All contributing authors are seasoned professionals whose articles have appeared in Fine Homebuilding magazine.

Since 1981 Fine Homebuilding has been providing information and inspiration to everyone who cares about quality home improvement and construction. the magazine is the best source of home improvement information and helps readers build projects better, faster, and more efficiently.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction

PART 1. Concrete Basics

Understanding Building Loads

Soil: The Other Half of the FoundationGetting the Right ConcreteEfflorescence and SpallingWorking with RebarStart with Batter BoardsA Solid Deck Begins with Concrete PiersMix Concrete by the Bag

PART 2. Building Foundations

Placing a Small Concrete SlabPouring Concrete SlabsForming and Pouring FootingsForming and Pouring FoundationsAir-Sealed Mudsill AssemblyAn Energy-Smart Foundation in Two DaysSlab Foundation for Cold ClimatesSuperinsulated SlabIt's Time to Consider Helical-Pile Footings

PART 3. Waterproofing

Keep Your Basement Dry with a Curtain DrainDetails for a Dry FoundationKeeping a Basement DrySealing a Crawl Space

PART 4. Retrofitting Foundations

The Stay-Dry, No-Mold Finished BasementAdding Insulation to Basement WallsRetrofitting a FoundationCreating a Sealed CrawlspaceA Fast Foundation for an AdditionBasement Insulation RetrofitsAir-Sealing a BasementInsulating a Slab on Grade

Replace a Rotten Lally Column

PART 5. Concrete and Masonry in the Landscape

Broom-Finished Concrete Flatwork Build a Sturdy Stone Sitting Wall Four Retaining Wall Choices Dress Up a Block Wall with a Rock Wall Creating a Curved Concrete Walkway Stone Walls that Stay Built Laying Concrete Pavers