Background:
I am a SF & considering purchasing a lot which the previous owners have begun some excavation and have ran into some huge rock veins that would need to be blasted if you would like a home with a basement.
HOWEVER, you can not blast in that area so I have found a great 2 story slab home plan.
Here are my questions:
1. What are some pros and cons of a slab basment?
2. How do you connect your water and sewer up to the city lines - it doesn't make sense to "chisel" through the rock? How is that done?
3. As well, the driveway has been chiselled out of the rock to make it a gradual slope, my car can get through it but I am not sure a cement truck would be able to get up there... is that a problem...do they have a way of getting around that?
If anyone has any tips or advice I would love to hear it!
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- build a house on a rock mass?
Generally speaking, a foundation on bedrock is the most stable foundation you can have.
But blasting should still be considered for what you want and need and I would suggest that blasting may be able to be done with the proper permits.
But slab homes are done all the time but they do have their drawbacks.
Some of the drawbacks are that utilities like water supplies and sewer lines need to be run under the slab and in your case the bedrock would need to be chiseled up or built up and covered with soil or stone to provide a conduit/trench for them.
Other drawbacks to a slab is that any plans for slab floor bathrooms and kitchens would have to be roughed in (plumbing) before the slab is poured and any furure changes would be nearly impossible in your situation.
As far as the driveway goes, a cement truck can usually get anywhere an auto can, but you can always have the drive leveled with crushed stone or modified stone for better access.
But blasting should still be considered for what you want and need and I would suggest that blasting may be able to be done with the proper permits.
But slab homes are done all the time but they do have their drawbacks.
Some of the drawbacks are that utilities like water supplies and sewer lines need to be run under the slab and in your case the bedrock would need to be chiseled up or built up and covered with soil or stone to provide a conduit/trench for them.
Other drawbacks to a slab is that any plans for slab floor bathrooms and kitchens would have to be roughed in (plumbing) before the slab is poured and any furure changes would be nearly impossible in your situation.
As far as the driveway goes, a cement truck can usually get anywhere an auto can, but you can always have the drive leveled with crushed stone or modified stone for better access.
Welcome bcbuilder,
Not to discourage you, but do you know what you're getting into? This is just a "sanity check" response...
In addition to homebild's comments, this project doesn't sound like one for the faint of heart. Building a house (or having one built) is an expensive, time-consuming and stressful undertaking. Are you prepared to give up free time, vacations--possibly friendships?
And before you buy the lot, consider the 3 most important factors in real estate: location, location, location. If it doesn't have all 3 of those going for it, take a deep breath.
In addition to blasting/excavation expense (wow!), you'll need to keep a place to live while the home is built. This is extra months (or years!) worth of rent or home expense. If you're made of money, this isn't an issue, but it is for most people.
So, you can do it (hopefully it's not your first real estate transaction). But KNOW what you're getting into! And the alternative (an existing home) can seem like a pretty easy solution by comparison.
Good luck, please keep us posted.
Regards,
-k2 in CO
Moderator, Miscellaneous Forum
http://www.bobvila.com/BBS/Miscellaneous
Not to discourage you, but do you know what you're getting into? This is just a "sanity check" response...
In addition to homebild's comments, this project doesn't sound like one for the faint of heart. Building a house (or having one built) is an expensive, time-consuming and stressful undertaking. Are you prepared to give up free time, vacations--possibly friendships?
And before you buy the lot, consider the 3 most important factors in real estate: location, location, location. If it doesn't have all 3 of those going for it, take a deep breath.
In addition to blasting/excavation expense (wow!), you'll need to keep a place to live while the home is built. This is extra months (or years!) worth of rent or home expense. If you're made of money, this isn't an issue, but it is for most people.
So, you can do it (hopefully it's not your first real estate transaction). But KNOW what you're getting into! And the alternative (an existing home) can seem like a pretty easy solution by comparison.
Good luck, please keep us posted.
Regards,
-k2 in CO
Moderator, Miscellaneous Forum
http://www.bobvila.com/BBS/Miscellaneous
Yes this lot presents several challanges but the location is amazing. Imagine yourself in a busy city (yuck!)...now imagine yourself on a 1/2 acre city lot on the edge of the rocky mountains backing onto forest overlooking the most awesome scenery with the busy city below you!
That is where I want to be!
As per expense, I have read that a slab foundation is usually a more cost effective way to go than a crawlspace or basement.
I live in an area with lots of snow and then lots of sun (extremes)...our streets our a mess because of all the freeze & thaw. Would this effect a slab? Would it be more prone to heave or crack in this environment?
Thanks for your responses...I think I'll check out other comments on the bulletin board to see what others think about slabs...
That is where I want to be!
As per expense, I have read that a slab foundation is usually a more cost effective way to go than a crawlspace or basement.
I live in an area with lots of snow and then lots of sun (extremes)...our streets our a mess because of all the freeze & thaw. Would this effect a slab? Would it be more prone to heave or crack in this environment?
Thanks for your responses...I think I'll check out other comments on the bulletin board to see what others think about slabs...
Well, "insane" is a strong word :)
The lot does sound awesome! Just take a close look at the houses around it, too. Remember, mountains or not, you "buy" the neighborhood.
It's good that city sewer and water is available; that sounds like a "plus" right there. It's good to think resale, even before you buy it.
Good luck on your adventure!
Regards,
-k2 in CO
Moderator, Miscellaneous Forum
http://www.bobvila.com/BBS/Miscellaneous
The lot does sound awesome! Just take a close look at the houses around it, too. Remember, mountains or not, you "buy" the neighborhood.
It's good that city sewer and water is available; that sounds like a "plus" right there. It's good to think resale, even before you buy it.
Good luck on your adventure!
Regards,
-k2 in CO
Moderator, Miscellaneous Forum
http://www.bobvila.com/BBS/Miscellaneous
