The Foundation

The surveyor has chalk lined the building boundaries and staked where the building is going to be located on the property. Next the contractor will dig out where the foundation footings go using a trencher.

After the rough footing trenches have been dug, the exact foundation is strung to the batter boards. This is a critical spot in the build. If any of the strings are off there is a good possibility the building will be the wrong size or not square.

Pouring the footers looks simple except. The cement must be level and that is an art all by itself. Prior to the pour rebar needs to be placed in the foundation according to the structural engineers plans and inspected to meet code. No one will ever see this part, but this is the last place we want to skimp.

Everything is perfect and now we call in the masons to lay three layers of CMU. They begin at the corners to make sure the foundation will be square. This is a quick operation taking two or three days for the average home.

Next the below ground plumbing assembly is laid in the ground. This needs to be set with good flow to the sewer system and inspected prior to moving forward.

Here we are and the slab (ground floor) is ready to pour. A smooth finish is especially important because this is where you will be walking in the future. The slab must be level.

I have attached pictures that will give you an idea of the steps involved. Next time we're going to talk about CMU walls and what to expect from the mason contractor.

Stay tuned, there's a lot more to come,

Dik Muller