Which is better, poured walls or cement blocks, & the second question has to do with drainage around the foundation, where (under the basement, or not) & what size of tile should be used?
Answer:
I never thought residential foundation walls needed more than concrete block but of late I've turned around on that. I don't think I'd want anything but wood and if I had to go with masonry, I'd want it poured. Drainage tile in a rural setting (sump pump) should be 4" diameter according to "Code" but let's not forget that the "Code" is a minimum standard. I'd never settle for anything less than 6" (with the sock) again and I'd also want at least 18" of gravel over it and then all sand backfill. If there are window wells, I want the gravel to be the full dimension of the well and go from the footings up to the well floor.
