Concrete Foundations & Footings

Why Foundations Matter

Your foundation is literally what everything else sits on. Whether you're building an addition to your home, putting up a new garage, or constructing a retaining wall, the foundation determines how well that structure performs over time. A properly built foundation prevents settling, cracking, and structural problems that can cost thousands to fix later.

In San Clemente, we deal with diverse soil conditions from sandy coastal areas to clay-heavy soils inland. Each soil type requires different foundation approaches. We've poured hundreds of foundations throughout the area and understand what works in each location. This local knowledge is critical for building foundations that last.

We handle foundation work for residential and commercial projects. From simple footing pads to complex foundation systems, we have the expertise and equipment to do the job right. Visit our main services page to learn about everything we offer.

Types of Foundations and Footings

Different structures need different foundation types. The most common is a concrete footing, which is a wide, thick concrete base that spreads the load of a wall or post into the ground. Footings prevent structures from sinking or tipping over time.

Here are the foundation systems we typically install:

• Strip footings for continuous walls and fences
• Pad footings for individual posts and columns
• Monolithic slabs where the slab and footing are poured together
• Stem walls that create a raised foundation with a crawl space
• Grade beams for hillside construction and challenging sites

The right choice depends on your soil conditions, building plans, local codes, and budget. We work with engineers when needed to design foundations that meet structural requirements and handle your site's specific challenges.

The Installation Process

Foundation work starts with careful planning and site evaluation. We review your building plans, check local codes, and sometimes order soil tests to determine bearing capacity. This information tells us how deep and wide your footings need to be.

Excavation must be precise. Footings need to reach undisturbed soil at the proper depth, which varies based on frost lines, soil type, and local requirements. In San Clemente, we typically don't worry about frost, but we do need to account for expansive soils in some areas.

After excavation, we install forms, add reinforcement steel, and carefully pour and finish the concrete. The concrete mix for foundations is different from what we use for driveways or patios. It needs higher strength to handle the loads it will support. Proper curing is essential. We can't rush this process. Your foundation needs time to reach full strength before construction continues on top of it. We also offer slab and flatwork services for projects that need horizontal concrete surfaces.

Code Compliance and Inspections

Foundation work almost always requires permits and inspections. Building departments want to verify that foundations meet code requirements before you cover them up with walls and floors. We handle the permit process and coordinate inspections so your project stays on schedule.

Our experience with local codes means we know what inspectors look for. We build to code from the start, which prevents delays and costly fixes. When foundation work is done right, inspections are just a formality. If you need other structural concrete work, check out our retaining wall and masonry services as well.

Frequently Asked Questions