Concrete Slab & Foundation Work

The Foundation of Every Strong Building

Everything starts with the foundation. Whether you are building a new home, adding a garage, or constructing a shed, the concrete slab or foundation is what supports the entire structure. This is not work you can afford to cut corners on. A properly built foundation ensures your building stays level, dry, and structurally sound for its entire life. A poorly built foundation causes problems that only get worse and more expensive over time.

We specialize in both slab-on-grade foundations and traditional footer and wall foundations. Each type serves different purposes and works better for different projects. Concrete slabs are ideal for garages, sheds, and homes without basements. They provide a solid, level base that supports the structure and doubles as the floor. Foundation walls with footers work best when you need a basement or crawl space underneath the building.

Why Foundation Work Requires Expertise

• Must meet local building codes and engineering specifications
• Requires precise excavation and site grading for proper drainage
• Needs correct reinforcement with rebar to prevent cracking
• Demands proper concrete mix strength for structural loads
• Must be poured and cured correctly to reach full strength
• Protects your investment by preventing settling and water damage

How We Build Foundations That Last

Foundation work begins long before we pour any concrete. We start by carefully evaluating your site. Soil conditions matter tremendously. Some soils drain well and provide solid support. Others are clay-heavy and expand and contract with moisture changes. Rocky soil requires different preparation than sandy soil. We test the soil and prepare the site accordingly to create a stable base.

Next comes excavation and grading. We excavate to the proper depth based on your building plans and local frost line requirements. In Massachusetts, footings must go below the frost line to prevent frost heaving. We grade the site to ensure water flows away from the foundation, not toward it. This prevents the water problems that ruin so many foundations.

We install a compacted gravel base under slabs to provide drainage and prevent settling. For foundation walls, we dig footings to the engineered width and depth, then install steel rebar in a grid pattern for reinforcement. This steel gives the concrete tensile strength to resist cracking from ground movement or structural loads.

The concrete itself must meet specific strength requirements. We use professional-grade concrete mixes with the right PSI rating for structural work, typically 3000 to 4000 PSI. We pour the concrete carefully to avoid air pockets or weak spots, and we finish the surface level and smooth. Then comes the critical curing period. Concrete gains strength as it cures, reaching about 70 percent of full strength in seven days and full strength in 28 days. We protect the fresh concrete during this time and do not allow construction to proceed until the concrete has properly cured.

Types of Foundation Work We Handle

We handle all types of concrete foundation and slab work for residential and commercial projects. Slab-on-grade foundations are popular for garages, pole barns, and single-story buildings. They provide a solid concrete floor and foundation in one pour. We install proper vapor barriers underneath to prevent moisture problems and insulation around the edges if needed for heated spaces.

For homes and buildings that need basements, we build poured concrete foundation walls. This involves pouring footings first, then building forms for the walls and pouring them separately. Poured concrete walls are stronger than block walls and less prone to water leaks. We can also add waterproofing systems and drainage during construction to keep your basement dry.

We also pour floors for basements and other interior spaces. These floors can be finished smooth for easy cleaning, or we can prepare them for tile, carpet, or other flooring materials. For garages and workshops, we can add a broom finish for traction or prepare the surface for epoxy coating systems.

Every project is different, and we customize our approach to match your specific needs. We work with your builder, architect, or engineer to ensure the foundation meets all specifications and building codes. We obtain necessary permits and arrange inspections. We coordinate with excavation contractors if needed. Our goal is to make the foundation phase of your project go smoothly so construction can proceed on schedule.

Frequently Asked Questions