Concrete Slab & Foundation Work

Why Foundation Quality Matters

Your foundation is the most important part of any building. Everything else sits on top of it, so if your foundation is not right, you will have problems for as long as the building stands. Cracks, settlement, moisture issues, and structural damage all trace back to foundation problems. That is why getting it right from the start is so critical.

We have poured foundations for homes, garages, shops, and commercial buildings throughout the Issaquah area. The Pacific Northwest climate presents unique challenges with our wet winters and occasional freezing temperatures. A properly built foundation handles these conditions without cracking or shifting. It keeps your building level, dry, and structurally sound for decades.

Whether you are building a new home, adding a garage, or constructing a shed or workshop, the foundation is where quality matters most. When you work with our experienced foundation team, you get precise grading, proper drainage, correct reinforcement, and expert concrete placement. We follow building codes and best practices to ensure your foundation will support your structure for generations.

Types of Foundation and Slab Work We Do

Different buildings need different types of foundations. Here are the most common foundation and slab projects we handle:

• Slab-on-Grade Foundations: A single layer of concrete poured directly on the ground, typically 4 to 6 inches thick with thicker edges for support. Common for garages, shops, and some homes.
• Stem Wall Foundations: A concrete footer below the frost line with walls that rise above grade, creating a crawl space. This is the most common residential foundation type in our area.
• Garage Slabs: Reinforced concrete floors for attached or detached garages, with proper slope for drainage and thicker areas under bearing walls.
• Shed and Workshop Slabs: Smaller concrete pads designed to support storage buildings, workshops, or garden structures.
• Equipment Pads: Heavy-duty slabs for HVAC units, generators, hot tubs, or other equipment that needs a stable, level base.

Each type of foundation has specific requirements for depth, thickness, reinforcement, and drainage. We work with your plans or help you determine the right foundation type for your project. If you are also planning site improvements like a new driveway, we can coordinate everything so your concrete work is done efficiently.

How We Build Your Foundation

Foundation work starts long before the concrete truck arrives. Site preparation is everything. We excavate to the proper depth based on your building plans and local building codes. The soil needs to be stable and free of organic material that could decompose and cause settling. If the native soil is too soft, we bring in structural fill and compact it properly.

Next comes the formwork. We build precise forms that define the shape and elevation of your foundation. These forms must be perfectly level and square because any errors here show up in the finished building. We install reinforcement according to engineering specifications, typically steel rebar tied together in a grid pattern. This reinforcement gives the concrete tensile strength and prevents cracking.

Drainage is critical for foundations. We install gravel beds under slabs to prevent moisture wicking up into the concrete. For stem walls, we add drain tile around the perimeter to carry water away from the foundation. Proper drainage prevents moisture problems, foundation movement, and costly repairs down the road.

When we pour the concrete, we use the right mix design for foundation work. This concrete is engineered to be strong, durable, and workable. We place it carefully, vibrate out air pockets, and finish the surface appropriately for its use. Garage floors get a smooth trowel finish, while foundations that will be hidden get a rougher texture for better bonding with future materials.

After the pour, proper curing is essential. Concrete gains strength over time as it cures, and we control this process by keeping the concrete moist and protected from temperature extremes. Rush the curing process and you will have weak concrete. Do it right and you get maximum strength and durability. We typically allow at least a week before framing begins, though the concrete continues gaining strength for months.

If your project includes other concrete work like patios or walkways, we plan the foundation work to integrate seamlessly with these other elements.

Common Questions About Concrete Foundations