We are interested in going this route for the basement walls for our home build and I'm not sure if I should be concerned about them or not. My concern was when I was told these get placed on compacted gravel footers. Is this an issue? I've never heard of this. Also, how would the plumbing to the septic work with these walls? I know I can ask the supplier but I also know I will only get "positive" answers from him so I thought I would ask you all. Thanks for any help
Never heard of precast basement walls..I guess they could block-out holes for septic and piping needs. Not sure what the detail would look like where the slab meets the wall to prevent water from getting in, but I assume they have that figured out. probably need to have a crane on-site to set the panels. Is the cost comparable to cast-in-place walls? How about that for no-help-whatsoever!!
Friend built his last house using those. Never heard him say anything negative. Sorry not much help. I'll see if I can more info.
Many builders around here use precast walls. The compacted stone footings aren't something to worry about. When done correctly they're solid as can be. When we built our addition I chose to use the traditional concrete footings and block walls because it was a bit cheaper and also so it matched the original foundation of this old house. If I were building new I'd probably go the pre cast route.
What makes the precast better...install time? I would also think you would need a precast plant nearby to make shipping cost effective?
Yep it's a huge time saver. Walls can be delivered and set in a day while block work takes days, sometimes weeks. It's definitely more expensive and transport fees can be crazy if you don't have a plant nearby.
Just thoughts as I wait to have my oil change. I imagine there will be a lot of pre-planning (which equates to time) unless you build to the size specifications the precaster has in stock. Sounds like I need to do some research.
I do concrete foundations so I prefer those of course, but as been said before it depends on your compaction, drainage, ect. Just make darn certain that the compaction is done correctly. I would never build new on just compacted footers, but it depends on your ground and frost line. Call an engineer. Just remember they double what is needed due to putting that blue stamp on plans. They cover their butt. blocks outs should be considered and added to forms before he pours the walls.
