Foundation Waterproofing Membrane

I want our basement to be waterproof. Most houses just have a tar sprayed onto the foundation, which is only damp-proof. That stuff is cheap, about $28 for a 5 gallon bucket. I am going to upgrade to the better stuff which is actually waterproof. Lots of companies make stuff, but only a few products will meet my criteria. Many of the products are spray on, and I don't have the equipment for that. I need something I can roll or brush on. Also I have to be able to get it locally for a reasonable price. That really cut down the possible product I can use, so I picked this:

Mar-Flex 5000R

They only had 7 buckets in stock, so I also got 1 bucket of this more expensive product:

BASF HLM-5000

I purchased this stuff here: AH Harris and Sons

After rolling that stuff on the foundation, I will say that the HLM-5000 seems to be a better product (Well it is more expensive too). After drying, the Mar-Flex 5000 left little pinholes of exposed concrete, didn't matter how think I rolled it on. 2 coats of that stuff is really necessary, which means double the work. The 5 gallon can of HLM-5000 was much heavier, the stuff was much thicker and harder to spread on the foundation, but I can't imagine why you would need a second coat of it. It seems like it will hold up better that the Mar-Flex.

You can research product like this here:

ICC Evaluation Service - Fluid Applied Waterproofing

Plans going well

Bob is a great architect. We have been working with him, refining plans, I think we are almost there.

We're going to build a fairly standard 2 story rectangular colonial, 4 bedrooms upstairs. Attached garage on the left side.

Bob has been great. He showed us some houses he has worked on, and some that his builder friend has built. Amazing houses, similar to ours, but much more high-end, further south closer to the city.

Here are some photos of the land covered in snow.

Stick Build?

After going through a lot of house plans, and working with Gunther at Hallmark Homes, we decided to switch to a stick built home.

I met with Scott, the guy that sold me the land, and he introduced me to an architect (Bob), who could draw up some plans, get contractors at great rates, and help me supervise the job. Seems like we can build it as cheaply, or possibly cheaper, than a modular.

Cant wait to start building this spring...