Concrete Slab & Foundation Work

Why Your Foundation Can't Be Done Halfway

When you're building a new home, garage, shed, or any structure, the foundation determines whether that building stands strong for decades or develops problems within a few years. A weak or improperly installed foundation leads to cracked walls, uneven floors, stuck doors, and serious structural issues that cost thousands to fix. In Florida's climate with sandy soil, high water tables, and seasonal storms, proper foundation work isn't optional. It's the difference between a solid investment and an expensive mistake.

We specialize in concrete slab foundations, which are the most common and practical choice for Florida construction. Unlike basement foundations used in colder climates, concrete slabs sit directly on prepared soil and provide a stable, moisture-resistant base for your building. When installed correctly with proper site preparation, reinforcement, and engineering, a concrete slab foundation lasts the entire life of the structure. That's why builders, homeowners, and commercial developers throughout Hobe Sound trust us with their most critical concrete work.

What Makes a Strong Foundation

• Thorough soil testing and site evaluation before any work begins
• Proper excavation, grading, and compaction of the base layer
• Adequate steel reinforcement positioned correctly throughout the slab
• Moisture barriers and vapor retarders to prevent water intrusion
• Correct concrete mix, thickness, and curing procedures for long-term strength

Every foundation project starts with understanding the specific conditions of your property. Soil type, drainage patterns, and the intended use of the structure all affect how we design and build your foundation. We work with engineers when needed to ensure the design meets building codes and handles the load requirements. Cutting corners on foundation work always leads to problems, which is why we follow proven methods and best practices on every job.

Foundation Services We Provide

We handle all types of concrete slab and foundation work for residential and commercial projects. New home construction typically requires a monolithic slab foundation or a stem wall foundation, depending on the design and local building requirements. Monolithic slabs combine the foundation and floor in one pour, which saves time and creates a solid, unified structure. Stem wall foundations have a perimeter footing with a raised wall that supports the slab, which works better in areas with drainage concerns or when you need extra height.

For additions, garages, workshops, and accessory buildings, we create custom foundations sized and engineered for the specific structure. These projects often require matching the existing foundation height and connecting properly to avoid settlement issues. We also handle commercial foundation work for warehouses, retail buildings, and light industrial facilities. Commercial projects involve larger slabs, heavier loads, and stricter engineering requirements, but the fundamental principles remain the same. Good preparation and quality materials create foundations that perform reliably for the life of the building.

Site Preparation and Soil Work

Before we pour any concrete, we spend significant time preparing the site. This includes clearing vegetation, removing unsuitable soil, and excavating to the proper depth. In areas with poor soil conditions, we bring in engineered fill and compact it in layers until it meets the required density. This process can't be rushed. Each layer must reach the right compaction level before adding the next layer. Skipping this step or doing it poorly leads to settling, which causes cracks and structural failure down the road.

We also install drainage systems when necessary to direct water away from the foundation. Florida's high water table and heavy rainfall make drainage critical. Standing water under a slab creates pressure that can lift and crack the concrete. Proper drainage prevents these issues and keeps your foundation stable through all weather conditions. These details might not be visible in the finished product, but they're essential for long-term performance.

How We Build Your Foundation

Foundation construction follows a precise sequence. After site prep and soil work, we install forms that define the edges and shape of your slab. These forms must be perfectly level and positioned according to the engineering plans. Next comes the reinforcement. We use steel rebar arranged in a grid pattern and positioned at the correct height within the slab thickness. The rebar adds tensile strength that prevents cracking from temperature changes, settling, and structural loads.

We also install any required plumbing lines, electrical conduit, or other utilities that need to run through or under the slab. Once everything is in place and inspected, we schedule the concrete pour. Foundation pours typically require a large volume of concrete delivered by multiple trucks. Our crew works efficiently to place, spread, and finish the concrete before it begins to set. Timing and coordination matter here. Delays or mistakes during the pour can compromise the entire foundation.

Finishing and Curing

After placing the concrete, we use power trowels and hand tools to create a smooth, level surface. The finish depends on what's being built on top of the slab. Residential foundations typically get a smooth finish suitable for flooring installation. Garage floors and commercial slabs might require a different finish depending on their use. We also create control joints that manage where cracks appear if the concrete shrinks during curing.

Proper curing is critical for foundation strength. We apply curing compound or use other methods to keep moisture in the concrete while it hardens. This process takes at least seven days, and construction can't proceed until the slab reaches adequate strength. We coordinate with builders and contractors to keep projects on schedule while ensuring the foundation gets the curing time it needs. Rushing this step weakens the concrete and causes problems that might not show up until months or years later.

Frequently Asked Questions