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To solve #1. challenge I increased the footing size from allowable (building code) by a
couple of inches, both in thickness and width on SOLID undisturbed ground. Just like
having a well fitting shoe, so does the house. The main floor is a poured concrete slab
30' X 50' with NO cracks. I hired a professional plasterer who did all the interior walls
and ceilings in the house. They are in excellent condition. Now #2. Exterior
walls are made of 6" block (interior side) and 4" block with 2" styrofoam
between, then 1" styrofoam and stucco on the exterior side. All the walls on the main
floor are masonry, brick or block. In Northern Europe exterior walls have been insulated
on the outside of cement for years. In Lapland which is north of the Arctic circle, I took
pictures of an apartment complex that was being built
this way. Just like a brick oven holds heat so does the building. The heating and hydro
bills over the years have proven this theory. Last year I was delighted to see that this
same idea was being shown at the builders trade-show in London Ontario.
Very
simply #3. Is a separate room in the garage to accommodate the furnace, water heater and
central vacuum. No fumes or noise or inconvenience of waiting to let in maintenance
people. Instead of a basement I built a room over the garage with a kitchenette for family
parties , and for company from Europe. |
