Concrete Foundations & Footings

Why Your Foundation Matters

Your foundation is literally what your entire structure rests on. If it fails, everything above it suffers. Walls crack. Doors stick. Windows break. Structural issues develop. Foundation work is not something you want to cut corners on or trust to inexperienced contractors.

A properly designed and installed foundation distributes the weight of your building evenly to the soil below. It keeps your structure level and stable even as soil conditions change with seasons and weather. It prevents moisture from wicking up into your walls. And it provides a secure anchor point for your building.

We build foundations for room additions, garages, workshops, ADUs (accessory dwelling units), and other structures. Every foundation starts with understanding the loads it needs to support and the soil conditions it will rest on. From there we design the right type and size of foundation for your specific project.

Foundation Types We Install

Concrete Slab Foundations

Slab-on-grade foundations are common for single-story structures and additions. We excavate, prepare the base, install vapor barriers and reinforcement, then pour a continuous concrete slab that serves as both foundation and floor. Slab foundations work well in our Carson climate and are cost-effective for many applications.

Stem Wall Foundations

Stem wall (or T-foundation) systems use concrete footings below grade with concrete block or poured concrete walls extending up to support the structure. This elevates the building above grade and provides better protection from ground moisture. We pour the footings first, build the stem walls, then pour a slab inside if needed.

Footings for Structural Elements

Individual footings support columns, posts, or concentrated loads. We design footing size based on the load and soil bearing capacity. These might be needed for deck posts, covered patio supports, or structural columns. For complete outdoor construction solutions, we also offer concrete patio installation that can integrate with your foundation work.

Our Foundation Installation Process

• Site evaluation and soil analysis: We assess soil conditions to determine bearing capacity and identify any problem areas.
• Foundation design: Based on loads and soil conditions, we design the appropriate foundation type, depth, and reinforcement.
• Permit acquisition: We handle permits and building department requirements so your foundation meets all codes.
• Excavation: We dig to the specified depth, creating level footings trenches or areas for slab pours.
• Formwork installation: Precise forms ensure your foundation dimensions are accurate and surfaces are straight.
• Steel reinforcement: We install rebar according to engineering specifications for strength and crack control.
• Inspection: Building department inspects before we pour to verify everything meets code.
• Concrete placement: We pour the specified concrete mix and vibrate it thoroughly to eliminate voids.
• Finishing and curing: Surfaces are finished as required and proper curing ensures the concrete reaches design strength.

Dealing with Carson Soil Conditions

Carson has areas with expansive clay soils that swell when wet and shrink when dry. This movement can damage foundations that aren't designed to handle it. We account for soil conditions in our foundation designs, using deeper footings, engineered fill, and proper drainage to minimize movement.

If soil tests show particularly poor conditions, we may recommend additional measures like over-excavation and replacement with engineered fill, deeper footings, or pier and grade beam systems. These solutions cost more upfront but prevent foundation problems that would be far more expensive to fix later. For projects requiring general concrete flatwork after foundation installation, we also handle slab and flatwork installation throughout your property.

Coordinating With Your Project

Foundation work is just one part of most construction projects. We coordinate with your framers, plumbers, and electricians to make sure everyone has what they need. This includes setting anchor bolts in the right locations, leaving openings for plumbing and electrical, and timing our work so your project stays on schedule.

If you're planning an addition, ADU, or new structure, we can work directly with your general contractor or architect. We read plans, follow engineering specifications, and communicate throughout the process. The goal is a foundation that supports your vision and meets all structural requirements. Ready to start your foundation project? Contact us to discuss your plans and get a detailed quote.

Foundation Questions