Concrete Foundations & Footings

Building on Solid Ground

Your foundation is literally what everything else sits on. Walls, roofs, and finishes all depend on a solid foundation that does not settle, crack, or shift. When you are building an addition, a garage, a deck support, or any structure, the foundation work has to be done right. There are no shortcuts and no do-overs.

Foundation problems are expensive and disruptive to fix. That is why getting it right from the start matters so much. Proper foundation work requires understanding soil conditions, local codes, structural requirements, and concrete best practices. It is specialized work that demands experience and attention to detail.

NextPhase Hayward Concrete has been installing foundations and footings throughout the Bay Area since 2024. We work closely with structural engineers, inspectors, and builders to ensure your foundation meets all requirements. From residential additions to commercial structures, we have the expertise to create solid foundations you can build on with confidence.

Foundation Types We Install

Different structures and soil conditions require different foundation approaches. Here are the most common types we install:

• Slab-on-grade foundations: A single-pour foundation that combines the structural slab and foundation perimeter. Common for garages, additions, and one-story structures in our climate.
• Stem wall foundations: Concrete footings below grade with a raised foundation wall. This design provides crawl space access and works well on sloped sites.
• Continuous footings: Linear concrete supports that run under load-bearing walls. These distribute weight evenly and prevent settling.
• Isolated footings: Individual concrete pads that support posts or columns. Used for decks, pergolas, and structures with point loads.
• Grade beams: Reinforced concrete beams that connect footings or piers. These transfer loads and provide lateral stability.
• Retaining wall footings: Specialized footings designed for the lateral loads that retaining walls must resist.

The right choice depends on your structure, site conditions, and local building codes. We work with engineers and building officials to ensure your foundation meets all requirements.

Our Foundation Installation Process

Foundation work follows a precise sequence. Each step must be completed correctly before moving to the next:

We start with site evaluation and soil testing. Understanding what we are building on determines foundation design. Clay soils behave differently than sandy or rocky soils. We also identify drainage patterns and any underground utilities.

Next comes excavation to required depth. This varies by foundation type and local frost line requirements. Excavations must have proper dimensions, level bottoms, and stable sides. We compact the subgrade to create a solid base.

Then we install forms to shape the concrete. Forms must be sturdy, accurately placed, and properly braced. For stem walls, we form both faces and ensure correct wall thickness. We also create any necessary embedments for anchor bolts or hold-downs.

Reinforcement comes next. Rebar placement follows structural plans precisely. Proper spacing, lap lengths, and positioning within the concrete cross-section all matter. We use chairs and spacers to maintain correct rebar placement during the pour.

When we pour concrete, we use mixes specified for foundations. We consolidate thoroughly to eliminate voids, especially around rebar. Surface finishing depends on what goes on top, but level and smooth are typically required.

Finally, proper curing ensures the concrete reaches design strength. We protect against rapid moisture loss and temperature extremes. Foundation concrete typically needs to cure for several days before construction can continue on top of it.

Why Code Compliance Matters

Foundation work requires building permits and inspections for good reasons. Codes ensure structures are safe and will not fail. Here in California, seismic requirements add another layer of important specifications.

We handle all permit applications and schedule required inspections. Footing and foundation inspections must happen before you can pour concrete. Inspectors verify excavation depth, rebar placement, and embedments. Only after inspection approval can we proceed with the concrete pour.

Working with permitted, code-compliant foundations protects your investment. If you ever sell your property, unpermitted work can derail the sale or reduce your home value. Permitted work also ensures your insurance coverage remains valid.

We coordinate closely with your builder, architect, or engineer. Foundation work is just one phase of construction, and it needs to integrate properly with everything else. Our experience with local codes and inspectors helps keep your project on schedule.

Common Foundation Projects

Here are typical situations where you need foundation work:

Room additions: Expanding your home requires a foundation that matches or properly connects to your existing foundation.

Detached garages or workshops: These structures need complete foundations sized for the building and any equipment or vehicles inside.

Deck and porch supports: Elevated outdoor structures need proper footings to prevent settling and meet code requirements.

Retaining walls: Any wall over 3 or 4 feet tall needs engineered footings to resist the soil pressure behind it.

Accessory structures: Gazebos, pergolas, and outdoor kitchens all benefit from solid concrete footings.

Planning a construction project that needs foundation work? We coordinate with your builder and provide accurate estimates. We also offer complementary services like concrete slabs so you have one experienced contractor for all your concrete needs.

Foundation and Footing Questions