and ask for his/her suggestions about the overall process. I think they like to be included early, and might be more accommodating if a gray area comes up later. I think it's best to do this as the homeowner, rather than only having your contractor do it.

When I did this a few years ago, I discovered that my contractor didn't quite know all the details for my town so my time at the Town Hall was well spent.

Superduty1 · 07-26-2017, 12:42 PM

Yes, the list of contractors I posted although each an independent business work together on projects of this scope. This was very important because site work had to be completed before they could install the beams for the lift. After the first lift the rear cribbing had to be moved for additional site work to be completed. The concrete footings and walls were done in phases as the excavation was competed. Backfill could not happen (due to the height of some of our walls) until the building was set back down...so without going into all the details communication between trades is very important. Other things to consider are do you have a carpenter for the sill plate, center carrying beams and are any knee walls required if the foundation steps down due to site grade. Septic, water connections and propane connections, do you need a plumber to disconnect and reconnect? And yes the town and maybe the state need to be involved. Your local building official needs to sign off on the design phase, permits and several times as each phase of the job is completed. We stepped outside our original footprint and were so close to the 50 foot mark (now I think it's 250 feet) on the lake that the town required a licensed surveyor to certify the distance. Yes, I had to pay for that unknown issue. As far as cost goes, it can vary based upon site access, building size, overall scope of the job. On an island I believe there would be transportation charges involved for materials and labor. Like I said in the beginning, this was a major undertaking and for us with a great group of contractors it went very well and we are very happy we did it. We enjoy the space.

Descant · 07-26-2017, 10:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chocophile

Have you talked with your town's Code Enforcement Officer? If not, I suggest that you go in-person and ask for his/her suggestions about the overall process. I think they like to be included early, and might be more accommodating if a gray area comes up later. I think it's best to do this as the homeowner, rather than only having your contractor do it.

When I did this a few years ago, I discovered that my contractor didn't quite know all the details for my town so my time at the Town Hall was well spent.

Well said. Can't wait for the "?Tanks" button to return.

07-26-2017, 11:17 AM	#1
chocophile Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: 19-Mile Bay Posts: 111 Thanks: 15 Thanked 30 Times in 13 Posts	Check with Code Enforcement Officer Have you talked with your town's Code Enforcement Officer? If not, I suggest that you go in-person and ask for his/her suggestions about the overall process. I think they like to be included early, and might be more accommodating if a gray area comes up later. I think it's best to do this as the homeowner, rather than only having your contractor do it. When I did this a few years ago, I discovered that my contractor didn't quite know all the details for my town so my time at the Town Hall was well spent.

07-26-2017, 12:42 PM	#2
Superduty1 Junior Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Posts: 16 Thanks: 1 Thanked 8 Times in 5 Posts	Yes, the list of contractors I posted although each an independent business work together on projects of this scope. This was very important because site work had to be completed before they could install the beams for the lift. After the first lift the rear cribbing had to be moved for additional site work to be completed. The concrete footings and walls were done in phases as the excavation was competed. Backfill could not happen (due to the height of some of our walls) until the building was set back down...so without going into all the details communication between trades is very important. Other things to consider are do you have a carpenter for the sill plate, center carrying beams and are any knee walls required if the foundation steps down due to site grade. Septic, water connections and propane connections, do you need a plumber to disconnect and reconnect? And yes the town and maybe the state need to be involved. Your local building official needs to sign off on the design phase, permits and several times as each phase of the job is completed. We stepped outside our original footprint and were so close to the 50 foot mark (now I think it's 250 feet) on the lake that the town required a licensed surveyor to certify the distance. Yes, I had to pay for that unknown issue. As far as cost goes, it can vary based upon site access, building size, overall scope of the job. On an island I believe there would be transportation charges involved for materials and labor. Like I said in the beginning, this was a major undertaking and for us with a great group of contractors it went very well and we are very happy we did it. We enjoy the space.