“The loftier the building, the deeper the foundation must be laid” – Thomas Kempis.
Any builder will tell you that laying the foundation is the most important step in building a new home. If you’re currently in the process of building or doing research for future building projects there are a few things that we would like to share with you to help your home have the best foundation.
- We recommend hiring an engineer to inspect and approve of the concrete foundation that has been laid. This may cost you a bit but having peace of mind for your safety is worth it. If you plan on building a home with a basement, then hiring an engineer is a must, not an option.
- Have a surveyor inspect the plot before your begin footing work. This step will also help you prepare your lot for home construction by marking the spot for the house.
- Once the surveyor has marked the position of the house, you need to have your excavator to dig soil for laying the foundation. Do not forget to consult your electrician and plumber to get the required excavation for these connections done at the same time (plumbing can become a problem down the line if you skip this step).
- The electrician will lay pipes for electrical connections, cable and telephone. The wires will then be connected to their respective utilities. The plumber will be responsible for the water connections and drainage. Remember to have all the work inspected by the proper local authorities.
- Depending on the quality of the soil excavated, you may need to procure the appropriate soil type like pit run or drain rock. You may also need extra soil if you have to increase the level of soil. Ensure that the soil is leveled with proper equipment before the foundation is laid.
- Contact your electrician, plumber and heating company to ask them if they want anything installed in the foundation before the concrete is poured.
- Ensure that the footings and the foundation are laid at the same time. This way the concrete can be poured simultaneously for both (which can save you a lot of time and money).
- The foundation is usually stripped a day after the concrete is poured. Place the material that is stripped in such a way that it stays clean and does not obstruct ongoing construction work.
- Be sure to waterproof areas of the foundation that are below the ground level.
- Check that drain tiles are placed along the edge of the house if there is a basement in the house. The top of the drain tile must be placed adjacent to the footing or foundation joint. If your municipality does not allow you to connect your pipe to the sewer then you will have to run the pipe to a gravel pit.
- The local building authorities must inspect all the electrical and water connections that you fix. Once the drain tile is inspected, backfilling and grading can begin.
- We recommend hiring a professional concrete finisher to be sure that the concrete is done correctly.
Don’t be discouraged by the length of this list, if you hire a good building team they will take care of everything for you. This list is meant as a checklist so that you can relax in your new home knowing that you have a firm foundation that will last for generations.
Here at Remodel West (RW Custom) we are experts in remodels and additions… If you can envision it for your house, we can make it happen – and even better than you imagined. We at Remodel West are excited to be you northern Utah custom homebuilder. We look forward to helping you and any of your friends and loved ones with their building projects. Please contact us anytime at 801-394-1332 or email us at Info@RemodelWest.net