Concrete Foundations & Footings

Why Foundations Matter

Your foundation literally holds up everything above it. When foundations fail, buildings crack, doors stick, floors slope, and structural damage spreads throughout the entire structure. Foundation problems cost thousands or tens of thousands to fix. That is why getting it right from the start matters so much.

Here in Bellflower and throughout Southern California, we deal with specific soil conditions and seismic requirements that affect foundation design. Clay soils expand and contract with moisture. Earthquake codes require specific reinforcement patterns. Local building departments have strict inspection requirements. You need contractors who understand these factors.

We install concrete foundations and footings that meet or exceed California building codes. We work with engineers when required, obtain proper permits, coordinate inspections, and deliver foundations that perform reliably for the life of your structure.

Types of Foundations We Build

Different structures need different foundation types. Here are the most common foundations we install for residential and light commercial projects in Bellflower.

• •Slab on Grade Foundations: A single concrete slab that serves as both foundation and floor. Common for single-story homes, garages, and additions. Cost-effective and works well in mild climates. We thicken edges and add reinforcement to create monolithic slabs.
• •Raised Foundation with Stem Walls: Concrete footings support vertical stem walls that elevate the structure above grade. Creates crawl space for utilities and ventilation. Required for some soil conditions and preferred in areas with drainage concerns.
• •Continuous Footings: Trenches filled with reinforced concrete that support load- bearing walls. Width and depth depend on soil bearing capacity and load requirements. We follow engineering specifications exactly.
• •Isolated Footings: Individual concrete pads that support posts or columns. Used for decks, pergolas, carports, and other structures with point loads. Each footing distributes weight over enough soil area to prevent settling.
• •Grade Beams: Reinforced concrete beams that span between isolated footings or piers. These tie the foundation together and provide continuous support for walls. Common in challenging soil conditions.

The Foundation Installation Process

Foundation work follows a specific sequence dictated by building codes and good construction practice. Here is what happens when we build your foundation.

Engineering and Permits

Most foundations require engineered plans and building permits. We coordinate with structural engineers to design foundations for your specific soil conditions and loads. Then we submit plans to your local building department and obtain permits before starting work. This ensures everything meets code from the beginning.

Site Preparation and Layout

We clear the site and establish exact locations using surveying equipment. Foundation placement must be accurate because it determines where your entire structure sits. We mark footing locations, verify dimensions, and check for underground utilities before digging.

Excavation

Next we dig trenches for footings or excavate for slab foundations. Excavation depth depends on frost line requirements and soil conditions. In California, footings typically go 12 to 18 inches deep minimum. Poor soil gets removed and replaced with compacted fill or you may need deeper footings.

Forming and Reinforcement

We install wooden or metal forms to shape the concrete. Then we place rebar according to engineering specifications. California seismic codes require specific rebar sizes, spacing, and lap lengths. We follow these requirements exactly because foundation reinforcement prevents catastrophic failure during earthquakes.

Inspection

Before pouring concrete, a building inspector verifies that excavation depth, rebar placement, and form setup meet code requirements. This inspection must happen before concrete covers the reinforcement. We schedule inspections promptly to keep your project moving.

Concrete Placement

After inspection approval, we pour concrete and consolidate it thoroughly to eliminate voids. Foundation concrete typically uses higher strength mixes than standard flatwork. We embed anchor bolts for connecting framing and create proper finishes on exposed surfaces.

Curing and Backfill

Concrete must cure before we remove forms and backfill around foundations. Proper curing develops full strength and prevents cracking. We protect fresh concrete from rapid drying and temperature extremes. After adequate curing time, we carefully backfill and compact soil around foundation walls.

Common Foundation Problems We Prevent

Foundation failures usually trace back to poor installation or inadequate design. Here are problems we prevent through proper techniques and attention to detail.

Settlement and Sinking

Foundations settle when soil underneath compresses or erodes. Proper excavation to stable soil, adequate footing width, and good drainage prevent most settlement issues. We never skip base preparation even though it adds time to the project.

Cracking

Foundation cracks result from inadequate reinforcement, soil movement, or improper curing. We use engineered rebar patterns, control joints where appropriate, and protect concrete during curing. Small surface cracks are normal, but structural cracks indicate serious problems that proper installation prevents.

Water Intrusion

Water around foundations causes multiple problems. It softens soil and reduces bearing capacity. It creates hydrostatic pressure against foundation walls. It leads to interior moisture and mold. We grade sites for drainage, install proper backfill materials, and can add drainage systems when needed.

Code Violations

Foundations that do not meet code create liability issues and make it impossible to complete building permits. Some contractors skip inspections or take shortcuts hoping inspectors will not notice. We do everything by the book because your safety and our reputation depend on it. If we need to address existing foundation problems, we also handle concrete repair and restoration.

When You Need New Foundations

Most homeowners need foundation work when adding structures to their property. Here are common situations where we install new foundations.

• Room additions to existing homes
• Detached garages and workshops
• ADUs and guest houses
• Covered patios and outdoor rooms
• Carports and equipment shelters
• Retaining walls that support significant loads
• Commercial building construction
• Foundation replacement for damaged or failed foundations

Common Questions About Foundations