Footer/foundation problem?

[Beercan321]

Hi,
I'm having a 30x30 garage built in my driveway. I don't have a lot of room so the garage is going to be built next to a steep slope. There was a miscommunication between the wife and I which caused the contractor to put the footer right at the base of the slope. I wanted it to be about 5 to 6 feet from the slope. When I came home from work the footer was dug and cement was poured. The contractor is going to lay block which will end up being about a foot to a foot and a half above ground level. Being that the wall is right next to the slope will that suffice? Do I need another row of block? I would rather not pay for more block since I'm on a tight budget but I don't want water from the slope to damage the foundation. Is this something I should be worried about? If there is a potential issue then what can I do to prevent any future problems?

I'll post some pictures once the slab is poured and framing begins

Thanks for any advice!

 

[Will67]

Well I would put in some form of drainage before winter and make sure your slab has a vapor barrier installed. Don't be penny wise and pound foolish. Add a extra row of block at toe of slope to prevent years and years of dope slaps.

Where are you and what is your annual rainfall average?

 

[ambenz]

In my opinion, you'll probley be just fine doing nothing.
Having said that, a pinch of prevention is worth a pound of cure!
I would put a french drain along the whole width of the foundation.
The slope looks kinda rocky however, I also would like to see some sort of green plastic mesh anchored flat along the slope with some deep rooted flowers or ground cover.

 

[Beercan321]

Where are you and what is your annual rainfall average?

I'm in Western Pennsylvania. Annual rainfall is about 37 inches.

I would put a french drain along the whole width of the foundation. The slope looks kinda rocky however, I also would like to see some sort of green plastic mesh anchored flat along the slope with some deep rooted flowers or ground cover.

The slope and ground are very rocky. Could a french drain be installed right against the block? Also could it be installed right a ground level or does it have to buried?

I like the idea of ground cover but I'm worried about problems in fall/winter/spring.

Thanks for the advice guys!

 

[hockey88fan]

Put the perforated pipe as low as you can right next to the footer with holes facing down and enveloped stone.

 

[ConCretin]

If it were my garage, I'd build the block wall high enough to allow the exterior grade to move water around the garage plus enough extra to keep the wood framing up 12".

This looks like it would result in the exterior grade being higher than your slab so I'd use a waterproofing membrane and a foundation drain to ensure you don't get water coming through the wall.

Now is the time to get it right - it will be more expensive to deal with water problems later

 

[K'ledgeBldr]

First- A quick check of my footing map says that western PA requires anywhere between 36"- 42" of depth for footings (frost level). From the picture, I'd say that's wrong also. As far as the slope is concerned-
Here is the requirement from the IRC (international Residential Code):

R401.3 Drainage.
Surface drainage shall be diverted to a storm sewer conveyance or other approved point of collection that does not create a hazard. Lots shall be graded to drain surface water away from foundation walls. The grade shall fall a minimum of 6 inches (152 mm) within the first 10 feet (3048 mm).

Exception: Where lot lines, walls, slopes or other physical barriers prohibit 6 inches (152 mm) of fall within 10 feet (3048 mm), drains or swales shall be constructed to ensure drainage away from the structure. Impervious surfaces within 10 feet (3048 mm) of the building foundation shall be sloped a minimum of 2 percent away from the building.
Obviously, you fall under the "exception" rule. Keep this in mind- "mechanical means can fail". Whenever possible I avoid mechanical means. Which in your case would mean an aggressive swale to handle the runoff from the slope.
Professionally, I'd cut into the slope and have at least 8' of slope away from the foundation- maintaining as close as possible the 6/10 rule. The shear cut could be addressed with a modular block wall. And yes, I understand that you have a tight budget- but budgets should also have contingencies built in.
And due to the miss communications I guess I can surmise that there is no permit involved with this project.(?)