Concrete Slab & Foundation Work
Build your project on solid ground with professional concrete slab and foundation services for residential and commercial structures.
The Foundation of Every Structure
Your foundation is the most critical part of any building project. Whether you're adding a room to your house, building a new garage, or constructing a commercial building, everything depends on having a properly installed concrete slab or foundation. A solid foundation prevents settling, cracking, and structural problems that cost thousands to fix later.
We specialize in residential and commercial foundation work throughout Lathrop and San Joaquin County. From simple garage slabs to complex house foundations, we handle every aspect of the job including site preparation, proper reinforcement, and precision concrete placement. Our experience means your project starts right and stays right for decades.
Foundation work isn't something you can cut corners on. The difference between a foundation that lasts 50 years and one that causes problems in 5 comes down to proper soil preparation, correct concrete mix, adequate reinforcement, and attention to drainage. We do it right the first time so you never have to worry about your foundation again.
Types of Foundation Work We Do
Different projects need different foundation approaches. We design and install the right foundation for your specific structure and soil conditions.
Common Foundation Projects
- Slab-on-grade foundations for new homes and room additions
- Garage and workshop slabs with proper floor preparation
- Shed and accessory building foundations sized for the structure
- Commercial building slabs with heavy-duty reinforcement
- Equipment pads and industrial foundation work
- Barn and agricultural building slabs designed for heavy loads
Each foundation type has specific requirements for thickness, reinforcement, and preparation. A garage slab needs different specifications than a house foundation. We assess your project requirements, review building codes, and engineer the foundation to handle the loads and conditions it will face.
For most residential slabs, we install 4 to 6 inches of concrete over a properly compacted base with steel reinforcement or fiber mesh. Larger structures or poor soil conditions may require thicker slabs, deeper footings, or additional reinforcement. We'll recommend the right approach for your situation.
Our Foundation Installation Process
Quality foundation work follows a proven process. We don't skip steps or rush through critical phases that determine how long your foundation lasts.
How We Build Your Foundation
Site Evaluation and Preparation: We start by evaluating soil conditions, drainage patterns, and site access. Poor soil gets excavated and replaced with proper base material. We establish correct elevations and ensure water will drain away from the foundation.
Excavation and Base Work: We dig to the proper depth, install and compact base material in lifts, and grade everything to precise elevations. This foundation under your foundation prevents settling and provides stable support.
Forms and Reinforcement: We build forms to exact dimensions, install steel rebar or mesh reinforcement according to engineering specs, and add any required utility rough-ins before the pour. Everything gets inspected before concrete arrives.
Concrete Placement and Finishing: We pour the right concrete mix for your application, work it into all areas of the form, and finish the surface appropriately. Proper curing follows to ensure the concrete reaches full strength.
The entire process typically takes several days to a week depending on project size and site conditions. We coordinate with your builder or contractor to keep your project on schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Work
How thick does my foundation slab need to be?
Standard residential slabs are typically 4 inches thick for light use areas and 6 inches for garage or heavy use areas. Commercial buildings often require 6 to 8 inches or more depending on the loads. Thickness also depends on soil conditions and whether you have proper base preparation. Poor soil may require thicker slabs or additional foundation elements. Building codes and engineering requirements determine minimum thickness for your specific project. We'll calculate the right thickness based on your structure type, expected loads, and local conditions.
Do I need a building permit for foundation work?
Yes, almost all foundation work requires building permits and inspections. This protects you by ensuring the work meets code requirements and is done correctly. The permit process includes plan review, inspections of the reinforcement before pouring, and final inspection after completion. We're experienced with local building departments and can guide you through the permit process. In most cases, your general contractor or builder handles permits for new construction. For standalone projects like garage slabs, we can advise you on requirements and what documentation you'll need.
How long before I can build on a new foundation?
Concrete reaches about 70% of its strength in 7 days and full strength at 28 days. For most residential construction, you can start framing after 7 to 10 days. Heavy equipment or significant loads should wait closer to 28 days for maximum strength. Weather affects curing time, with hot weather speeding it up and cold weather slowing it down. We use proper curing techniques to ensure the concrete gains strength on schedule. When we finish your foundation, we'll give you specific guidance on when construction can proceed safely. Your building inspector will also verify the concrete has cured adequately before allowing framing to begin.
Start Your Project on Solid Ground
Whether you need a foundation for a new structure or a garage floor installation, we provide professional concrete services throughout the Lathrop area. We work with homeowners, builders, and commercial contractors to deliver quality foundations on schedule.
Need help with other concrete projects? We also handle driveways, patios, and all types of flatwork for residential and commercial properties.