Building procedures

[block]

Just started digging a hole for our basement. Could someone tell me what steps I need to be thinking about next while digging the basement hole ?
I just want to make sure I don't forget to plan for something while digging the hole.
Or does someone know of a procedure check list of steps to take when building a basement ?
Thanks

[Rich]

The biggest thing with digging the foundation is giving yourself enough room to work with the forms. Depending on the system you are using you might need up to 4'. If you want to be OSHA legal then you'll need the earth sloped 2:1 (2 horizontal with type C soil).. starting from the area needed for the workspace. Once you start the forming you'll need to think about water and sewer lines, underground electrical connections, etc.

[block]

Thank you very much Rich.
Right now I'm going for 3' wider. I will keep in mind of where all the pipes will go (sinks, showers, toilets, washer).
Question: Why do I need any under ground electrical ? Cant I just run any electrical down from above ?
Question: Have you seen the product Form-A-Drain ?
If so then any opinions on them ?
Thanks

[bkrahmer]

If you have a basement with a septic tank, you will typically have all of your basement plumbing going into a sewage basin where it is pumped up to the main sewer line. You'll want to carefully plan the height of that sewer line.

Depending upon whether the power in your area is overhead or underground, and depending upon where you are going to put your panel, you may want to account for it.

I didn't have anything to worry about before doing my footings. However, I had to do all of my basement plumbing before pouring the slab. For openings in my basement wall, I have water, sewer, electric, one for the ground and power to my shed, and two for a future outdoor woodstove water heater. You may also want ones for gas lines, a sprinkler system or electric lines for outbuildings.

For me, the more stuff that's hidden underground, the better. It gives the house a much cleaner appearance.

[Rich]

block,
I say underground as many times now a days it is underground.

[block]

I understand Rich, no problem.
bkrahmer I don't think I'll need to be concerned about the septic as it will be downhill of the basement house.
The incoming power is something that I didn't consider as far as what physical route it would go. I only assumed it would come in through the block wall straight into the utility room. From there all electrical was going to go above the ceiling and through the walls.
We have floor plans and will carefully consider where all the pipes should be for the sinks, showers, washer, toilets, and how to tie them into the main septic line.
Does anyone have any opinions on the product "Form-A-Drain" ?