Concrete Foundations & Footings

Your foundation is the most important part of any structure. It supports everything above it and keeps your building level, stable, and protected from ground moisture. Whether you are building a new home, adding an addition, constructing a garage, or installing a deck, the quality of your foundation directly affects the longevity and performance of your entire project.

At ReadyHands Lakewood Concrete, we specialize in residential and commercial concrete foundations and footings in Lakewood, WA. Since 2024, we have been helping builders, contractors, and homeowners create solid foundations that meet or exceed building codes. We understand local soil conditions, frost depth requirements, and engineering principles that go into a foundation built to last.

Types of Foundations We Install

Different projects call for different foundation types. Here are the most common options we work with:

• •Slab on Grade: A single-pour concrete slab that serves as both foundation and floor. Popular for garages, shops, and single-story additions.
• •Stem Wall Foundations: Concrete footings below frost line with vertical walls that support the structure. Common for homes with crawl spaces.
• •Full Basement Foundations: Poured concrete walls that create a full-height basement space below the main structure.
• •Pier and Grade Beam: Individual concrete piers connected by grade beams, used when soil conditions require deeper support.
• •Strip Footings: Continuous concrete footings that support load-bearing walls.

We work with engineers and architects to determine the best foundation type for your project based on building requirements, soil conditions, and budget.

How We Build Your Foundation

Site Evaluation and Engineering

We start by reviewing your building plans and conducting a site evaluation. This helps us understand soil conditions, drainage patterns, and any special requirements like seismic considerations or high water tables. For larger projects, we work with structural engineers to ensure the foundation design meets all load requirements and building codes.

Excavation and Layout

We precisely mark the foundation layout using professional surveying equipment. Then we excavate to the required depth, which in Lakewood typically means going below the frost line to prevent heaving. We create level trenches for footings and ensure proper dimensions throughout.

Forming and Reinforcement

We build strong, accurate forms that hold the concrete in place during the pour. Next comes the steel reinforcement, which includes rebar placed according to engineering specifications. This steel work is critical for foundation strength and crack prevention. We also install anchor bolts and other embedded items that will connect the structure to the foundation.

Concrete Placement and Finishing

We pour concrete in accordance with the mix design specified for your project. During the pour, we work the concrete around the reinforcement and into all corners of the forms. We vibrate the concrete to eliminate air pockets and ensure proper consolidation. After the pour, we finish the top surface smooth and level, ready for the next phase of construction. If you are planning complementary concrete work, consider our concrete slab services for garage floors or equipment pads.

Why Foundation Quality Matters

Foundation problems are expensive and difficult to fix. Settling, cracking, or moisture issues can affect your entire structure and cost tens of thousands of dollars to repair. That is why it is so important to get your foundation right the first time.

A properly built foundation starts with understanding your soil. Lakewood has varied soil conditions, from stable gravel to expansive clay. We test and evaluate your site to determine what kind of foundation system will work best. We also ensure proper drainage around the foundation to keep water away from your structure.

We follow all building codes and engineering specifications to the letter. Every measurement, every piece of reinforcement, and every cubic yard of concrete is installed according to professional standards. When your building inspector shows up, we pass the first time.

Working with Builders and Homeowners

We work closely with general contractors, builders, and homeowners throughout the Lakewood area. For contractors, we provide reliable scheduling, quality work, and clean job sites that keep your project moving forward. For homeowners building their own projects, we offer guidance through the entire process from planning to final inspection.

We communicate clearly about timelines, weather delays, and any site conditions that might affect the project. Our goal is to make the foundation phase of your construction smooth and stress-free. When we finish, you have a solid base to build on, backed by our commitment to quality workmanship. For additional concrete needs like driveways, explore our driveway installation services.