question about the 1-1/2 story plan regarding foundation

[shawnkfl]

What would it take to build the 1-1/2 story plan on a full basement with block wall? are there any issues to be aware of? i really like the plan but would have to modify it some. i need three bedrooms. one on the main floor and two smaller ones on the loft. the basement will be walkout with two rooms. one for my hobbies and one for my wifes. i think to do this, i will extend the length of the plan to suit. any thoughts?

[beckhamk]

I believe all of johns plans include 3 foundations in the plan.  One for peirs, one for slab and the other for block or poored walls (but i believe this is more for the footers specs) then you can build block or poored walls on top.  We Built the 1 1/2 stroy and did a block crawl but out crawl ended up being 7 corse.

[John Raabe]

There would be no problem using the crawlspace plan and extending it downward for a basement, but some adjustments need to be made. The size and reinforcing of the wall and the size of the footing will need to updated to local standards for a basement. From the design point of view you may need to replace the L-shaped cottage stair with the full sized U-stair in the plans booklet.

I would get the help of a local mason to help spec this out. You may find this person is also helpful for finding such things as the best prices on materials. Such help can be valuable even if you will build it yourself.

[walkabout]

I had no problem with the inspectors building the 1-story (essentially the same as the 1 1/2 story) over a block wall basement. I created a pony wall on one side to make it easier to add  windows.
Technically my basement is counted as a 'crawlspace' as my county would not allow a full basement, but is 6' 6" high.
I was told by our country inspector that stairs to crawlspaces do not need to be built to code. I could not meet the height requirement between the stairs and the joists above because of the 6'6" height limitation put on me. I am going with a straight stair with a winder at the bottom as this was the best use of space. I looked at a U-Shaped stair, but found that it took too much floor space in my already small (20x27) cabin.