sort of agree with your architect. I think they are both equal because they will both will collapse in the big shake. I wouldn't build with a basement in South Florida and I wouldn't build a basement in earthquake zone either. Both pose design issues that are best case senario to civil engineers. The problem is that California property costs so much, so if you want some space, you have to build multiple levels. That is at odds with having a basement. If I required a basement, I would pour eight inch concrete and keep as much as possible above the ground.
I totally agree, but You probably knew that before...as far as the 8" concrete , I`d go 10" though..(thickness)
re the question for being your own GC, you`ll save money BUT you`ll (as most owner/GC`s) will spend lots more time than a GC you hire...because of the experience in scheduling things...in my estimate ,you`ll spend at least 50-75% extra time for that...
my friend who moved to Seattle and I designed 2 houses for up there (he did his first owner/GC job as my neighbor here in Houston) is taking A LOT of of extra time...of course he can afford it, retired after selling a businness, but one extra thing is ,as an owner you also tend to think more about items to install, change your mind on finishes etc ,and delay the job...a GC is just going to follow the drwgs and finish schedule and or your list...you will, possibly with 'help' from the wife, keep thinking and changing...thats just my experience with some of my owner/GC`s, even guys that started out to be GC`s themselves for other customers ,or spec homes...you put a lot more of yourself into it ,(and if its a spec, you shouldnt build it as yours, its for sale, not your case, but its just how "people" will do)
