Using professional instruments such as a transit, laser levels and optical builder's levels will help you to determine distant elevation changes. Here is a guide to using these laser level tools.

The following is a list of manufacturers of optical levels, laser levels and transits.

If you want a strong residential foundation, make sure you follow the tips below. Use reinforcing steel, don't backfill too soon and leave poured concrete forms in place a couple days after pouring concrete.

Basement walls made of poured concrete or concrete block really act as retaining walls for a home. Concrete block construction and poured foundations withstand enormous amounts of tension forces. Use reinforcing steel to strengthen the foundation walls.

Concrete and concrete block construction information is readily available. Here are some pamphlets, magazines and books about concrete block.

Water infiltration in a foundation can cause all sorts of problems. A waterproof foundation leads to a structurally sound home. Backfilling too soon and too aggressively can cause foundation cracks that weaken your house. Also, make sure the ground slopes away from your foundation. Pipe water from sump pumps away from the home.

The following manufacturers make foundation waterproofing compounds for residential construction.

A waterproof foundation is essential for any residential home. Many foundations, however, are not completely waterproofed. Damp proofing a foundation simply slows down the water penetration and does not completely waterproof a foundation.

Two structural alternatives to house foundations and footings are piles and piers. Piles are driven deep into soil while piers are columns cemented into the ground. In certain soil conditions, these two alternatives may be best to use.

House foundations and footers are subject to all sorts of forces which can cause them to fail. Cracks in concrete footings could possibly lead to collapse of the entire structure. Among the forces acting on residential footings and foundations are gravity, soil swelling and frost heaving.