How to Lay Out Concrete Blocks for an Above Ground House

Forget location, layout and curb appeal; a well-built foundation -- footings and wall -- is any home's most important element. Without a solid foundation, it's only a matter of time before seemingly unrelated problems begin popping up: a crack in the wall here, a door that won't close there. The problems only get worse over time. Concrete block is a commonly used foundation material. It is durable, less expensive than poured concrete and relatively easy to install once you get the layout right.

Building plans
Tape measure
Chalk line
Concrete block
Framing square
Carpenter's level
5-foot rebar

Instructions

- 1
  Review the building plans to determine the exact dimensions of the house. Select two points of measurement, preferably two corners, but a corner and a door opening will work.
- 2
  Snap a chalk line between between the two points, and continue around the foundation, marking the outline of the house. The chalk line also establishes the face of the exterior wall.
- 3
  Start from a corner and lay a course of brick, without mortar, around the foundation. Space the bricks at 3/8-inch intervals to simulate the spacing once mortar is applied. Note where bricks must be cut to accommodate doors and other openings.
- 4
  Mark the exact locations of the corners with a framing square. Place a plumb, 5-foot rebar post in the ground at each corner; check for plumb with a carpenter's level. Mark each post at 8-inch intervals. String a taut mason's line between every two corners.

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