Concrete Foundations & Footings

Why Your Foundation Matters Most

Your foundation is literally what holds everything else up. Problems with your foundation affect your entire structure, from cracked walls and stuck doors to serious structural failures. That's why getting your foundation right from the start is absolutely critical.

Whether you're building a new home, adding a room addition, constructing a garage, or putting up a retaining wall, the foundation work must be done correctly. There's no fixing a bad foundation cheaply. What you save by cutting corners during installation, you'll pay many times over in repairs and problems down the road.

We've poured foundations throughout Alhambra for residential and commercial projects. We understand local soil conditions, seismic requirements, and building codes. This isn't work you trust to just anyone. Your foundation deserves experienced professionals who do it right the first time.

Types of Foundations We Build

Different structures need different foundation systems. Here's what we install and when each type makes sense.

Foundation Services We Provide:

• •Concrete slab foundations for single-story construction
• •Raised foundations with stem walls and footings
• •Pier and grade beam foundations for hillside lots
• •Continuous footings for load-bearing walls
• •Isolated pad footings for columns and posts
• •Garage and accessory structure foundations
• •Room addition foundations matching existing structures
• •Retaining wall footings and foundations

Slab foundations work well for level lots where you don't need crawl space access. Raised foundations with stem walls provide better ventilation and access to plumbing. Pier and beam systems are perfect for sloped lots or areas with challenging soil conditions.

We work with your architect or engineer to build exactly what your plans specify. If you need help determining the right foundation type for your project, we can recommend structural engineers who specialize in residential and commercial foundations in the Alhambra area.

Engineering and Building Codes

Foundation work requires engineering calculations and building permits. California has strict seismic codes because we live in earthquake country. Your foundation needs to be designed to resist lateral forces and prevent collapse during ground movement.

This means proper reinforcement with rebar sized and placed according to engineering specifications. It means anchor bolts positioned correctly to connect the structure to the foundation. It means the right concrete strength and proper curing methods to achieve design specifications.

We work closely with building inspectors to ensure every aspect of your foundation meets code requirements. All our foundation work includes the necessary inspections at each phase, from excavation and rebar placement through the final concrete pour. You'll have documentation that your foundation was built correctly and passed all required inspections. This protects your investment and provides peace of mind. If you're also planning additional concrete flatwork, we coordinate everything to save time and money.

The Installation Process

Foundation installation is a multi-step process that must be done in the correct sequence. We start with site clearing and layout, using the architect's plans to mark exactly where the foundation will sit. Then we excavate to the required depth based on soil conditions and frost lines.

Next comes formwork, building the wooden or metal forms that will hold the concrete in its proper shape. We install rebar reinforcement according to engineering specifications and position anchor bolts for the structure above. Inspections happen before any concrete is poured.

Once approved, we pour the concrete using proper techniques to eliminate air pockets and ensure full strength. The concrete must cure properly, which takes time. We don't rush the process because the foundation's long-term integrity depends on proper curing. When everything is complete, you have a solid foundation ready for the next phase of construction.

Frequently Asked Questions