Pole barn on a slope...maybe save you some grief

[AsleepAtTheWeel]

Thanks for the input.

I hadn't seen or heard of that first suggestion being used around here. Interesting.

That second one concerning the large blocks had occurred to me and I did ask about that with one guy but I can't recall right now what he told me.

In any case, I try to use herd phychology in areas that I don't have enough personal knowledge in. Firstly, 95% of the retaining walls around here are using Versa-Lock style blocks for both individuals and businesses. Secondly, by my observations there were basically 2 situations in which the large blocks were used and both of them had to do with large developements, with lots of heavy equipment already around to be used for the rest of the developement, in addition to the construction of the wall. I'm sure it's happened somewhere, but I have never observed an instance in which someone was hired after the fact to install the large blocks for either an individual or a business. I'm thinking there must be a reason. I don't know what the cost of the large blocks is but I do have an idea what the cost of the heavy equipment and manpower to deliver and move those blocks around might be. My wall, although large to me, is positively puny compared to some of the walls they build with the large blocks. It seems to me to be an economy of scale. There must be some break-even point in which it becomes cost effective to use the large blocks, with the extra associated equipment costs.

On the other hand, my Versa-Lock wall was constructed by 2 guys, using only a pick-up and a Bobcat. I have a pretty good idea on the cost of the blocks and, between the blocks, rock, fuel, & geo-grid that the builder had to pay for, I feel he only cleared at the most $3000-$5000 on a $15,000 job. That's not that bad when most home construction is figured on double the cost of materials.

Anyway, that was just my reasoning.

[DirtPoor]

Around here, the 2X2X6ft versa lock blocks cast $30 each, delivered (from the cement batch plant). I'm sure it would be more for just a couple.

There are smaller sizes that cost less and often they are a better choice since the former are to heavy for most back hoes to lift into place.

The old (non versa lock) blocks with just a rebar in the top for lifting (no locking humps, rough finish) 2X2X4ft weight 2300# and cost about $15 to 25 each, depending on your negotiating skills.

If your only going to lay one or two courses of these blocks you could use the cheaper ones.

In most cities or counties any wall over, say 3 ft tall, requires a permit and higher walls, say 8ft, require engineer design studies (soil compaction, etc.).

My opinion, FWIW.

Steve

[bczoom]

AsleepAtTheWeel,

Welcome to CBN.
A picture is worth a thousand words. If you have the capability, please post some pics.

Something to have considered. The drop (hopefully) was found before anything related to the construction of the building was started. When it came out 4' different, I'd have stopped to consider all options at that point.

I live in W. PA. Flat ground???? Pretty much non-existent.
Instead of bringing any kind of fill, multi-story buildings are more the norm. Heck, the garage attached to the house is 2 stories (garage door out the front of the house, regular man door out the back).
Dig out underneath where the building will go and put a lower level in. In the lower level, have the doors out the back (or whatever the low side is). Depending on particular needs in terms of space, adjust the size of the building itself. (e.g. instead of 40x60, go with 40x32 @ 2 stories. You then put a french drain around the perimeter and use the fill taken out for landscaping around the new structure.

Not sure if this would work in your particular case but the $20K you have invested in fill and retaining wall would have built a pretty good sized basement around here.

[BobL]

I am interested in your idea. I am going to build a building on my sloped lot the road to the property borders the properety at the top of a hill wich is my lot. I want to build a 30 X 50 or bigger building, and was considering just digging out and making a basement on the end opsite the road, this would allow me to drive into the building from the road and have a second level below for storage. I was only thinking of digging out half of the building length so for example the building below would be 25 X 30. My concern was how to finish the floor of the top floor. Part will lay on th the earth but part will be over open space, how is that best handled.??

Bob

[Pop Alexandra]

I am interested in your idea. I am going to build a building on my sloped lot the road to the property borders the properety at the top of a hill wich is my lot. I want to build a 30 X 50 or bigger building, and was considering just digging out and making a basement on the end opsite the road, this would allow me to drive into the building from the road and have a second level below for storage. I was only thinking of digging out half of the building length so for example the building below would be 25 X 30. My concern was how to finish the floor of the top floor. Part will lay on th the earth but part will be over open space, how is that best handled.??

Bob

Hi, Bob! How did that all work out?
Did you manage to finish the project?
I'd like some pointers.
______________________________
Alexandra
Also see Summerwood for plans