We are continuing slowly on our project as we await college graduation for Steven, project foreman (left). We plan to resume this project on a full time basis after the holidays, but are working toward getting our concrete poured soon. After the trenches were dug as close as possible to the proper depth, a tamper (left) was used to compact the soil. The soil was dampened and tamped along the trenches. The trenches are dug the the bottom of the footings, which is the widest, deepest portion of the foundation. Weight is distributed down from the roof through the load bearing walls onto the stem walls and slab, then down the the footings.
	Andy, left, tamps the trenches while Steven checks the footing depths. Footing depth varies by location because the footings must go below frost line. In cold climates, this can be 6 feet deep, which is why basements are more cost effective in colder climates. Since they have to dig down 6 feet for the footings, it's not that much more work to excavate the dirt and create a basement. In warmer climates where the footings (because of the shallow frost line) don't need to be deep, it is often less expensive to build out rather than down.
	We use the transit to check the depth of the trenches and add or remove dirt to make them level and the correct depth. When soil is added, it's dampened and retamped to give the footing a compressed and stable base.
	Next, rebar is laid in the trenches and tied together. Local codes differ regarding the use of rebar to strengthen concrete. Our code requires one length of rebar in the trench. We prefer to use more rebar, wire it together and make wire stands to prop up the rebar several inches from the bottom of the trench so that concrete can encapsulate it. This makes a stronger footing. Note: This photo, like all the rest, links to a larger version. Look carefully to see the wire tents supporting the rebar off the dirt. We use orange rebar caps for safety.
	Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs) are a great material for stem walls. The polystyrene forms the concrete then remains to insulate the stem walls. The more common method is to form stem walls with wood, pour the concrete, then remove the wood and insulate with sheets of foam (or not). After the footings are poured, we will place the ICFs exactly where the stem walls go. This is a precise job because the walls will then rest on the stem walls.Once poured, our stem walls will be precise and insulated.