Concrete Foundations & Footings

Your Building Is Only As Good As Its Foundation

Everything starts with the foundation. Whether you're building a new home, adding an addition, constructing a garage, or putting up a pole barn, the foundation is what keeps everything level, stable, and structurally sound. Cut corners here and you'll pay for it with cracks, settling, and structural problems that are expensive to fix.

We've been pouring foundations and footings in West Lafayette and surrounding areas since 2024, working with builders, contractors, and homeowners on projects ranging from small additions to large new construction. We understand Indiana soil conditions, local building codes, and the engineering principles that make foundations last. This isn't work you want to trust to just anyone.

Foundation Types We Install

Different buildings require different foundation approaches. Here's what we do:

• •Poured concrete foundations: The most common for homes and major buildings. Full basement walls or crawl space walls poured in place with proper reinforcement.
• •Slab-on-grade foundations: For buildings without basements, we pour a thick reinforced slab that serves as both foundation and floor.
• •Footings: The wide concrete base below foundation walls that distributes the building's weight and prevents settling. Required by code for most structures.
• •Pier and beam foundations: Concrete piers or columns supporting beam structures, common for additions and pole buildings.
• •Monolithic slabs: Foundation and floor poured as one piece, with thickened edges serving as footings. Popular for garages and simple structures.

How We Build Foundations Right

Foundation work starts long before we pour concrete. Site preparationincludes excavation to the proper depth, grading for drainage, and compacting the soil base. If we encounter poor soil, we address it with proper fill and compaction.Formwork is critical. We build and brace forms to exact specifications so walls are plumb, level, and the right dimensions.

Reinforcement means installing rebar according to engineering specs or code requirements. This steel reinforcement gives concrete the strength to resist cracking and structural stress. The pour itself requires careful planning. We coordinate delivery, work quickly to place concrete before it starts setting, and vibrate it thoroughly to eliminate air pockets.

Curing and waterproofing happen after the pour. We protect fresh concrete while it cures and apply waterproofing to below-grade walls to keep basements dry. Many foundation problems come from skipping or rushing these final steps.

Indiana Soil and Climate Challenges

West Lafayette sits on varied soil conditions, and knowing what you're building on matters. Clay soils expand when wet and contract when dry, putting pressure on foundations. Sandy soils drain well but may not provide adequate bearing capacity. We evaluate soil conditions and adjust our approach accordingly, sometimes recommending soil testing for major projects.

Frost depth in Indiana is 36 inches, meaning footings must extend below that depth to prevent frost heave. We know local codes and make sure every foundation meets or exceeds requirements. If you're dealing with foundation problems in an existing building, our repair and restoration services can address settling, cracks, and structural issues.

We Work With Your Builder or Contractor

Most foundation work is part of a larger construction project. We coordinate closely with builders and general contractors to stay on schedule and meet specifications. We understand construction timelines and the importance of having foundations ready when framers need to start. We also handle smaller foundation projects directly with homeowners for garages, additions, and outbuildings. Whether you're a contractor or a homeowner, we deliver the same attention to detail and quality.

Common Questions About Foundations & Footings