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Step one to a Mojave-dry basement is proper placement. "Many people who are building their own homes, site the house too low, says Art Friedrich, owner of Friedrich Construction. If you're acting as your own general contractor, ask the excavator to help you determine where the house should go.

Step two is installing a foundation high enough to permit adequate backfilling. Many do-it-yourself builders stop six to eight inches short (they need one more layer of blocks) because they think too much foundation wall will show. It won't. "The backfill will cover it," Friedrich promises, "and it's a lot easier to haul in two or three loads of dirt for extra backfill than to deal with a potentially leaky basement."

As for Friedrich's Step three in keeping out the wet, it's, "Insist on true water-proofing and a properly installed subdrain system. Just damp-proofing is insufficient."

Copyright 2003 Rochester Area Builders, Inc. No part of the Builder's Corner articles may be reproduced or printed without written permission from Rochester Area Builders. 108 Elton Hills Lane NW, Rochester, MN 55901. Phone 507-282-7698.