Concrete Foundations & Footings
Strong, stable foundations that support your structures for decades to come.
Your Foundation Matters
Your foundation is literally what everything else sits on. Whether you're building an addition to your home, putting up a new garage, constructing a workshop, or installing a pool, the foundation determines whether that structure stays level, secure, and problem-free for years to come.
Foundation problems are expensive to fix after the structure is built. Settling, cracking, or shifting foundations can damage everything above them. That's why getting it right from the start is so important.
We've been installing concrete foundations in Murrieta since 2024. We understand local soil conditions, building codes, and what it takes to build foundations that support your structures properly and last as long as the buildings themselves. From simple pier footings to full foundation walls, we handle all types of foundation work.
Types of Foundations We Install
Different structures need different foundation types. Here are the most common ones we install:
- •Slab-on-grade foundations: These are concrete slabs poured directly on the ground. Common for garages, workshops, and room additions. They're cost-effective and work well in our climate.
- •Stem wall foundations: These combine a concrete footing below ground with a short wall that supports the structure above ground. Often used for room additions and detached structures.
- •Pier and beam foundations: Individual concrete piers support beams that carry the structure. Good for uneven terrain or when you need to minimize excavation.
- •Strip footings: Continuous footings under load-bearing walls. These spread the weight of walls over a larger area to prevent settling.
- •Grade beams: Reinforced concrete beams that connect pier foundations and support walls. Often used in combination foundation systems.
- •Equipment foundations: Specialized foundations for heavy equipment, pools, spas, or other structures with unique load requirements.
The right foundation type depends on your structure, soil conditions, local building codes, and budget. We'll evaluate your specific situation and recommend the best approach for your project.
What Makes a Strong Foundation
Foundation work is complex, but these key factors determine success:
Proper depth: Footings need to extend below the frost line and into stable soil. Shallow footings can settle or shift. Local building codes specify minimum depths, but we go deeper when soil conditions require it.
Adequate size: Footings need to be wide and thick enough to spread the load of the structure over sufficient soil area. Undersized footings lead to settling. We calculate the right dimensions based on what you're building.
Steel reinforcement: Rebar gives concrete the tensile strength it needs to resist cracking and bending. Proper reinforcement is essential for long-term performance. Similar reinforcement techniques are used in our concrete slab work.
Quality concrete: Foundation concrete needs the right strength rating and proper consolidation during placement. Air pockets or weak concrete compromise the entire structure.
Drainage considerations: Water is foundation's enemy. Proper grading, drainage systems, and waterproofing protect foundations from moisture damage and soil movement.
Code compliance: Building codes exist for good reasons. All our foundation work meets or exceeds local building requirements and passes inspections.
Our Foundation Installation Process
Here's what to expect when we install your foundation:
Engineering and planning: We review building plans, verify code requirements, and coordinate with your contractor or builder. If engineered plans are needed, we work with structural engineers.
Site preparation: We mark utility lines, set up for excavation, and prepare the work area. This includes access for equipment and material delivery.
Excavation: We dig to the required depth and create level, stable trenches or pads for footings. In some cases, this involves removing unsuitable soil and replacing it with compacted fill.
Forming and reinforcement: We build forms to contain the concrete and create the proper foundation shape. Rebar is installed according to engineering specifications and secured in position.
Inspection: Before we pour concrete, the work is inspected by building officials to verify code compliance. We don't proceed until we have approval.
Concrete placement: We pour foundation-grade concrete, working carefully to ensure complete filling of all forms and proper consolidation around reinforcement. Similar attention to detail goes into our driveway installations.
Curing and stripping: The concrete cures for the required time before we remove forms. For foundations supporting structures, this is typically several days to a week.
Foundation work takes longer than other concrete projects because of the depth, reinforcement complexity, and inspection requirements. Most projects take a week or more from excavation to completion. We coordinate timing with your overall construction schedule.
Foundation Questions
Need a Foundation for Your Project?
We'll evaluate your site and provide a detailed quote for your foundation work.