Here are links to some helpful tips from other builders:
• Cutting out for ledgers in a tall wall (http://www.countryplans.com/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1144724922/0)
• Testing your soil and planning a foundation (http://www.countryplans.com/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1144161208/0)
Suggest others that you find helpful and I'll add to the list.