Concrete Foundations & Footings
Strong foundations and footings that provide solid support for your structures.
Why Foundations and Footings Matter
Your foundation is the most critical part of any structure. It transfers the weight of the building to the ground and keeps everything level and stable over time. A poorly built foundation leads to cracks, settling, structural damage, and costly repairs. A well-built foundation lasts the life of the building with minimal maintenance.
Footings work with the foundation to distribute weight over a larger area of soil. Think of them as the foundation for your foundation. They sit below the frost line and spread the load so your structure does not sink or shift. The size and depth of footings depend on soil conditions, building size, and local code requirements.
Foundation Types We Build
Slab-on-Grade Foundations
A slab-on-grade foundation combines the foundation and floor into one concrete pour. This works well for single-story homes, garages, and accessory buildings in areas without basements. We excavate, install footings around the perimeter, and pour the entire slab at once. This method is cost-effective and works well with Simi Valley soil conditions.
Stem Wall Foundations
Stem wall foundations have footings at the perimeter with short concrete walls that create a raised base for the structure. We pour footings first, build forms for the stem walls, and pour the walls. Later, a separate concrete slab gets poured inside the stem walls. This design provides better drainage and protection from moisture compared to slab-on-grade.
Pier and Beam Foundations
Pier and beam foundations use concrete piers (vertical columns) that support horizontal beams. This lifts the structure off the ground and works well on sloped lots or in areas with challenging soil. We dig holes for each pier, install footings at the bottom, and pour the concrete piers. The wooden beams sit on top of the piers to support the floor joists.
Our Foundation Installation Process
Foundation work requires precision and attention to detail. Everything must be level, square, and built to exact specifications. Here is how we handle every foundation project:
- Site assessment and soil testing to determine bearing capacity
- Layout and excavation to proper depth and dimensions
- Footing trenches dug below frost line
- Forms built and braced to maintain shape during pour
- Rebar installed per engineering specifications
- Inspection completed before concrete pour (if required)
- Concrete poured and finished to proper elevation
- Anchor bolts installed for framing connections
- Proper curing time before building continues
Foundation Work in Simi Valley
Simi Valley sits in an area with varied soil conditions. Some areas have stable soil that provides good bearing capacity. Other locations have expansive clay that swells when wet and shrinks when dry. This movement can damage foundations if not addressed during construction.
We know how to work with local soil. That might mean deeper footings, engineered fill, or specific concrete mixes. We also coordinate with soil engineers and building inspectors to make sure every foundation meets code and performs well long-term. Most foundation work requires permits and inspections, which we handle as part of our service.
Whether you are building a new home, adding an accessory dwelling unit (ADU), or constructing a garage or shop, we provide the foundation expertise you need. We also work with architects, engineers, and builders to ensure your foundation integrates properly with the rest of your project. Our goal is a solid foundation that supports your structure for decades without issues.
What We Build Foundations For
We install foundations for residential and commercial projects including new homes, home additions, garages, workshops, ADUs, storage buildings, and commercial structures. We also pour footings for retaining walls, outdoor kitchens, and other structures that need stable support.
Foundation work is not something you can easily fix later. It needs to be done right the first time. That is why we focus on quality materials, proper techniques, and thorough inspections. We stand behind our work and make sure you have a foundation that performs exactly as it should.
Foundation Questions
Building a New Structure?
Let's discuss your foundation needs and provide an accurate estimate for your project.
Call (805) 285-4986