Main level pour

Stacking more block

After waterproofing the basement with the Certainteed Platon product and installing an additional drain tile outside the form a drain I backfilled the basement with stone all the way to 16" below final grade. After all the researching I did on waterproofing, I approached it more like trying to control the water as to try watertight. 

I then continued stacking the main level and braced extremely heavy.  The walls went up smooth as the basement all though there is many windows that take extra time.

Hanging the floor??.?

This was a part of the build I couldn't get my mind around. Hanging the floor? I looked at several different methods and chose the Simpson stongtie lvl hanger. I installed them twice as close then recommended because we are free spanning the basement with no beams. It was a great deal of work but totally worth it when we climbed downstairs the first time and seen how large the basement felt.

Basement slab

I used a great deal of stone for backfill under the slab. I then placed a vapor barrier and taped the seams then installed 2" of foam and taped the seams as well.  I will not be heating the slab but still wanted the thermal break from the ground.

Pour day

I had all my crew ready to pour the basement.  I also came in contact with Ryan Gunn of MidSouth ICF. He originally provided a bid on doing the ICF portion but in the grand total of the entire project I just couldn't swing it. Ryan then told me he offered consultant services and he could possibly help.  I stacked the basement and installed the bracing and had Ryan come in on a Sunday afternoon to check everything. He was extremely impressed and would later learn how paticular I am as a person. I had the concrete pump truck and the concrete roll in on Monday morning and Ryan stayed and taught me how to run the lifts. We finished early afternoon with no blowouts and no problems at all which was a huge relief.

Stacking block

I stacked 3 courses then installed the bracing system. I loved the braces other than them being heavy. My supplier provided these and I had so many I installed the bracing 4' on center...

Choosing the ICF ????

There are many ICF systems out there. I read and read till I was blue in the face. I finally learned that finding a ICF supplier close to your location that offers support may be the best brand to choose.  In my case I chose Fox Block.  There is a distributor close who even provided me braces to use for the installation.