Marc and Caleb have been discussing how best to support the new front porch.  The old has to be removed.   Its block foundation is cracked, and it simply can’t be rescued.  The question is how best to support the new, and to protect the basement from the cold air that will seep underneath.  Surprisingly enough, there is little to be gained by having a solid wall.  Instead, Marc suggests supporting the porch on masonry piers, with lattice work in between.  Then to protect the house, two inches of foam will be buried below the surface of the dirt under the porch, and six inches of ‘roxul’ on the basement wall, which will connect with the much wider insulation above.  This will keep frost from the house.   And the porch will have the informal look of perching on piers rather than a wall.  I like it.