Dec 15
Work’s been slow
They haven’t worked on the basement since Tuesday. It’s been snowing and raining every day since then. I did take some pictures on Tuesday, (see here). I didn’t write a message about them since nothing has really happened.
They did level off the big dirt piles though, and I wonder how our yard will look when the house is finished. Does anyone knows the answer to this…?
It’s hard to explain, but bear with me. They only dug about 5 or 5.5 feet down below ground level for our basement so far, and it looks like they are finished digging. I know that they have about 3 feet of basement above ground level (the cement that shows on the side of the house), but that doesn’t add up to the height of our basement ceilings. I wonder (and I’m scared to think this) if they dig about 5-6 feet down, then mound the dirt up and build the house on the little hill/mound, then go 3 or so more feet up from the “new” ground level to make the whole basement height. I don’t know if I made that clear or not.
Basically, our lot was very level when we bought it, and we bought it for that reason (all other lots sloped downward towards the back). Now, after they have leveled the piles of dirt from digging out the basement, the yard slopes upwards in all directions toward the house, like they are going to build the house on a little hill, which would help make up depth for the basement. If so, our $1,500 extra that we paid for a level lot sure wasn’t worth it if our lot will end up sloped!!!
Anyone know if this is how things work? It may be WAY too early to tell…I’m just anxious/worried about it.
-ec
December 15th, 2005 at 11:34 pm
My wife worries too much 🙂
December 16th, 2005 at 12:14 pm
Shush.
December 16th, 2005 at 6:46 pm
I can’t speak for your experience, but mine ended up more sloped than I anticipated, too
December 18th, 2005 at 10:37 am
There has to be some slope as they grade the lot away from the foundation. Otherwise, when it rains or snow melts, it will all try to flow into your basement. Have patience!!
December 27th, 2005 at 10:00 am
Pual, excatly has your dad said there will be some slope for drainage from the house. If you lot was perfectly level than water would pool in any low spots. Now i would expect some slope to the rear since you said all the other lots slope to the rear. The builder has to have drainage and erosion control plans approved by the city and they know what the slope of every lot is before they start the house. I was in constant contact with my building supervisor. The best two people i had going though the process was the salesman and the builder. These guys should be able to answer any question you have at any time, and if they cant they should be able to get you the answer…It can be a hassel at times, but in the long run it is well worth it…stay on top of em…