Wet-Set Mudsills

In an ideal world, foundations would be level and square, and all the anchor bolts would be in exactly the right places. Of course, nothing is ever that easy. Setting sill plates onto a less-than-perfect foundation can be a time-consuming process of measuring, squaring, and shimming.

A few years ago, I came up with a method that works better for me. Before the foundation is poured, I cut and assemble the sill plates. I do the framing layout on them, and I drill and install the anchor bolts in the plates exactly where I want them. Then, just after the concrete is poured, I set the plates in place, bolts and all. I do a little...