Concrete Foundations & Footings

Why Foundations Are Critical

Your foundation is the most important part of any structure. It transfers the weight of your building to the ground and keeps everything level and stable. A properly built foundation prevents settling, cracking in walls and floors, sticking doors and windows, and structural damage that is expensive to repair.

In Opelika, we deal with expansive clay soil that swells when wet and shrinks when dry. This constant movement puts stress on foundations. Poor drainage makes it worse. That is why foundation work requires careful planning, proper engineering, and experienced installation. Cutting corners on a foundation is the worst mistake a builder can make. The problems show up later and are hard to fix.

Types of Foundations We Build

Different structures need different foundation types. The right choice depends on soil conditions, building size, local codes, and your budget. Here are the main options:

At DoneWell Opelika Concrete, we work with engineers, builders, and homeowners to determine the best foundation type for each project. We follow engineering specs exactly and meet all local building codes. Our goal is a foundation that provides solid support for the life of your structure.

• Slab foundations: A single thick concrete pad that serves as both foundation and floor for the structure.
• Crawl space foundations: Perimeter footings and walls that support floor joists, creating space underneath the building.
• Basement foundations: Full-depth foundation walls that create usable space below ground level.
• Pier and beam: Concrete piers that support beams, which in turn support the structure above.
• Strip footings: Continuous concrete footings that support load-bearing walls.
• Spread footings: Wider concrete pads that distribute concentrated loads from posts or columns.

Our Foundation Installation Process

Building a foundation is a multi-step process that requires precision at every stage. Here is how we approach foundation work:

We start with a site survey and soil analysis. This tells us what type of foundation is appropriate and if any special measures are needed. We excavate to the specified depth, making sure the bottom is level and compacted. For footings, we dig trenches to below frost depth and pour concrete to the engineered dimensions. We install proper reinforcement using rebar placed according to structural plans.

Drainage and Waterproofing

Good drainage is essential for any foundation. Water is the enemy. It causes soil to swell and puts pressure on foundation walls. It creates settling problems. And it leads to moisture issues inside the building. That is why we always address drainage during foundation work. We grade the site so water flows away from the foundation. For crawl spaces and basements, we install drainage systems and waterproofing membranes. We also handle retaining walls that might be needed for slope management.

Foundation waterproofing includes dampproofing or waterproofing coatings on exterior walls, drainage systems around the perimeter, proper backfill with free-draining material, and sloping grade away from the foundation. These measures prevent water intrusion and protect your investment.

Experience You Can Trust

Foundation work is not something you want to trust to inexperienced contractors. The stakes are too high. We have built foundations for homes, garages, additions, and commercial buildings throughout Opelika, Auburn, and surrounding areas. We work with local builders and know what local inspectors require. We understand Alabama soil and weather challenges.

Every foundation we build meets or exceeds engineering specifications and building codes. We use quality materials and proven techniques. We communicate clearly throughout the process so you know what to expect. And we stand behind our work. If you have foundation issues with an existing structure, our repair and restoration services can assess the problem and recommend solutions.

Common Questions About Concrete Foundations & Footings