While in the lab with Nikola Tesla, Tim Hutzler said:
 RJT> Other inspection requirements (plumbing, electrical) are
 > definitely going to vary from one place to another. I know that
 > Harrisburg, for example, requires electricians to be licensed
 TH> Sounds like the union has corrupted the local government.
 Plumbers are required to be certified here in Sacramento.
 
 TH> As for as energy savings, I think most places insulate the
 > perimeter walls, floor and ceiling. I think that's a shame, since
 > so much mass could be used to maintain a constant tempreture.
 
 RJT> I imagine that a place like the one I was referring to up there
 > would have some pretty specific requirements for the walls, both
 > to support the weight of the dirt piled up against them and to
 Yep, soil bearing pressure has to be to be dealt with, and are
 required to be designed by a Civil or Structural Engineer.
 > keep moisture seepage from rotting things out.
 An emulsion sealer liberally applied in several coats to the stemwall
 works well as long as it is protected with a layer of expanded styrene.
 The final requirement is a *good* french drain system placed as low as
 possible.
 
 RJT> Seems do-able, though!
 TH> Sure...
 Been there and done it!
 
 RJT> I'll bet that it cost them more than a typical house would have,
 > but then you've got lower energy costs for the life of the place,
 > I wonder what the payback period is?
 TH> That depends on how much you spend. If you go the owner/builder route,
 TH> do your homework well, it could be worth the effort.
 And get a *good* knowledgeable engineer/architect on your team or you
 may never get it out of plan review.
 TH>  ! Origin: Madman BBS * Chico, California * 916-893-8079 * (1:119/88)
 Hello, Chico!
 TTYL
 Russ
... I'd rather have a bottle in front-a-me than a Frontal Lobotomy....
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