What type of foundation should I be using for new lakefront cottage ?
3/25/2012 at 4:03:40 PM
Having a RTM home being built and need to place on a foundation. There will be no basement but a crawlspace. We are thinking of going down 12 to 18" to undisturbed soil and building concrete foundation 24 inches wide.
The cottage/house will be a 1700 square foot bungalow. We did one test hole about 6 feet deep and it was all clay.
My concern is whether we should have piles below the foundation ? Should those piles be concrete or steel screw piles ? Who should I use to determine this ? Are their contractors who specialize in this ??
Most cottages on this lake do not use piles but want to make sure that we are doing the right thing.
3/25/2012 at 5:46:05 PM
Anywere in Canada you have to set your footings or piles below the frost line (usually 48") to prevent heaving, especially in clay.
You really should contact a structural engineer from your area. He will be able to tell you what kind of foundation you should use and approx. cost.
If you can, consider a full foundation. You can insulate it to help with the cold spring and falls. It is also easier to keep the animals out of your house than piles.
3/29/2012 at 8:52:29 PM
Hello Ken,
A good start would be to have a soil engineer review your test hole. He/she would then be able to determine what type of footings and foundation would best suite your new home.
As James mentioned, if it is in your budget and the watertable and bedrock permit I would put a full basment or at least a 4 foot fondation wall to help with heating and keep the critters out.
Regards,
Mike
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