Excellent Examples You Can Use For Building A Home Foundation On A Sloping Hillside

[@MrBlakelacey]

Great video. Thank you so much. Any more hillside tutorials with a steep incline are much appreciated. Thank you!!!

[@gregvancom]

Will do!

[@joekarov9680]

I am curious about backfill pressure on those side walls (Pony walls), the connection between the concrete part (lower part) and stud walls(upper part) doesn't support moment. Now how the backfill pressure is supported? This more crucial on the steps that are taller. Based on the picture, it seems that there is at least 6-8ft back pressure without any support. So, is the wall reinforced? If yes, how is the reinforcement?

[@winterfar2814]

At 8:23 where you describe add anchor bolts to the vertical pressure treated stud up against the block/concrete wall- can you just use tap con screws every 16” like you would a regular exterior stud wall corner instead of anchor bolts?

[@gregvancom]

I've seen this type of framing without any anchor bolts for side connection. Anything is going to be better than nothing.

[@DougSnellRealtor]

AMAZING Content !! Bravo

[@gregvancom]

Thank you 🙌

[@TOPELECTRIC123]

Hi! Your video is very helpful! for more steeper land, which one is a balance of strenth and cost saving as well as compliance w/ LA county's coding?

[@abhinavsharma2748]

Thank you for sharing the video and describing the process in such detail! Please can you provide your take on stepped footings + Piers(that go all the way down into the bedrock)? Would really like to understand what design spec or lot limitation could lead to this, as in soil/slope/region(earthquake) or just plain fear/greed(hopefully not). Appreciate your time and effort in making such informational videos!

[@gregvancom]

It's on my list of videos, I just don't know when it will be made.

[@jb4109]

Thank you! I'm actually doing some foundation work right now; your video was super similar lol. We had to also do a topography, which I thought was waste of money, but the structural engineer said it was worth the $2,000. Like you said, the Engineer can overrule, depending on certain information, and his opinion. Appreciate your efforts on this video 🙏. Very helpful

[@gregvancom]

You're welcome and thanks for sharing.

[@armendshaqiri7621]

At 2.40 you talk about needing to notch out the bottom of the stud in order to lay flat on top of the anchor plate. Are you allowed to install a longer anchor bolt and connect 2 studs on 1 anchor bolt?

[@jak-s2k]

Saw some movie. And houses were on hills. Made me wonder how they did it. So it was cool to see how they did. Thank you my mind is at ease now 😅

[@gregvancom]

Our pleasure!

[@arthurpristupa4516]

i currently have a very similar build on a hill exactly like this. However the the basement will have a 2-car and 1-car garage, a separate hallway on the right with entry that has a stair to level 1, and another stair to level 2. Top of roof is 34'-0". Will this type of basement foundation still work? I know theres a lot nuances but at least as a starting point.

[@sandspritpark]

do u have a video of ventilation in my attic. i have a saltbox type where the car port is added on after house a concrete block was built .so the rafters or joists or what ever theri called are nailed on to a plate 25 feet long and into the house attic rafters that rest on concret block wall where my garage or car port is. propblem is.. since it has that 25 foot late no air can circulate into the attic to remove heat from roof peak vents.. there are to small cheesy square vents on front and back..how ever opposite side of car port on the house does have soffits that will draw in air.. question is how to get better venting.. im thining back when we had a giant attic fan and louvers also louvers in hallway of the house when i was a kid that when attic fan was on it pulled nice cool air at night thru house windows up the hallway louvers into teh attic and out the uppper side house louvers too!,, im in florida and man is it hot in that attic of course but need to create better flow, whatchthink? thnks heaps!!

[@gregvancom]

You can find something here, if not let me know. www.homebuildingandrepairs.com/ventilation/index.html

[@ab-qn7kv]

Was hoping you could provide some guidance. I'm in the process of my first build and need to determine advantages or disadvantages to framing the above grade portion of the foundation as you did for this build. Any advice would be much appreciated. Thanks in advance

[@darrenchang2907]

Thank you for the great vid as always. A question: you only showed the stem walls, but shouldn't there be footing below? Are these stem walls just sitting on soil or there are actually footings underneath but not shown?

[@gregvancom]

Yes, stem walls on top of footings. Here's a link to more hillside foundation videos. www.homebuildingandrepairs.com/foundations/index.html

[@jaredgraves2709]

Greg, I need some design work done on old home I am buying do you provide that service?

[@DoriJonah]

do you have any input on proper drainage for a foundation like this? i imagine you can put french drains on the exterior perimeter in the hillside. Also interior french drains to a sump pump?

[@gregvancom]

You shouldn't have any water or much water on the inside if you have a site drains around the perimeter. I will put your suggestion on a list of videos to be made in the future.

[@bebejesisoto]

Hello i have no knowledge in building or engineering but want to have a car garage on a sloped yard have leveled property but trying to maximize that sloped in my back yard area to give me usage of my property. If that makes sence ty in advance

[@gregvancom]

Yes, this make sense and might work on your property.

[@kingdomcars3165]

can i put a garage door and make that crawl space a garage if i have enough height space?

[@gregvancom]

I don't see why not, but you might need some engineering or new footings and framing to carry loads.

[@nicolasfl1864]

Assuming that the hill facing wall is bowing, and tilting the entire home downhill, roughly (2inches). What would you recommend as a correction? Thank you!

[@gregvancom]

This is not an easy fix, you might need to rebuild the wall or add some type of bracing to stop it from moving more. I don't think I will be much help, but you can email me a picture and I will take a look at it.

[@campbossextra8843]

Good job 👌

[@gregvancom]

Thank you so much 😀

[@supremelawfirm]

Your simulations are showing several places where untreated studs are in direct contact with finished concrete. Some local Codes require all lumber in direct contact with concrete to be treated. Check with the local building department for that detail. If an architect's blueprints overlook that detail, it may be possible to pass inspection by placing roofing felt between the finished concrete and untreated lumber e.g. plates and studs. I believe this requirement exists because of the potential for chemical deterioration that may occur when concrete "weeps" into wood as concrete cures. Another cheap solution is to keep a gallon or two of asphalt emulsion on hand: apply it just like paint with a cheap paint brush to wood that will be in direct contact with finished concrete and/or to concrete that will be in direct contact with wood. Lastly, local building Codes will typically address measures for minimizing termite invasion. Hope this helps.

[@gregvancom]

It does and thank you.

[@jeffstapleton1360]

Hello Greg. Do you offer construction design services? If so, can you send me information.

[@symetz]

As a builder I would have the vertical studs not touch the slab. Attach green plate in the vertical to the step downs and the stud along side that vertical green plate.

[@gregvancom]

I've never seen damage in this area from placing untreated lumber in direct contact with concrete, but feel free to email me some pictures if other have.

[@michellebingaman4451]

Could you use this foundation to set an ADU on?

[@gregvancom]

I would think so.

[@cheerry777]

I have a question. In my crawl space, I see several L shapes bracket that are supposed to secure the wall framing to the sill plates. But none of them has nuts to secure the thread coming from the sill plate. I don't know if that was omitted on purpose?

[@scottwillis5434]

If there are threaded studs coming up through brackets, my best guess is that someone was supposed to put nuts and washers on but forgot or got called away to another task. Lots of steps in building a house.

[@peacejoy2223]

Hi Greg, Thank you for your video, I learnt a lot. But I have a question, for the criple wall stud next to the side of the step foundation, does it need to be a PT wood or a regular wood OK? I thougt all woods next to concrete need to be PT ? Thank you.

[@gregvancom]

I think the best way I can answer this question is to use the pressure treated lumber unless you're interested in contacting your local building department for more information.

[@andrewfeazelle]

Which one would be preferred for an earthquake zone, like in Crestline or Lake Arrowhead, which is near or on the San Andreas Fault?

[@gregvancom]

Solid concrete walls instead of wood framing will usually be the strongest, but it will depend on the size of the project and how much money you have.

[@andrewfeazelle]

@@gregvancom Okay thank you!

[@kokwahtan8577]

Can a home support by a 70ft suspended slab of concrete. On hill top 45 degree sloping down ?!??

[@gregvancom]

I would think an engineer could help answer that one.

[@stephenhardegree4143]

Would you address the "plan" if the addition/building is at the bottom of the slope? Example: two story addition. How high should the poured wall or blocks be built? Plan would include ability to have first floor finished. There is already the main house finished to the side of the addition.

[@gregvancom]

I could provide you with the wrong information and would suggest contacting and engineer for your project.

[@hsadra100]

Hi Greg, great video. I've got a sloped lot to build on. We live in an earthquake zone which is compelling me to use ICF for the basement and main floor to give it added strength and then typical stick frame above grade. It will be expensive, I know that I can get away with stick frame above grade and all relevant parties will sign off. But I worry about worst case scenario where we get a bad quake. My gut is telling me that ICF for basement and main floor on a sloped lot will give superior protection to the occupants. What are your thoughts?

[@gregvancom]

I would contact the product manufacture for more information. It's not a product I've ever used.

[@yopappy891]

I would be suprised if ICF's were stronger than a conventional foundation. Depending on your slope and being in a earthquake zone, I would suggest not stepping the foundation and placing the walls on the same plane with a suitable base that would allow movement in the event of a quake. A stepped foundation will not withstand lateral movement and the steps are failure points. JMO

[@sofiapacheco3393]

Hi Greg, I am purchasing a home on a slope, I am considering building a ADU under the main house. What information can you provide plz????

[@gregvancom]

I don't have any videos on that.

[@kb1Legendflaco]

Is there anywhere when I can message you and send you pics I took of a potential land me and my wife are looking into buying. It’s located on a hill side. Thank you very much.

[@gregvancom]

You can get our email at our website.

[@NightSky777]

What about Drilling Piers on a Slope?

[@JosePresents]

Hello, have a questions, so im looking to build a home in México on a property That has a slope. I do not want a basement, now What building techniques or designs are best When its at about 15% slope

[@gregvancom]

Something like this should work just fine, but it's also going to depend upon a lot of other variables, for example the size and access to the property, could create some problems also.

[@JosePresents]

Thank you very much gor your reply. Now my questions would be, essentially, lets say I have a sloped lot. Would it be wiser to fill in the lad to make it more level or would it be fundementally better and more cost efficient to dig out where the home will go so that foundation is level and leave the slope alone, thanks again

[@OBGynKenobi]

But what about the excavating of all that earth in that slope? Wouldn't that add alot to cost? And in that case, why wouldn't pier and bean foundation be a consideration? I ask because I'm about to embark on an addition project for my home and it's on a slope. Is pier and beam less desirable?

[@kingscarlettnews.]

Hello how much is the price for foundation ?

[@Belenus3080]

Don’t the vertical studs adjacent to the concrete need to be pressure treated?

[@gregvancom]

If you don't know what your local building department requires, use treated.

[@Belenus3080]

@@gregvancom thank you! That’s what I imagined, but it’s always good to ask around.

[@tinysand3517]

Do you need to water proof the stem walls or french drain??

[@gregvancom]

Waterproofing is usually required for basements that could be used for living area, not stem walls like these or the other side will be considered a crawlspace. Site drainage is always good, but might not always be necessary.

[@milcotto4153]

I am thinking that both the foundations need to be higher above ground level. Because having a house on a slope you can risk a lot of water coming down towards the house. It is not high enough at my cabin, and that is making all kinds of problems. And the water can also go in through the sides of the foundation, not just from the backside. The water is eating away the concrete after a while, like after a couple of decades or maybe more. It is difficult to make it watertight against the mountain. The water follows the mountain. It is a bit difficult to explain it in english for me.

[@gregvancom]

Feel free to email me some pictures of your project if you're suggesting that you have a home with some type of foundation water damage problems and I would be glad to take a look at it. You can get our email address at our website. However, most repairs like this will require some type of site drainage that will divert the water away from the foundation. I do have more information on that at the website.

[@shaymc1977]

How did you dig the foundations on the slope.

[@jairgomez6975]

Excavator

[@Jay-tk7ib]

We always used a single sole plate on the high side, and then for the step downs we put the double 1 1/2" lower.

[@gregvancom]

I think that would work just fine also and save a few dollars in lumber.

[@Jay-tk7ib]

@@gregvancom It's interesting to see different methods though.

[@Kevinchong18]

are you able to place a mobile home on this type of foundation?

[@gregvancom]

Probably not, you might need to use full height retaining walls so that you can create a flat surface that the mobile home can be placed on.

[@Kevinchong18]

@@gregvancom what do you mean a full height retaining walls? do you mean all four sides needs to concrete? my idea is to use the ground level as a two car garage and a mobile home on top of it. what is your recommendation foundation?

[@WanJae42]

2nd example is my walk out basement, finished with brick.

[@StallionFernando]

At this point wouldn't it be better to just make it a walkout basement?

[@impactodelsurenterprise2440]

I'm eyeing an attractive piece of land and it has a 25% slope and the first thing that comes to mind is soil erosion.

[@gregvancom]

Yes, this would be a concern of mine also.

[@jamesoncross7494]

Where ever wood touches concrete should be PT, even if vertical. Also, why not a double plate all the way?

[@gregvancom]

Can you please provide me with more information or building code reference numbers suggesting that pressure-treated lumber needs to be installed wherever it touches concrete? You can use double plates on top of the treated lumber if that's what you're referring to also.

[@chrishall2594]

@@gregvancom I've been told that too about wood. Don't know any code. Home inspector.

[@ZiasLifeStyleZH78]

😄

[@nickcampglia4413]

Barn

[@winterfar2814]

Why don’t the studs that are exposed to concrete at the step down areas need to be treated?