Alright, guys, welcome back to Mr. Post Frame. Today's video is going to be on concrete slab preparation. So, we're going to address the issue of properly preparing the site, which could have saved us a lot of work and roughly $5k. But anyway, let's also discuss our design and Patreon group.
So, here in Iowa, we specialize in building barndominiums and offer custom or stock designs. While post frame is our specialty, we also work with stick frame and steel frame buildings. You can find more about our offerings on back40buildings.com. We have an amazing team ready to assist you in finding the right design that suits your needs. And if you're contemplating self-building, consider joining our Patreon group. It's a great community where you can connect with others in similar situations or looking for advice on DIY contracting and building.
Now, let's jump into the video. We are picking up on September 25th, and I've cleared out both the house and garage completely. We're starting the process of filling up the space to get it up to grade for plumbing and electrical work before pouring the concrete. I have about 20 days before the concrete needs to be poured, which might seem like a lot, but when working solo, there's a substantial amount of work to be done.
We'll mainly be moving rock around today and installing some aluminum fascia around the perimeter to act as a barrier against pests. The garage framing is complete, with roofs installed, though the side steel is pending. However, I diverted attention to getting the underground slab preparation done before proceeding further. In hindsight, not properly grading the site earlier resulted in extra expenses and labor, which could have been avoided.
From our experience, proper site preparation is crucial, and it often costs the same whether professionally done or not. Living in hilly terrain like South Central Iowa, finding a flat spot for construction can be challenging, making professional site preparation invaluable.
Regarding slab construction, some may wonder why we don't pour the entire slab first. One reason is the complexity with post frame construction, where the slab goes over the piers. Additionally, driving on fresh concrete to set trusses is impractical, especially without heavy equipment like cranes. It's more efficient to set trusses on the prepared surface without risking damage to plumbing or concrete.
A well-prepared subgrade and a layer of gravel underneath the slab are crucial for its performance. Proper drainage and minimal settling can be achieved through this preparation. We often use relief cuts in the concrete to control cracking, but overall, a solid foundation is key to the longevity of the slab.
In conclusion, investing time and effort in proper site preparation pays off in the long run. It ensures a stable foundation and reduces the risk of costly repairs or replacements down the line. We hope this video provides valuable insights, and if you haven't already, please subscribe and share with others interested in construction and DIY projects.
Thank you,
MR Post Frame
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