6 Tips for Building a Strong Foundation

Building a house is one of the best ways to ensure you get everything you want out of a home. You get to choose the layout, the type of roof, the windows, and much more. One thing you want to be built the right way before you can begin to customize the house, however, is the foundation.

Without a solid foundation, you can’t build a strong home. Your home will lean on the foundation for support and strength. If you’re having a house built from the ground up, then it’s essential that you know how to create a foundation that’ll hold it up for a lifetime.

Below, in our guide, you’ll learn how to properly build a foundation for your home today. Continue reading to find out everything you need to know!

1. Inspect the Soil’s Condition

After you’ve decided on where you’ll build your new home, you need to inspect the soil. The soil’s condition will say a lot about the type of foundation you’re able to use. Do keep in mind that there are several different types of foundations.

Know what type of foundation you’ll be laying and then complete a soil evaluation. If the soil isn’t strong enough to hold the foundation, then this will lead to future problems. The construction engineer will address soil that doesn’t meet the requirements to hold a foundation before moving forward.

They’ll be able to let you know how to proceed.

2. Have It Surveyed and Install Footings

If the soil passes the test, then it’s time to have your lot surveyed. Having it surveyed will give you your foundation measurements. The survey will tell you where your property begins and where it ends.

You’ll then know where to begin building the foundation and how big the foundation can be. Once you know the measurements, the excavation contractors can begin digging into the soil to start the process.

You’ll then need to pour the concrete into wood forms or into trenches in the ground to create the footings. It’s important to use a reputable contractor to do this job. Pouring a large amount of concrete into the ground to create your foundation is not an easy job and should be one that’s left to the professionals.

3. Install Proper Drainage

Don’t forget to install proper drainage for your home’s foundation as well. If you don’t install drainage features during the creation of your foundation, then you could face issues down the road, and installing them after the fact isn’t an easy task.

You’ll need to then install proper drainage pipes before pouring the slab of concrete, so it’s best to do this during the construction phases. For most slab foundations, a layer of compressed gravel’s laid down first with a vapor barrier and then a layer of sand as well.

When this finishes, wire mesh is then laid down which will then have concrete poured on top of it.

4. Seal the Footings and Allow Curing

Once you install your footings, you’ll need to have them sealed. The sealant will protect them from moisture in the soil. Speak with the contractors about what type of sealer should be used.

You’ll want to ensure a high-quality sealer is what’s being used. The concrete will then need to be given time to cure. Once cured, concrete blocks will be laid to begin the process of building your basement walls (if you’re building a basement).

5. Build Walls and Treat With a Sealer

If you decide to build a basement, you can now begin to build the walls and treat them with a sealer. To build the walls correctly, be sure the contractors start at one corner of the foundation. They should then create the leads, which allows the masons two separate endpoints.

A line can then be strung from the two endpoints that’ll help create a level wall and a plumb. This is essential if you want the walls of your basement to be leveled throughout. When complete, the walls should be treated with a sealer to keep moisture out as stated before.

If using an acrylic-based sealer, you can apply it to the concrete as soon as the walls are built. This type of sealer will also help the concrete cure.

6. Complete Foundation Inspections

Once you’ve built a solid foundation and build your beautiful home on top, you need to remember to conduct foundation inspections on a regular basis. Have not only the foundation checked but the driveway and sidewalk as well. This will ensure that everything stays in good condition throughout the years.

If a problem’s spotted, a professional can address the issue and correct it before it leads to bigger problems. Some problems can be major and will need to be corrected as soon as possible. It’s also essential to pay close attention to the conditions of your foundation within the first couple of years after it’s built.

These years are the most vital time because the house will go through the heaviest stages of settling during those first couple of years.

Build a Solid Foundation for Your Home Today

A solid foundation means everything to a house. If you want your home to be a safe a sturdy building for years to come, then it’s essential that you take the time to ensure its foundation’s laid correctly.

Follow the tips listed in this guide above and be sure to work with reputable contractors who’ll use the highest quality concrete and sealers on the job.

For other topics about construction or home and real estate, be sure to check back with us on a daily basis!