Concrete Slab & Foundation Work

Why Your Foundation Is the Most Important Part

Everything starts with the foundation. Whether you are building a new home, adding a garage, constructing a shed, or installing a room addition, the concrete slab or foundation must be engineered and installed correctly. A strong foundation prevents structural problems that cost thousands to fix later. Poor foundation work leads to cracked walls, stuck doors and windows, uneven floors, and in severe cases, serious structural failure that compromises the entire building.

Here in La Mirada, soil conditions vary from property to property. Some areas have stable soil, while others have expansive clay that swells when wet and shrinks when dry. This movement puts tremendous stress on foundations. We account for local soil characteristics, drainage patterns, and seismic considerations in every foundation we build. Proper site evaluation and engineering ensure your foundation can handle the loads it will carry and resist the forces nature throws at it over decades of service.

Foundation and Slab Services We Provide

We handle all types of concrete foundation and slab work for residential and commercial projects. For homes, we pour slab-on-grade foundations that combine the structural slab with the foundation in one monolithic pour. These work well for single-story homes and room additions. We also build stem wall foundations with a concrete perimeter wall supporting the structure and a slab floor inside. This approach works when you need crawl space access or have a sloped lot.

Garage and shed slabs are common projects we complete. These typically require a four to six inch thick reinforced concrete slab with proper base preparation and drainage. We ensure the slab is level and properly sloped so water does not pool inside. For accessory dwelling units, studios, workshops, and other structures, we engineer the foundation to meet building code requirements and support the specific loads of your project. Every job starts with proper permits and inspections to ensure everything meets local regulations.

What Goes Into Quality Foundation Work

• Thorough site evaluation and soil testing when needed
• Proper excavation to required depth and dimensions
• Compacted base material for stable support
• Moisture barrier installation to prevent water intrusion
• Steel reinforcement sized appropriately for the loads
• Correctly positioned anchor bolts for connecting framing
• Adequate concrete thickness based on engineering requirements
• Proper curing methods to achieve full concrete strength

How We Install Foundations That Last

Foundation work follows a specific sequence that cannot be rushed. We start with site layout and excavation, removing soil to the depth specified by the engineer or building code. The excavation must extend beyond the building footprint to provide working room and proper bearing area. Next comes base preparation. We bring in crushed rock or gravel, spread it evenly, and compact it thoroughly. A poorly compacted base leads to settling and cracking later.

For slab-on-grade foundations, we install a vapor barrier over the base to prevent ground moisture from moving up through the concrete. Then comes the reinforcement, typically steel rebar or wire mesh positioned at the correct height within the slab thickness. We set forms to the proper elevations and carefully place anchor bolts that will secure the framing to the foundation. The concrete pour requires careful attention to consolidation, finishing, and curing. After the concrete cures, building inspections verify everything meets code before construction continues.

Permits, Inspections, and Code Compliance

Any foundation work requires building permits and inspections. This protects you by ensuring the work meets minimum safety standards. We handle the permit process as part of our service, preparing the necessary documentation and submitting it to the local building department. Foundation plans may need engineer approval depending on your project scope. We work with structural engineers when required and coordinate their involvement.

Building inspectors visit at specific stages to verify compliance. They typically inspect the excavation and base preparation, the reinforcement placement before concrete is poured, and sometimes the finished foundation after curing. We schedule these inspections and make sure everything passes the first time. If an inspector identifies any issues, we correct them immediately. Proper documentation and code compliance give you peace of mind that your foundation is built right. Should you ever sell your property, having all permits and inspections on file demonstrates the work was done professionally and legally.

Frequently Asked Questions