Concrete Slab & Foundation Work

Why Your Foundation Matters More Than You Think

Your foundation is literally what everything else sits on. Get it wrong and you'll have problems for as long as the building stands. Doors that won't close. Cracks in walls. Floors that aren't level. We've seen it all, and we've fixed plenty of foundations that someone else messed up.

A proper concrete slab or foundation isn't complicated, but it has to be done right. The ground needs to be prepared correctly. The concrete needs to be the right thickness and properly reinforced. The drainage needs to work. Miss any of those steps and you're asking for trouble.

We've been pouring foundations in Highlands Ranch for years. We know the soil here. We know how deep frost goes. We know what the building codes require. And we know how to build foundations that last.

Types of Foundation Work We Do

Not all foundations are the same. What you need depends on what you're building and where you're building it. Here's what we handle:

• Slab-on-grade foundations for homes, garages, and shops
• Stem wall foundations with concrete footings and block walls
• Garage and workshop slabs with proper thickness for vehicle loads
• Shed and outbuilding foundations
• Addition foundations that tie into existing structures
• Equipment pads for HVAC units, generators, and machinery
• Basement floors and foundation walls

Each type of foundation has different requirements. A garage slab needs to be thicker than a shed pad. A basement wall needs different reinforcement than a stem wall. We'll figure out exactly what your project needs and build it to code.

Our Foundation Installation Process

Building a foundation the right way takes time and attention. We don't rush it. Here's how we approach every foundation job.

Site Preparation and Excavation

Everything starts with the ground. We excavate to the proper depth, getting below the frost line so your foundation won't heave in winter. We remove any organic material, soft spots, or debris. The soil needs to be solid and compacted before we do anything else.

If we hit clay or unstable soil, we'll let you know. Sometimes we need to dig deeper and backfill with gravel. It adds a bit of cost, but it's way cheaper than fixing a settled foundation later.

Base and Drainage

Once the excavation is done, we bring in gravel for the base. This provides drainage and a stable platform for the concrete. We compact it in layers so it doesn't settle later. This step matters more than most people realize.

We also make sure water can drain away from your foundation. That might mean grading the soil around the perimeter, installing drain tile, or adding gravel drainage layers. Water is concrete's enemy, so we take drainage seriously.

Forms, Reinforcement, and Pour

We set forms to the exact dimensions and grade your plans call for. Then we install rebar or wire mesh for reinforcement. This keeps the concrete from cracking as it cures and as the ground shifts over time.

The pour itself is where experience matters. We use the right concrete mix for the job. We vibrate it to remove air pockets. We strike it off level and finish it properly. And we make sure it cures at the right rate so it reaches full strength.

For most residential foundations, we use 4-6 inch thick concrete for basic slabs and thicker for garage floors or heavy equipment. The exact specs depend on soil conditions, building codes, and what the structure will support.

Common Foundation Problems We Prevent

We see a lot of foundation problems around here. Most of them come from shortcuts during construction. Here's what we make sure doesn't happen to your foundation.

Settlement and Sinking: This happens when the base wasn't compacted properly or when organic material was left in the excavation. We remove all soft material and compact everything solid.

Cracking: Some cracking is normal, but major cracks mean something went wrong. Usually it's too-thin concrete, no reinforcement, or ground movement. We use proper thickness, install rebar, and prepare the base right.

Water Damage: If water sits against your foundation or under your slab, you'll have problems. We grade everything so water runs away, and we install drainage where needed.

Frost Heave: In Colorado, the ground freezes. If your foundation isn't deep enough, it can lift and crack. We always go below the frost line, usually 36-48 inches depending on your location.

Working With Other Trades

Foundation work doesn't happen in isolation. We coordinate with plumbers, electricians, and builders to make sure everything goes smoothly. Plumbing lines need to go in before we pour. Electrical conduits need to be placed. Anchor bolts need to be set for framing.

We've done this enough times that we know what other trades need from us. We'll make sure your plumber gets called at the right time. We'll set anchor bolts to the exact spacing your framer needs. And we'll communicate with everyone so the project stays on schedule.

If you need other concrete work done along with your foundation, like driveways or sidewalks, we can coordinate that too. Sometimes it makes sense to do multiple concrete projects at once to save on mobilization costs.