The design of the concrete retaining wall itself should incorporate appropriate engineering principles, such as proper reinforcement, adequate footing, and wall thickness, to withstand the lateral soil pressure.

I have the Big Enchilada plans as well as the 1.5 story cottage plans. Plans are to build the 1.5 story and a couple of other small buildings on 7.5 acres.  I was wondering if anyone here has any experience with Perma Columns.  They are pre cast concrete piers with 10,000 psi concrete + 60,000 psi rebar and a powder coated pre set 1/4 inch steel bracket.  Standard length is 60".  They are typically used in post frame construction (pole barns, etc.). I am exploring using them in place of a PT post foundation or a Sonotube type poured pier. The idea is to attach a short 6x6 post to the Perma Column bracket just above grade and then run the beam on top of the post.  They have flanges at the bottom for uplift protection and typically sit on a concrete "cookie".  Can level them up by cutting the 6x6 post. They run about $200 a piece.

Quote from: billy boy on December 05, 2023, 02:04:19 PMI'm no expert, but I've seen similar setups before. Using an LVL and steel I beams sounds like a solid plan for support. The 4x6 joists might work, especially if they're true 4x6 and tied into the 2x6 top plates well. Just make sure everything's level and properly secured. Maybe get a local builder's opinion to be safe.

While the plan you described could potentially work, it's important to consider several factors and consult with a local builder or structural engineer to ensure safety and compliance with building codes.

Just a heads up that we've got image hosting built-in to the forum now. 
When you're composing a message, you should see a bar or button at the bottom of the compose window that looks like this:

or this:

That's where you can drag your image/s.





If you want to insert the image inline, look for the blue arrow...

click it, leave the image size fields blank (or specify height or width, the other ratio is calculated automatically), hit 'insert'.... and presto! 

also   https://imgbb.com/

Hello,
I want to put a screen in porch with a shed roof on the back of my house. Plan is for a 4/12 pitch.  Because of the layout of the house, I want to attach the back of the roof to the house several feet above the second story floor. 
I wonder if you are allowed to attach the board to which the rafters attach onto the second story wall 2x4s or must that board attach to the joist board for the second story floor. I cannot do the latter.

Hello, surrounding the sunroom is not feasible, the area is narrow so there should not be a sunroom there, you can consider moving it somewhere else