Designing Our Slab Foundation | Why Slab Instead of Basement?

[@BornToFly4031]

Nice job, Alex. I know this is 2 yrs old, but everything you said are definite considerations on any project.

[@nickodemis]

Bro, this is quality thank you

[@SteeleBurchell]

Cool. All for the slab, no basement, radiant heat, and exposed concrete floors. Love it!

[@MasonDixonAcres]

Right on! Not for everyone, but it suits us.

[@jordanspalding6446]

@@MasonDixonAcres have u finished the home?

[@MasonDixonAcres]

Haven’t started!

[@MasonDixonAcres]

@@jordanspalding6446 No, we break ground in about 1.5 weeks!

[@user-r6154k]

A must read for this kind of heating setup is "Modern Hydronic Heating: For Residential and Light Commercial Buildings" by John Siegenthaler

[@MasonDixonAcres]

Yep I actually have an excerpt from that in our radiant tubing video

[@sethmiller1969]

This is a fantastic video, sir, thank you for sharing such useful content.

[@MasonDixonAcres]

Glad you liked it!

[@lillylemur167]

First of all, slab is much better. No dealing with flooded basements, no expensive drainage to keep basements dry, sump pumps...smart move slab...👍🏻

[@MasonDixonAcres]

Thanks! We think so too

[@TrevPagesPlace]

Agreed. We're building a new home on an engineered slab with radiant heat

[@fuegoman45]

Great stuff. New subscriber here. Just starting the home build playlist ❤

[@JoZell25]

You’re a gosh dang wizard sir

[@MasonDixonAcres]

Haha much appreciated guy!

[@bruceblackerby3742]

Most impressive. Looking to build myself, using a pre-done home plan. Great info on slab foundation. Addressed many of my questions and concerns. Obviously more to pouring a slab than just pouring a lot of concrete.

[@pintopilot]

Great video ! Did you consider Helix Micro Rebar? If you did, can you say why you decided against it? Thanks !

[@MasonDixonAcres]

Never heard of it, but it’s probably more expensive if I had to guess. #3 and #4 x 20’ was pretty inexpensive and seemed to do the job well

[@Rangband1]

Post tornado making you consider a basement vs slab?

[@JohnClarke808]

Cool I've been in construction for 26 years. From a Carpenter, estimator and project manager. Have you considered doing panel construction for the framing? It's most cost effective since the walls are constructed in a controlled environment? Speeds up time. You're in Pennsylvania 84 Lumber does wall panels. My buddy's still a project manager there.

[@MasonDixonAcres]

I would definitely consider it if price and quality are good. Especially since the 1st floor is on a slab and I'd rather minimize construction on the concrete surface that will eventually be finished floor. Let me know your buddy's name and contact info! -Alex

[@JohnClarke808]

@@MasonDixonAcres its pretty cost effective. I had my own framing crew probably 10 years ago. We did 20 condo's in Ligonier Pennsylvania and several apartment high-rises in Pittsburgh. They really cut the framers square foot price down, depending on the floor plan they are paying 2.75 - 3.25 a square foot. All the one's we did were also on a slab. They give you a choice on if you want to do OSB or zip panels. We both know PA does now allow. Celotex rigid foam exterior walls. The of lumber is ridiculous. You're using Chief Architect, if so what do you think about it? I've used AutoCab for so long.

[@MasonDixonAcres]

Lumber costs seem to be “coming down” but still double what it was 😂 I like chief but haven’t used AutoCad, I will say Chief is purpose built for residential home design and it does that really well once you get through the learning curve. Lots of intricate settings that are easy to mess up. Did you raise walls before sheathing, or how were you able to get square walls without having a subfloor to toenail them to while sheathing?

[@nikutopuzi9692]

since you draw these plans, did you have to stamp them or how did they get approved? If someone else approved them what was the purpose of drawing them in the first place.

[@thetundra]

Will you need a storm shelter or is that my Midwest upbringing showing?

[@MasonDixonAcres]

Haha it could be! In our area of southern Pennsylvania, storm shelters really aren’t compulsory. One of the reasons we love this area is the lack of natural disasters 🙏🏼 hopefully it stays that way!

[@SteeleBurchell]

Yeah... but what fun it would be to build a bunker!!!

[@wayneg296]

👍👍😎✌️🤟

[@tmacnillan8482]

It’s sad how many of these details went out the window once the slab was being poured…

[@MasonDixonAcres]

Haha actually it's not too different! The plans changed a bit when we went to the smaller build, the only things that didn't get implemented was the floor slope (which we decided ahead of the pour) and the control cuts. All the wall and door opening details are the same, except that I beveled the insulation at the top

[@prestonjerry366]

Hello Mason, how can one reach or contact you? . . I am an owner builder just like you and got a few questions. Do you mind dropping your eMail on here . . . Thanks in advance

[@MasonDixonAcres]

Hello, our email is [e-mail]