Vapor Barrier - Waterproofing Foundation

[Banger]

I am currently building a custom home. The foundation is being poured below grade for a basement. Do I need to lay down a vapor barrier before pouring the concrete? Or is that overkill?

Also, the foundation walls will be waterproofed with parged asphalt coating. If applied correctly, is this adequate? Or should I upgrade to Tuff-N-Dri?

Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[Rich]

I wouldn't say it's a bad idea. The more you can seal the ground from the concrete the better off you are. Remember one thing - do not pour the concrete directly on the plastic. Put some sand or permeable non-expansive material down between the plastic and the concrete. This will allow drainage away from the concrete if your perimeter drain system fails.
The parged asphalt has been used for many many years with very few problems. The biggest problem with any waterproofing membrane or drain board is how it's installed. Chamfer any inside corners (build them up to minimize entry into cracks that will develop there) and overlap any sheet goods by 6". If you have any issues with water runoff or groundwater I would suggest doing a sheet good like bentonite and a drain board on the outside of that and tie it into the footing with a good perimeter drain.