Concrete Foundations & Footings

Why Foundations and Footings Matter

Your foundation is the most critical part of any structure. It transfers the weight of your building to the ground and protects against settling, shifting, and moisture damage. Whether you are building a new home, adding a room addition, or constructing a commercial building, the foundation must be engineered and installed correctly from day one.

Here in Encinitas, we deal with varied soil conditions, seismic requirements, and coastal moisture that all affect foundation design. We work with engineers and inspectors to ensure your foundation meets all local building codes and performs reliably for the life of your building.

Types of Foundations We Install

Different projects require different foundation systems. We install all common foundation types for residential and commercial construction:

• •Slab-on-grade foundations: A single concrete slab serves as both foundation and floor, ideal for level lots and mild climates.
• •Stem wall foundations: Concrete footings with short walls create a raised foundation for better drainage and access to utilities.
• •Continuous footings: Reinforced concrete strips that support load-bearing walls around the perimeter and interior.
• •Pier and grade beam foundations: Deep concrete piers support grade beams for expansive soils or sloped sites.
• •Basement foundations: Full-height concrete walls create usable below-grade space with proper waterproofing and drainage.
• •Crawl space foundations: Short foundation walls create ventilated space beneath the first floor for utilities and moisture management.

We work from engineered plans and follow all specifications for depth, width, reinforcement, and concrete strength. Your foundation is not something to cut corners on, and we make sure it is built right the first time.

The Foundation Installation Process

Foundation work starts with accurate layout and excavation. We mark the building footprint, excavate to the required depth, and ensure the bottom of the trench is level and compacted. For most residential foundations, this means digging trenches 12 to 24 inches deep and 12 to 18 inches wide.

Next, we install steel rebar cages according to engineering specifications. Rebar provides tensile strength and helps the concrete resist cracking from settling or seismic forces. We use chairs and spacers to position the rebar correctly within the concrete.

We pour the concrete, consolidate it with vibrators to eliminate voids, and finish the top surface level and smooth. For stem walls, we return after the footings cure to form and pour the vertical walls. All work is inspected by the city or county before we proceed to the next phase of construction.

Working With Builders and Homeowners

We work with general contractors, builders, and homeowners on residential and commercial foundation projects. We coordinate with framers, plumbers, and electricians to ensure utility penetrations and anchor bolts are placed correctly. We handle all inspection scheduling and corrections if needed.

Whether you are building a new home, adding a garage, or constructing a commercial facility, we bring the experience and equipment to get your foundation done right. You can trust us to show up on time, work efficiently, and deliver a foundation that meets code and supports your building for decades.

Frequently Asked Questions