Foundations and concrete basics. Understanding building loads ; Soil: the other half of the foundation ; Getting the right concrete ; Efflorescence and spalling ; Working with rebar ; Start with batter boards ; A solid deck begins with concrete piers ; Mix concrete by the bag -- Building foundations. Placing a small concrete slab ; Pouring concrete slabs ; Forming and pouring footings ; Forming and pouring foundations ; Air-sealed mudsill assembly ; An energy-smart foundation in two days ; Slab foundation for cold climates ; Superinsulated slab ; It's time to consider helical-pile footings -- Waterproofing. Keep your basement dry with a curtain drain ; Details for a dry foundation ; Keeping a basement dry ; Sealing a crawlspace -- Retrofits and add-ons. The stay-dry, no-mold finished basement ; Adding insulation to basement walls ; Retrofitting a foundation ; Creating a sealed crawlspace ; A fast foundation for an addition ; Basement insulation retrofits ; Air-sealing a basement ; Insulating a slab on grade ; Replacing a rotten lally column -- Concrete in the landscape. Broom-finished concrete flatwork ; Build a sturdy stone sitting wall ; Four retaining wall choices ; Dress up a block wall with a rock wall ; Creating a curved concrete walkway ; Stone walls that stay built ; Laying concrete pavers.