Concrete Foundations & Footings

Why Your Foundation Matters

Your foundation is the most important structural element of any building. It supports the entire weight of the structure, distributes that load evenly to the ground, and protects against settling, shifting, and water damage. If the foundation fails, everything above it is at risk.

In Mableton, GA, we deal with clay soils and varying drainage conditions that can put stress on foundations. That is why proper design, excavation, and installation are so critical. A well-built concrete foundation will last the life of the building with minimal issues. A poorly built foundation leads to cracks, settling, and expensive repairs down the road.

Whether you are building a new home, adding a room, or constructing a detached garage or workshop, the foundation work must meet local building codes and engineering standards. We handle everything from footings and stem walls to full slab foundations and crawl space construction.

Types of Concrete Foundations

Different structures require different foundation designs. The type of foundation depends on the building size, soil conditions, drainage, and local building codes. Here are the most common types of concrete foundations we install:

Common Foundation Types

• Slab-on-grade (monolithic slab foundation)
• Stem wall with crawl space
• Full basement foundation
• Footings for post-and-beam structures
• Grade beams for permanent structures
• Pier and beam foundations for difficult terrain

Each type has its advantages depending on your project. Slab-on-grade foundations are common for single-story homes and garages because they are cost-effective and faster to install. Stem walls with crawl spaces provide access to plumbing and utilities. Full basements add usable square footage below grade. We will help you choose the right foundation type for your structure and site conditions.

The Foundation Installation Process

Building a concrete foundation starts with a detailed site survey and soil analysis. We need to understand the soil type, drainage patterns, and load-bearing capacity before we design the foundation. Once we have that information, we mark out the foundation lines, excavate to the proper depth, and prepare the base.

Next, we dig and pour the footings. Footings are wider sections of concrete that sit below the frost line and distribute the building's weight to the soil. They need to be level, properly reinforced with rebar, and poured at the correct depth. Once the footings cure, we build the stem walls or pour the slab, depending on the foundation design.

For slab foundations, we add a gravel base for drainage, install a vapor barrier, place reinforcement steel, and pour the concrete at the specified thickness. For stem walls, we set forms, place rebar, and pour the concrete walls that will support the floor framing. All work is done to local building codes and inspected at each stage to ensure structural integrity.

Proper drainage is essential for any foundation. We install perimeter drains, slope the grade away from the foundation, and ensure water does not pool around the structure. Water is one of the biggest threats to foundation stability, so controlling it is a top priority during construction.

Working with Engineers and Inspectors

Most foundation projects require engineering plans and building permits. We work closely with structural engineers to design foundations that meet load requirements and local codes. We also coordinate with building inspectors to ensure each phase of the work is approved before moving forward.

This process might seem like extra steps, but it protects you as the property owner. You know the foundation is built correctly, meets all safety standards, and will support your structure for decades. It also ensures your project qualifies for insurance and financing if needed.

If you are planning a new construction project or an addition, we handle the foundation work from start to finish. We also work with other trades, like slab contractors and masonry specialists, to ensure your project moves smoothly from foundation to finished structure.