Builder's Foundation Handbook

This Handbook contains a worksheet for selecting insulation levels based on specific building construction, climate, HVAC equipment, insulation cost, and other economic considerations. The worksheet permits optimization of foundation insulation levels for new or retrofit applications. Construction details representing good practices for design and installation of energy efficient basement, crawl space, and slab-on-grade foundations are the focal point of the handbook. The construction details are keyed to lists of critical design information useful for specifying structural integrity; thermal and vapor control; subsurface drainage; waterproofing; and mold, mildew, odor, decay, termite, and radon control strategies. Another useful feature are checklist chapter summaries covering major design consideration for each foundation type basement, crawl space, and slab-on-grade. These checklist summaries are useful during design and construction inspection. The information in this handbook is hand drawn heavily from the first foundation handbook the DOE/ORNL Building Envelope System and Materials Program, the Building Design Foundation Handbook which is an extensive technical reference manual. This book presents what to do in foundation design in an inviting, concise format. This handbook is intended to serve the needs of active homebuilders; however, the information is pertinent to anyone involved in foundation design and construction decisions including home owners, architects, and engineers.