We are moving an old Victorian to my parents farm in North Central Kansas. And building a new basement foundation for it. The site is gently sloped and the ground below is mostly limestone. With the costs of moving, digging a well, and setting up electric...we are looking for any way to save a bit, but are totally unwilling to cut costs if the process is beyond a DIY'er's capabilities. Advice on which blocks and things to watch for/warnings, classes, support possibilities, etc...is much appreciated. Jessica

Yes

What should we do to make sure we get it right? My husband grew up working on and building houses, but only worked occasionally with concrete companies. So he is very concerned about knowing what he needs to know.

A good supplier or distributor should be able to guide you. Find one on the block company website. Most blocks build the same, it's the guidance that you need.

Thanks

I built my ICF house DIY, but I had an experienced ICF contractor advising me, and I paid him and his crew to actually fill the forms with concrete. I'd do that on my own now, if I had to, but I wouldn't have wanted to do that part of it on my own the first time. It is important that the walls are properly assembled and braced, and filling the forms is critical to properly work the air out, and not blow out the forms by filling them too deep or fast. Since the foundation has to fit an existing house, do you have the skills and equipment to make the necessary measurements, and be sure that the new foundation comes out to those exact dimensions? I used Fox Blocks, and my house came out within 1/4" of the predicted dimensions, but I am a tool maker by trade, and obsess over precision.

yes, if you watch a bunch of U tube vids you'll get the idea real quick.

I agree U need one experienced man on site, even if you paid him $2-300 a day, you will save so much DIY.