Yep...what Poncho said. Stagger yer joints and use a plum line for vertical straightness and a horiontal string to keep 'er level that way too. That's about the only "tricks" that I know of. Good luck.
if youve never laid block you need to study a bit.its alot more than mortar and block.the size of the building makes a differenc.there are many different size bolcks also and the walls need reinforcement and a bond beam around the top in most all cases.and yes, your foundation must be flat and level or its a pita.let us know what you are building and we can help with your material list and get you started off rite.doors and windows need special attention also.a retaining wall can be real simple but anything tall is more involved.
Oh well then you're really gonna hafta follow Geezer's advice and check into load tolerances for yer block size, etc. There will also be code for yer footings to go by and there are blocks specifically made for corners. I would think that once you have the building code info in yer back pocket yer block supplier will help out too. If yer structure will have a carrying beam or any kind of support posts in the basement there will be pads required at those locations. It's best to have those planned for and placed at the same time and with the same batch as yer footings. Did ya break ground yet? Updates would be great if possible. Good luck!
I know absolutely knowing about laying cinder block or any other block for that matter but I have hung a lot of sheetrock in block basements in Colorado and it seems like I've heard the Contractors talking about the necessity to have some kind of moisture barrier.
Don't know where your location is so you may not need any of the sort. Just mentioning something I remember hearing once.
Good Luck and have a great weekend, Mello
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Well the blue prints have all of the specs in them. Footing: 2ft wide, 1ft deep with 2 lengths of #5 rebar. I actually added a little more rebar and went 16 inches deep.
3 pads down the center 36in. x 36in. x 12in. deep with 8 pieces of #4 rebar for the support poles.
12in. block with re-inforcement wire every 2nd course, and every other hole in the block must have a piece of #4 rebar and be poured full of concrete. I am also using return corners, and you're right about the moisture barrier Mello. I have 4in. gravel base covered by the moisture barrier, with 5in. concrete over that.
Nobody wrote:Well the blue prints have all of the specs in them. Footing: 2ft wide, 1ft deep with 2 lengths of #5 rebar. I actually added a little more rebar and went 16 inches deep.
3 pads down the center 36in. x 36in. x 12in. deep with 8 pieces of #4 rebar for the support poles.
12in. block with re-inforcement wire every 2nd course, and every other hole in the block must have a piece of #4 rebar and be poured full of concrete. I am also using return corners, and you're right about the moisture barrier Mello. I have 4in. gravel base covered by the moisture barrier, with 5in. concrete over that.
I am already 6 courses out of the ground.
Goin' good so far.
sounds like you got it going your way can you post up some pics later on??
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"If the women don't find ya handsome, at least let them find you Handy"
Right on! You're really rollin' now! Do you have a plan for water and moisture control of your block walls? Super Seal makes some great products, the dimpled membrane would be ideal in my opinion. I love that you exceeded the minimum code requirements so far too. I'd love to see pix too if it's possible.
Whoooo! Our first real project of the spring! (Yes I'm living vicariously.)
cool, that sounds good.a basement or anything under ground takes a dang good plan.i see you had your ducks in a row before you started.good goin.not just anyone can do that block work.i like seein a feller doin his ouw work.it dang sure saves alot of $$$ too.got any pics?
At the moment all of my pics are taken with a disposable camera, it'll be a little while before I can post any.
As for doing the block work myself, I've always been a DIY-er, plus I don't have the money to hire anyone.
The company I bought the block from also sells a product called seal mastic for waterproofing the outside of the block. It either goes on with a thick nap roller, or they have a thicker type that goes on with a trowel.
I'm going to do a little more research on it before I buy any.
sounds like you are doin great.that mortar has to be just rite dont it?hahaha.just a bit too dry and it wont stick to the block.a bit too wet and it wont hold up the weight of the block.sounds like you got it goin your way, cool.i like them log homes.cant wait to see it.
Haven't posted in awhile...been busy.
I finally finished the basement at the end of April, some of the hardest labor I've ever done! The blocks weighed 48 pounds a piece, and I swear every one was heavier than the last.
When the crew came to start building the house I asked them how I did since this was the first basement I've ever built. They said it was better than some of the professional block layers they've seen....so I got to puff my chest out a little and hold my head up high.
It was hard work, but I have the pride of saying I done it myself!!!
Nothing feels much better than taking on an unfamiliar job and getting it done even better than you expected ! With something like that, not only is the mental challenge is there because it is the "Foundation" of your Home but there is a physical challenge also.
Congrats AJWD
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"If the women don't find ya handsome, at least let them find you Handy"
That's great! It takes stones to tackle a major project like that. You're obviously a very capable DIYer so puff out and be proud. Also, post those pix so we can all admire your work.
That's great! It takes stones to tackle a major project like that. You're obviously a very capable DIYer so puff out and be proud. Also, post those pix so we can all admire your work.
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The fire burt up my computer, digital camera, scanner, and everything else. I'm posting on my lunch break at work, but as soon as I get this house finished and buy up some new electronics, I'll post the pics for ya.
Guess I forgot to mention that.
The house that me, momma, and daddy lived in for the past 25 years burnt to the ground back in november.
Nobody was inside, but we lost everything but the clothes on our backs, luckily my garage is abou 60 feet away from the house, so I still have all of my tools, which I'll need to build this house.
I always wanted to build a house.....but I woulda preferred it under different circumstances......oh well!
Yeah...ya forgot ta mention that little detail. WOW man! Of course, the best part is that nobody was hurt or worse. Second is the good fortune to still have your garage and tools. I've been there. Lost 'er all. We were insured but they stick it to ya at every turn. Were you insured? What's the next phase of the project? How far along are ya and when is your proposed move in date? Lotsa questions huh? Sorry. Having been through the fire thing I automatically have extra concern when I find out that someone is going through it. It's a rough ride buddy, stay tough...we're rootin' for ya. It's gonna be a great house 'cause you've done so well with the foundation.
Stagger yer joints and use a plum line for vertical straightness and a horiontal string to keep 'er level that way too. That's about the only "tricks" that I know of. Good luck.
I'd love to see pix too if it's possible. 
Our first real project of the spring! (Yes I'm living vicariously.)
WOW man! Of course, the best part is that nobody was hurt or worse. Second is the good fortune to still have your garage and tools. I've been there. Lost 'er all. 
We were insured but they stick it to ya at every turn. Were you insured? What's the next phase of the project? How far along are ya and when is your proposed move in date? Lotsa questions huh? Sorry. Having been through the fire thing I automatically have extra concern when I find out that someone is going through it. It's a rough ride buddy, stay tough...we're rootin' for ya. 
